Primary poisoning risk for encapsulated sodium nitrite, a new tool for pest control

Potential secondary poisoning risks to non‐targets from a sodium nitrite toxic bait for invasive wild pigs

“…This is an important consideration for wild pigs, as well as the predators and scavengers of wild pigs that may be exposed to low levels of SN. No debilitating effects appeared to occur from sublethal dosing in this study, or in another study with other species …”

“…Second, the reported values of LD 50 were obtained from studies that used oral gavage to administer SN, and therefore represent more acute estimates of risk compared to free‐feeding animals. For example, wild pigs and domestic chickens were approximately four times less sensitive to SN in free‐feeding trails than in oral gavage trials . Third, the residues of SN continue breaking down into less toxic forms (i.e.…”

“…For example, wild pigs and domestic chickens were approximately four times less sensitive to SN in free-feeding trails than in oral gavage trials. 17,33 Third, the residues of SN continue breaking down into less toxic forms (i.e. nitrate or nitric oxide) as carcasses age, therefore the digestive tracts likely become less toxic through time.…”

“…No debilitating effects appeared to occur from sublethal dosing in this study, or in another study with other species. 33…”

“…For mammalian species, we identified the lowest reported LD 50 value of 58 mg/kg (body weight) for raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and the highest reported value of 525 mg/kg (body weight) for black rats ( Rattus rattus ) . For avian species, we identified the lowest reported LD 50 value of 68.5 mg/kg (body weight) for domestic chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) and domestic mallard ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos domestica ), and the highest reported value of 619 mg/kg (body weight) for northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ) . We used these ranges of LD 50 values to represent a general range of risk for mammalian and avian species that may scavenge carcasses of wild pigs.…”