The Influence of Ambient Temperatures on the Susceptibility of Mice, Guinea-Pigs and Possums to Compund 1080

Abstract

The susceptibilities of mice Mus musculus, guinea-pigs Cavia porcellus and brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula to sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) were determined at various ambient temperatures in the range 4-33°C. Toxicity was greater at both ends of the range than in the middle. In mice the LD50 at 24°C was five times that at 12.2°C; in guinea-pigs the LD50 at 17°C was twice that at 4°C; in possums the LD50 at 23.5°C was two and a half times that at 10.5°C. It is important to consider these differences when assessing the efficacy of 1080 for pest control, and potential hazards to non-target species, in situations where such temperature ranges may be commonly expected.