Acute oral toxicity of p‐aminopropiophenone to stoats (Mustela erminea)

Abstract

No toxic baits are currently registered in New Zealand for stoat (Mustela erminea) control. PAPP (p‐aminopropiophenone) has potential application as a vertebrate pesticide for stoat control in New Zealand, and in the hydrochloride form was highly toxic (LD₅₀9.3 mg/kg) to stoats in pen trials. The first visible signs of toxicosis, cyanosis and salivation, generally appeared within 20 min of gavage administration of PAPP. These signs were generally followed by rapid respiration, lack of coordination and lethargy. Death generally followed within an hour of receiving a lethal dose. Stoats remained at least partly conscious until just prior to death, or may have had periods of intermittent consciousness in the later stages. PAPP toxicosis in stoats appeared relatively rapid (in comparison with other vertebrate pesticides in mustelids) and on preliminary assessment appears relatively humane. Further investigation and development of targeted bait delivery of PAPP for stoat control in New Zealand is recommended. This should be conducted alongside formal assessment of humaneness and the potential for unwanted effects such as non‐target mortality and environmental contamination.

Keywords:

• control
• lethal dose
• poisoning
• p‐aminopropiophenone
• p‐aminopropiophenone hydrochloride
• stoat
• time to death
• vertebrate pesticide