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Abstract
dAim. To assess the sickness behaviours of possums after eating a lethal dose of potassium cyanide.
dMethod. Spontaneous behaviour and the time to loss of physical responses were examined.
dResults. Cyanide ingestion caused a short-lasting period of mild respiratory stimulation. There was no salivation, retching or vomiting. Convulsions occurred in 73% of the possums. After the ingestion of cyanide, the average time to onset of ataxia was 3 minutes, the average time to overall loss of consciousness was 6.5 minutes, and the time to cessation of breathing was 18 minutes.
dConclusion. Cyanide is a rapid-acting toxin with few undesirable signs from the welfare perspective.
dKeywords. Possums, pest control, animal welfare, cyanide, intoxication, behaviour.
