I work for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and your story (below) sparked a few memories about cattle dipping here in Florida.
The main compound that posed problems in Florida was arsenic or one of its compounds, although I'm sure this has been compounded or replaced with organic pesticides as well. The doves may be acting as the proverbial "canary in a coal mine", being the first to succumb to the toxicants. Those toxicants, however, are also undoubtedly bioaccumulating in the cattle and in the local people. I'm sure there is a much more environmentally friendly way to treat for ticks and any
other ectoparasites. Unfortunately, that way(s) is probably beyond the means of the local people, at least for the time being (and even if it is feasible, I know it is hard to change peoples' beliefs and practices). I'll ask a few questions around the office today and try to get some ideas.
What's in the pesticide?
Hi James,
I work for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and your story (below) sparked a few memories about cattle dipping here in Florida.
The main compound that posed problems in Florida was arsenic or one of its compounds, although I'm sure this has been compounded or replaced with organic pesticides as well. The doves may be acting as the proverbial "canary in a coal mine", being the first to succumb to the toxicants. Those toxicants, however, are also undoubtedly bioaccumulating in the cattle and in the local people. I'm sure there is a much more environmentally friendly way to treat for ticks and any
other ectoparasites. Unfortunately, that way(s) is probably beyond the means of the local people, at least for the time being (and even if it is feasible, I know it is hard to change peoples' beliefs and practices). I'll ask a few questions around the office today and try to get some ideas.
Eric Shaw
Tallahassee, Florida USA