SEDL / STP / STP752-EB / STP35149S

Laboratory Method for Evaluating the Secondary Hazard Potential of Avicides and Rodenticides to Nontarget Birds and Mammals

Holler, NR
Project leader and research biologist, Florida Field Station, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, Fla.

Lefebvre, PW
Project leader and research biologist, Florida Field Station, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, Fla.

Pages: 6    Published: Jan 1981

Download this paper for $25 PDF (108K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

A method was developed to determine the secondary hazard potential of avicides and rodenticides to nontarget wild or domestic birds and mammals. Evaluation of this hazard is not adequately covered by existing American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards. Our report describes a laboratory method which may be used. Criteria for selection of nontarget test species and minimum laboratory maintenance requirements and conditioning are discussed. The test includes a pretreatment period during which the test animals are conditioned to feed upon the target species, a 7-day treatment period during which test animals are fed target species killed with the test pesticide as applied in the field, and a 14-day post-treatment period during which test animals are observed for signs of intoxication. All test animals undergo necropsy at death or, for survivors, at the end of the post-treatment period. Selected tissues are sectioned and histopathological effects are determined. This method has been used in twelve tests of four avicides on six species of birds and mammals.