Poisoning with 3-nitropropionic acid in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Authors: Harding DRK, Gregory NG, Orbell GMB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3, pp 85-87, Jun 2000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Biosecurity, Legal/regulation, Parasites - external, Pest/pesticides, Poisoning - chemical, Toxicology
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIMS:  To evaluate the toxicity, animal behavioural effects and animal welfare implications of 3-nitropropionic acid administration in possums.
METHODS:  The behavioural effects following 3-nitropropionic acid administration were recorded in 26 possums.
RESULTS:  The oral LD50 was between 110 and 170 mg/kg. Time to death averaged 9.5±1.9 h (mean±s.e.m.). Adverse signs from an animal welfare perspective were retching and restless behaviour that occurred in episodes during a period that averaged 1 h 51 min. Retching occurred in possums that were injected intraperitoneally or dosed orally with the 3-nitropropionic acid, suggesting that this effect was not necessarily initiated by gastric irritation.
CONCLUSION: The potency of 3-nitropropionic acid as a toxin was low compared to other toxins that are used in possums, but it is relatively quick acting. It may cause some discomfort (retching and restlessness) prior to death.
KEY WORDS: Possum, pest control, animal welfare, nitropropionic acid, poison.

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