Monitoring Animal Poisoning in Central Italy: Long-Term Trends and Spatial Distribution in the Abruzzo Region

Abstract

Both domestic and wild animals are frequently affected by accidental, intentional, or illegal poisoning globally, but data from some regions, including Italy, remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize animal poisoning events in a central Italian region over the period 2011–2020. A total of 2722 suspected cases were analyzed, of which 51.3% were confirmed positive for at least one poison. Among the 1397 confirmed cases, 863 animal carcasses and 534 poisoned baits were recorded, corresponding to 762 distinct poisoning events. The most frequently involved toxicants were metaldehyde, carbamates, and organophosphorus pesticides, followed by anticoagulant rodenticides and other compounds. Spatial analysis revealed distinct patterns in the use of toxicants. Sub-regional areas encompassing national and regional parks were primarily associated with agricultural pesticides, whereas urban areas were dominated by metaldehyde and anticoagulant rodenticides. These differences suggest that, in addition to their illegal nature, poisoning events may reflect underlying socio-environmental conflicts between humans and animals. The results highlight the value of an interdisciplinary approach to mitigate poisoning, involving coordinated efforts among scientific, veterinary, enforcement, and public stakeholders. Such strategies could reduce both the frequency and ecological impact of this illegal practice.