News: Blue Flesh Found in Californian Wild Pigs
A recent report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has verified rumors of bright blue flesh and fat found in a number of wild pigs trapped in Monterey County.
Rather than a colorful Dr. Seussian sequel to Green Eggs and Ham, it turns out this alarming trend can be traced back to rodenticide-laced grain being consumed by the pigs. Traces of the pesticide bait were found in stomach and liver samples and contained the anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone, according to findings by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Health Lab and the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis.
Listen to our Podcast
Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify, Amazon Music
Get a Copy of our New Book!
The CDFW says that diphacinone can cause fat and meat tissues to turn bright blue, though not all pigs that have consumed the rodenticide will show it in their flesh.
Bears have been shown to have even higher exposure to these common poisons, with a 2018 study showing up to 10 out of 12 (tissue samples from) bears frequenting urban and agricultural sites using rodenticides showing diphacinone residue in their flesh. The same study showed that about 10 out of 120 wild pigs were harboring the pesticide.
Hunters should be wary of hunting where these rodenticides are used and should definitely avoid eating any meat from animals with blue-tinged flesh. Any animals found in this state in California should be reported to the CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab at WHLab@wildlife.ca.gov.