Anticoagulant effects and the persistence of brodifacoum in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Abstract

Brodifacoum was administered to possums at a sub‐lethal dose of 0.1 mg/kg to assess its persistence in blood, muscle, and liver. Only 1 of 68 possums died at this dose level. However, significant increases in one‐stage prothrombin (OSP) and activated partial prothrombin times (APP) confirmed that the possum is susceptible to the anticoagulant effects of brodifacoum. Trace amounts of brodifaooum were detected in plasma for 35 days. Substantial concentrations of brodifacoum were retained in the liver for 8 months. Much lower concentrations were also retained in muscle tissue. The persistence of brodifacoum raises concerns about the possible transfer of this compound through the food chain to humans, dogs, or wildlife.

Key words:

• brodifacoum
• possums
• residues
• toxicity