Powerful Insecticides Harming Deer Population, Fawns Die Early in Minnesota

Minnesota is experiencing growing concerns and worry among people after powerful insecticides have been discovered present in deers, keeping them from surviving and growing their population.

According to Phys.org Neonicotinoids, known for their disturbing impacts on pollinator populations throughout the continent, are usually applicable for row crops, as well as household lawns.

Nonetheless, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources found evidence of the powerful insecticides inside deer in the deepest, not to mention, remote forests of the state.

Specifically, the DNR announced it tested 800 deer spleens that were sent from hunters over the last couple of years and discovered buildup of neonicotinoids in 61 percent of them.

ALSO READ: Pesticide Is The Reason Bees Are Not Getting Adequate Sleep

Earlier Research on 'Neonicotinoids'

In 2019, Dokota Free Press reported study findings showing that white-tailed deer that had high levels of neonicotinoid pesticide in their spleens led to defects like tinier reproductive organs, noticeable overbites and decreased thyroid function.

In connection to the report, fawns that had increased pesticide levels in their spleens were discovered to be smaller in general, not to mention, less healthy compared to deer that had less of the chemical found their organs.

This research marked the first time ever, consumption of neonicotinoid pesticide had been associated with birth deficiencies in large mammals.

Insecticides as Protection from Pests Ranging from Weeds to Microbes

The Minnesota Department of Health describes pesticides as substances applied for the prevention, destroying, repelling or mitigation any pest that range from weeds to microbes.

Furthermore, insecticides or pesticides are helping to control pests spreading illnesses, damage impairments and, or, are a public nuisance. However, they can be harmful to the environment and to people if they are used improperly.

Numerous household products like cleansers, disinfectants, roach and ant spray with pesticide content, and mildew removers. Proper and appropriate use of such products is essential to guarantee every household is safe.

Essentially, the lead agency state for controlling pesticides is the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or MDA. More so, the MDH is consulting with the MDA, federal environment and other health departments to provide information to the public on specific pesticide-associated health topics.

More so, the agencies provide information to create health-based standards and, or advisory levels for insecticides, as well as other contaminants in grand water and air.

Not a Threat to Health of Humans

The DNR started its research responding to the findings from South Dakota to find out how prevalent in wild deer neonicotinoids are.

While the exact neonicotinoid levels building up in deer still need to be determined, early signs are that they don't pose any threat to health of humans. This was according to environmental surveillance and assessment manager, Jim Kelly, from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Neonicotinoids' safety thresholds in crops, as well as in beef are between 300 and 500 parts a billion, explained Kelly. He added, deer of Minnesota appear to be testing roughly 10 parts a billion saying, he does not have any concern at all when it comes to hunters' exposure to these low levels. A similar report is shown on WXOW News 19's YouTube Video below: