Retrospective analysis of animal poisoning in the province of Viterbo, Italy.

Background: Intentional poisoning represents a serious health risk for domestic and wild animals, this phenomenon has been widespread in Italy for several years.

Aim: Our study aims to examine data on animal poisonings that occurred in the province of Viterbo, Lazio region located in central Italy, from 2003 to 2017. The aim of this study is to provide data on the poisoning of animals in the province of Viterbo.

Methods: A total of 1,078 cases of suspected poisoning were analysed during the period under review. Of these, 761 (70.6%) were carcasses, 189 (17.6%) were baits, 107 (9.9%) were gastric contents, and 21 (1.9%) were samples of various origins.

Results: A total of 631 cases (58.5%) were confirmed as involving toxic substances. Zinc phosphide (34.7%) was the most prevalent cause of poisoning, followed by metaldehyde (18.7%), a coumarin rodenticide (12.7%), other molecules were also identified with lower percentages. The animal species most frequently involved in poisoning are dogs (66.2%), followed by cats (25.5%), birds (4.9%), while wild animals, ruminants, and fish represent a small percentage of animals involved.

Conclusion: This phenomenon represents a significant threat to animals, humans, and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective measures to combat this issue.