Résumé
Contaminations with heavy metals and its relationship to public health have a considerable concern in the last few years. Lead, cadmium and copper residues were determined in thirty birds [Fifteen from each of ostrich and quails]. Ostrich samples were collected from specific ostrich abattoir while quails samples were collected from different local markets at Cairo and Giza Governorate. The residues of these heavy metals were detected in serum and thigh muscles of ostrich and quails carcasses by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The present results were evaluated according to the permissible limits of Food and Agriculture Organization1World Health Organization FAO/WHO' [1972]; WHO [1972]; Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control "E.O.S.Q.C." [1993] and FAO [1996]. Public health importance and the hazardous toxic effects of these heavy metals as well as the suggestive recommendations to minimize pollution with these heavy metals were discussed