Persistence of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in baits under simulated rainfall

Abstract

The rate of leaching of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) by simulated rainfall was determined for carrot and possum pellet baits containing 0.08 and 0.15% 1080. Carrot baits were highly water-resistant and showed no decline in 1080 concentration after 200 mm of rain. It is therefore inadvisable to use carrot bait in arid areas when rapid restocking of land is required after a control operation, but they may be particularly suitable for forest habitats. Of the two types of pellet (Wanganui No. 7 and RS5) tested, RS5 pellets were the less water-resistant and started to disintegrate after only 5 mm of rain. The 1080 concentration also declined more rapidly in these pellets. So that toxicity is retained for the maximum length of time, RS5 pellets should be used in arid areas and Wanganui No. 7 pellets in wetter environments, when pellets are the bait of choice. RS5 pellets should be used if rapid return of stock to the land is required. © 1995 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.