Plasma Cholinesterase Activity in Wild Birds from Undisturbed Woodlands in the Central Monte Desert.

Plasma cholinesterase activity is a biomarker sensitive to the effect of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, and its enzymatic levels have been previously unknown for most of the wild birds analyzed in the present study. Our objectives were to establish plasma acetylcholinesterase levels in songbirds of 2 undisturbed sites in the central Monte Desert (Argentina). We also examined the influence on cholinesterase activity of age, sex, body condition, feeding and migratory habits, and species.