Persin facts for kids

Persin is a natural chemical found in avocados. It's a type of toxin that can harm some animals. Persin is an oily substance that doesn't mix with water. It can spread from the avocado seeds into the fruit itself.

While the amount of persin in ripe avocado fruit is usually safe for humans, it can cause problems for people with allergies. For many animals, eating parts of the avocado plant, like the leaves, bark, or even the fruit's skin and seed, can be dangerous and toxic.

Where is Persin Found?

Every part of the avocado plant contains persin. This includes the fruit, leaves, stems, and seeds. The leaves usually have the most persin, making them the most dangerous part for animals to eat.

Why is Persin Harmful to Animals?

When animals eat parts of the avocado plant, it can make them very sick. Different animals react in different ways, and some are more sensitive than others.

• Birds: Birds are very sensitive to persin. They might have a fast heart rate, trouble breathing, and seem weak or uninterested in food. High amounts can cause severe breathing problems and even death within 12 to 48 hours. Birds kept in cages seem to be more sensitive than larger birds like turkeys or chickens.
• Rabbits and Mice: Female rabbits and mice that are feeding their babies can get an infection-like swelling in their milk glands after eating avocado leaves or bark. Rabbits might also have heart problems and swelling.
• Cows and Goats: These animals can get swelling in their milk glands and produce less milk if they eat avocado leaves or bark. Goats can get very sick from eating even a small amount of leaves.
• Horses: Female horses are most affected. They might get swelling in their milk glands, and sometimes stomach upset or pain. Swelling in the head, tongue, or chest area can also happen.
• Cats and Dogs: They might have a mild upset stomach. In some cases, it could cause heart damage, though dogs might be more resistant than cats.
• Other Animals: Animals like hares, pigs, rats, sheep, ostriches, and fish can also show signs of being poisoned by persin. The exact amount that causes death is not known, and it varies for each type of animal.

What to Do if an Animal Eats Avocado?

If you think an animal has eaten avocado and is showing signs of being sick, it's important to get help. There isn't a specific test to confirm avocado poisoning right away. Vets usually look at what the animal ate and its symptoms.

Treatment often involves giving medicines to help with pain or swelling, and sometimes medicines for heart problems if needed. The most important thing is to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Images for kids

• 

  The chemical structure of Persin.