Brodifacoum residues in target and non-target animals following rabbit poisoning trials

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Abstract
The mean brodifacoum levels in the liver, muscle, and fatty tissue of rabbits poisoned during field trials with bait loaded at 0.005% brodifacoum (50 ppm) were 4.4, 0.26, and 0.86 mg/kg respectively. Generally, lower levels were found in predators, other wildlife, and sheep which were inadvertently poisoned during the trials. Public health considerations and the need to protect desirable wildlife necessitate the reduction of residue levels. This may be achieved by lowering the toxicity of baits, and by making the bait application rates more appropriate to the rabbit population density. Removal or destruction of residual baits may, however, still be necessary in a pastoral situation if rapid breakdown of baits or leaching of the brodifacoum from them does not occur.