Wild Boar Flesh Turns Fluorescent Blue... The Startling Reason Revealed

Emergency Alert Issued Amid Fears of Toxic Spread
Residents Report Cases of Vivid Fluorescent Blue
Diphacinone Banned from 2024 Due to Health Hazards

Authorities in California are on high alert for the potential spread of contamination after a case was reported in which the flesh and fat of a wild boar turned fluorescent blue. On August 18 (local time), international media outlets such as the Daily Mail and National Geographic reported that residents and hunters in the Monterey County area of California recently discovered a wild boar whose flesh had turned blue and reported it to authorities.

The carcass of a wild boar found in California showing fluorescent blue flesh. X

According to the authorities' investigation, this phenomenon is most likely due to the rodenticide diphacinone. Diphacinone is a toxic substance that causes severe internal bleeding and can result in death. Commonly used by farmers and businesses to control populations of rodents such as rats and squirrels, diphacinone usually contains fluorescent dye. Local experts analyzed that the wild boar likely accumulated the substance in its body by consuming bait or eating rodents that had been poisoned.

According to a 2023 study, multiple ingestions are required to reach a lethal dose. However, people or animals who consume contaminated meat may exhibit symptoms of poisoning, such as lethargy. This is not the first time such a case has been reported. In 2015, there was a similar case in which the body fat of a wild boar caught in the same area turned fluorescent blue. A 2018 survey found rodenticide residues in about 8.3% of wild boars.

Rodenticide diphacinone. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Subsequently, California banned the use of diphacinone for wildlife protection starting in 2024. However, as similar reports have continued in recent months, local health authorities have heightened their vigilance. An alert has been issued throughout Monterey County. Dan Burton, head of a local wildlife control company, stated, "It wasn't just a little blue-it was a vivid fluorescent blue." The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) warned hunters and residents, "If you find meat that is fluorescent blue, never consume it and report it immediately," adding, "The poison can remain even after cooking, so both humans and animals can be poisoned."