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Pitohui dichrous
General Details, Taxonomy and Biology, Toxins, Clinical Effects, Treatment, First Aid
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Colluricinclidae
Genus: Pitohui
Species: dichrous
Subspecies: dichrous , monticola
Common Names
Hooded Pitohui , Black-headed Pitohui
Region
New Guinea
Countries
Papua New Guinea
 
Taxonomy and Biology
Adult Length: 22 cm
Habitat
Often found in mid mountain forests.
Species Map
Small (Approx 20k) version
 
Toxins
General: Neurotoxins
sodium channel toxin (homobatrachotoxin)
General: Myotoxins
Unknown
General: Procoagulants
Not present
General: Anticoagulants
Not present
General: Haemorrhagins
Not present
General: Nephrotoxins
Not present
General: Cardiotoxins
sodium channel toxin (homobatrachotoxin)
General: Necrotoxins
Not present
General: Other Toxins
Unknown
 
Clinical Effects
General: Dangerousness
Not known to be dangerous to humans
General: Rate of Envenoming: not relevant
General: Untreated Lethality Rate: no evidence of lethality in humans
General: Local Effects
Touching skin/mouth with toxin can cause tingling and numbness, can also stimulate sneezing.
General: Local Necrosis
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: General Systemic Effects
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Myotoxicity
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Renal Damage
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Cardiotoxicity
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Other
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
 
First Aid
Description: Poisoning by contact with or ingestion of poisonous birds (pitohui etc).
Details
Skin contact:
1. Wash skin with water

Oral ingestion:
1. Irrigate mouth with copious amounts of water (do not swallow water).
2. Providing there is no conscious state or other impairment that might render vomiting hazardous, through inhalation of vomitus, induction of vomiting may be useful. Alternatively, consider absorption using activated charcoal.

The major theoretical risk from poisoning by poisonous bird secretions is systemic toxicity, particularly cardiac toxicity, resulting in cardiac arrhythmias, altered blood pressure, cardiac failure or other related effects, or neurotoxicity, generally a flaccid (or possibly spastic) paralysis, which may extend to respiratory paralysis. This risk is based on experience with certain Dendrobatid (poison dart) frogs that contain a similar toxin to that found in poisonous birds from New Guinea. However, there is no current evidence that humans have suffered major poisoning from contact with these birds and while New Guinea natives generally avoid eating these birds, they can be eaten if appropriately preparred (avoiding feathers and skin). The following is therefore based on theoretical poisoning, not actual cases of human poisoning:

Carefully observe for altered pulse rate or rhythm or signs of cardiac failure and support cardiac function, if possible. Specifically, if there is cardiac arrest, apply full external cardiorespiratory resuscitation. If there is flaccid or spastic paralysis, protect the airway. If there is respiratory paralysis, support respiration with expired air resuscitation.
 
Treatment
Treatment Summary
Major poisoning from contact with the feathers or skin, or after pecking by these birds is not known. Minor local irritation can occur, particularly in and around the mouth. If this occurs, thoroughly wash the affected area/irrigate the oral cavity. To avoid such effects, avoid direct contact between skin and any part of these birds.

Ingestion of these birds, though never reported as causing significant poisoning, might, theoretically, cause adverse effects. Removal of stomach contents or use of activated charcoal would be appropriate after ingestion, plus supportive measures if major systemic effects develop.
Key Diagnostic Features
Local tingling, numbness, especially around mouth, after contact with the bird. Sneezing may also occur.
General Approach to Management
Most cases will be minor & not require admission.
Antivenom Therapy
No antivenom available
Antivenoms
No Antivenoms
No images
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