The shooting of protected species, especially rare animals, is regarded as a priority issue by law enforcement authorities. In such cases, an expert veterinarian is required not only to confirm the death of the animal as a result of shooting, but also to provide a precise description of the shot. In cases of shootings with pellet bullets, such a description is particularly difficult. The evaluation of the gunshot wounds of an osprey (Pandion haliaetus) delivered to the Veterinary Medical Centre at the University of Poznań called for the use of a variety of diagnostic techniques. A preliminary assessment confirming the shot was based on an X-ray photo. Computed tomography (CT) was used for in-depth diagnostics, providing a spatial representation of bullet stopping points and fragments. The shot caused a lower leg bone fracture. This damage upset the anatomical structure of the animal’s limb, which made it impossible to establish the wound channel by CT. Therefore, full shot characteristics could only be made only after a classical post-mortem examination. This examination facilitated the use of modern imaging diagnostic techniques. The use of mixed diagnostic techniques enabled us to determine the number of shots, the type of ammunition used and the direction from which the shot was fired. On the one hand, this case illustrates the possibilities offered by modern imaging diagnostic techniques and, on the other hand, it shows that the classic post-mortem examination remains a primary diagnostic tool for veterinary forensic experts. This is especially important when preparing forensic veterinary opinions in high-priority law enforcement cases.
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