Source: Landcare Research (1964). Control of poisons. Royal ...

1080 Reassessment Application October 2006 

Appendix C 

Source: Landcare Research 

(1964). Control of poisons. Royal Society of Health Journal 84, 52-53. 

Keywords: poisons/non-target species/fluoroacetamide/livestock 

Occupational Health Bulletin: Sodium Fluoroacetate Compound 1080. New Series No 1 (revision of Vol.6 

No 11, July 1962). 1967. Wellington, Department of Health. 

Ref Type: Pamphlet 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080 

(1969). Fluoroacetate. In 'Clinical toxicology of commercial products'. (M. Gleason, R. Gosselin, H. 

Hodge, and R. SmithEds. ) pp. 116-117. (The Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore.) 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/sodium fluoroacetate/diagnosis/treatment/acute toxicity 

Poisonings. 20. 1976. Surveillance 1976 No.4. 

Ref Type: Report 

Keywords: poisoning/1080/analysis/muscle/liver/livestock/witholding period 

Abstract: 1080 poisoning was in the public eye in Canterbury when sheep died after they were returned to a 

block pronounced "safe" after poisoning operations. About 160 ewes died out of 800, and 1080 poisoning 

was confirmed. It is reported that errors were made in the analysis of bait tested to determine if it was safe 

to stock. Recently a workshop on 1080 analysis was held at Invermay AHL. These are the 

recommendations for sampling: 1) Take the samples from the animals which are first to die in the outbreak 

even though they may be more autolysed. 2) The best specimens in order of preference are muscle, stomach 

contents then liver 

1080 poisoning. 26. 1976. Surveillance 1976 No. 4. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/birds/persistence in animals/non-target species/secondary poisoning/humans 

Abstract: Recently, Canada geese around Lake Benmore were poisoned by oats impregnated with 1080 

Diagnosis of 1080 poisoning in dogs. 4. 1978. Surveillance 1978 No.1. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/dogs/diagnosis 

Abstract: A dog may die of 1080 poisoning but have tissue 1080 levels too low to detect. 

(1986). Rodenticides, Fungicides, Herbicides, Fumigants and Repellents. In 'Poisoning. Toxicology, 

Symptoms, Treatments'. (J. M. Arena and R. H. DrewEds. ) pp. 226-227. (Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, 

Illinois, U.S.A.) 

Keywords: diagnosis/sodium fluoroacetate/treatment/poisoning 

(1988). Submission to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee on the use of 1080 for pest animal control 

in Victoria. (Department of Conservation Forests and Lands: [Melbourne].) 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/welfare/1080 

(1991). Toxic Agents. In 'Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. The basic science of poisons.'. (M. O. Amdur, 

J. Doull, and C. D. KlaassenEds. ) p. 612. (Pergamon Press: New York, Oxford, Bejing, Frankfurt, Sao 

Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto.) 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/treatment/poisons 

(1991). Sodium fluoroacetate. In 'Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure 

indices : 6th ed'. pp. 1411-1415. (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists: Cincinnati.) 

Keywords: occupational exposure/regulatory toxicology/metabolism/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/humans/developmental toxicity/reproductive effects 

1


Appendix C 

(1992). Sodium fluoroacetate. Federal register 57, 26275-26276. 

Keywords: occupational exposure/regulatory toxicology/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/humans 

Water quality monitoring of Stage 1 of the Department of Conservation/ Taranaki Regional Council 

possum control operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont 1993. 93-27, -20. 1993. Stratford, New Zealand, 

Taranaki Regional Council. Technical Report. 


Keywords: persistence in water/possums/aerial control/1080/fluoride/poisoning/persistence in invertebrates 

Abstract: Public concerns about stage 1 of the joint Department of Conservation/Taranaki Regional Council 

possum control operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont included issues relating to potential effects of the use 

of 1080 poison on water quality and water usage, in particular domestic water supplies from catchments 

drainign areas within the aerial poison application zone. Taranaki Regional Council undertook a 

comprehensive water quality moniotring programme in recognition of these concerns, despite the existence 

of documented water quality monitoring information for two earlier aerila control operations (Waipoua 

Forest and Rangitoto Island) which indicated that no contamination of natural water by 1080 resulted from 

these large scale operations. This programme included natural surface waters within and outside (controls) 

the operational zone, major water supplies (raw and treated) and groundwaters. Monitoring concentrated on 

1080 and fluoride (the principal breakdown product) concentrations in the waters. Sampling commenced in 

advance of the first aerial application of 1080 and extended througout the operational period with one site 

smapled more intensively to monitor any immeduate impacts of the department of Conservation's initial 

three-day aerial poison drop within the National Park. In addition to the physicochemical monitoring, the 

programme was augmented with biological monitoring of three representative catchment sites draining the 

opertaional area and two catchment sites (controls) immediately beyond the boundaries. The results 

consistently showed no measurable impact of the possum control operation on the physicochemical 

parameters (1080 and fluoride concentrations) or biological indicators (benthic macroinvertebrate fauna) 

measured in any of the natural waters draining botht he National Park and the buffer zones within the 

operational poisoning area. No impacts attributable to the possum control operation were measured on 

these physicochemical parameters in teh raw and traeted domestic water supplies, or groundwaters 

monitored. The resutls of this relatively intensive monitoringprogram may provide guidelines for the 

assessment and estbalishment of appropriate monitoring of any future possum control operations of this 

nature. 

Water quality monitoring of Stages 2&3 of the Department of Conservation/ Taranaki Regional Council 

possum control operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont 1994. 94-7, -20. 1994. Stratford, New Zealand, 

Taranaki Regional Council. Technical Report. 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in water/aerial control/possums/fluoride/poisoning/persistence in invertebrates 

Abstract: Public concerns relating to the joint Department of Conservation/Taranaki Regional Council 

possum control operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont included issues relating to potential effects of the use 

of 1080 poison on water quality and water usage, in particular domestic water supplies from catchments 

draining areas within the aerial poison application zone. Taranaki Regional Council, in 1993, undertook a 

comprehensive water quality monitoring of stage 1 of the control programme in recognition of these 

concerns, despite the existence of documented water quality monitoring information for two earlier aerila 

control operations (Waipoua Forest and Rangitoto Island) which indicated that no contamination of natural 

water by 1080 resulted from these large scale operations. Taranaki Regional Council results consistently 

showed no measurable impact of the possum control operation on the physicochemical parameters (1080 

and fluoride concentrations) or biological indicators (benthic macroinvertebrate fauna) measured in any of 

the natural waters draining both the National Park and the buffer zones within the operational poisoning 

area. No impacts attributable to the possum control operation were measured on these physicochemical 

parameters in the raw and treated domestic water supplies, or groundwaters monitored. The results of this 

relatively intensive monitoring programme provided guidelines for the performance of an appropraite 

monitoring programme in association with the remaining stages (2&3) of the Mount Taranaki/Egmont 

possum control operations. The programme concentrated on the physicochemical moniotring of seven 

treated local authority water supplies abstracted from catchments draining the operational area, and was 

complemented with intensive monitoring of one raw surface water supply catchment, and biological 

monitoring of representative surface waters in close porximity to the National Park operational area. 

2


Appendix C 

Sampling commenced in advance of the aerial operation of 1080 and extended throughout the operational 

period with one site sampled more intensively to monitor any immediate impacts of the aerial poisoning 

application within the National Park and adjacent bush. The monitoring confirmed 1993 results, with no 

detectable concentrations of 1080 measured, in natural or treated water supplies, before, during or within 

one month following the possum control operation. No measurable impacts of this operation were found 

from the monitoring of fluoride concentrations and longer term biological indicators (benthic 

macroinvertebrate fauna) in the representative ctahcments draining the operational area. The results of both 

water quality programmes (all three stages of the Mount Taranaki/Egmont possum control operation) hvae 

combined to provide the most intensive moniotring of a 1080 poisoning operation to date in New Zealand, 

and may contribute to the estbalishment of appropriate monitoring of future possum control operations of 

this nature. 

(1995). Pesticide poisoning. (U.K. Department of Health: 

Keywords: poisoning/acute toxicity/treatment 

The use of genetically modified rumen bacteria to protect livestock from fluoroacetate poisoning. [29 

March 2000], 1-24. 2000. Murdoch University, Western Australia. 

Ref Type: Conference Proceeding 

Keywords: bacteria/livestock/fluoroacetate/poisoning/GMO 

Abstract: The workshop consisted of oral presentations and discussion among attendees who are involved 

in various aspects of the Fluoroacetate Detoxification Project and those who have raised concerns on the 

possible environmental and conservation outcomes of the use of GMOs to protect ruminant livestock from 

fluoroacetate poisoning. The aim of the workshop was to establish the precautions required for safe testing 

of the GMOs and to define those factors that should be established before general use of the GMOs can be 

considered. 

Factors discussed included the producer-driven origins of the project, the technology employed, and the 

outcome of animal toxicity tests to prove the efficacy of the GMOs. This was balanced by discussion of 

potential risks to pest control with Compound 1080, and environmental effects of the GMOs through 

possible alterations to browsing behaviour of domestic and feral ruminants and native animals with 

prefermentative digestive systems. 

Aggarwal, A., Kaur, G., and Mehrotra, R. S. (1986). Effect of certain metabolic inhibitors on growth and 

respiration of Phytophtora colocasiae Racib. Indian Bot.Reptr. 5, 119-122. 

Keywords: fungus/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/aconitase/enzyme/inhibition/fluoride 

Abstract: In the present investigation all the six metabolic inhibitors tested showed the inhibitory effects on 

respiration and mycelial growth. Sodium fluoroacetate which is known to inhibit TCA cycle by poisoning 

aconitase enzyme activity also showed inhibition. Sodium fluoride which also showed inhibition and is 

known to inactive enolase enzyme of EM pathway. 

Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group. Controlled pesticides. Sodium fluoroacetate 

(1080) in pest control. VPC - 1080 03/00, -5. 2000. 



Agricultural Pests Destruction Council. Use of 1080 poison for agricultural pest control. 1977. Wellington, 

Agricultural Pests Destruction Council. 


Keywords: 1080/poison/rabbits/possums 

Agriculture Protection Board of Western Australia. The proposed use of 1080 to control feral goats in 

Western Australia. 752. 1993. Perth, Agricultural Protection Board of Western Australia. Public 

Environmental Review. 


Keywords: 1080/goats 

3


Appendix C 

Akao, S. and Kubota, S. (1978). Biosynthesis of organic acids in satsuma fruits. 3. Changes in 14C-labelled 

organic acids (citrate-1, 5-14C, malate-14C (U), succinate-2, 3-14C and pyruvate-3-14C) in juice vesicles. 

Bulletin of the Shikoku Agricultural Experiment Station No. 32, 43-48. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/citrate/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: When malate -14C was added to juice vesicles, labelled citrate and succinate were detected after 

3 hours; when succinate-14C was added citrate, malate and fumarate were detected; when pyruvate-14C 

was added citrate, malate, fumarate and succinate were detected. Fluoroacetate and malonate had inhibitory 

effects. These findings indicate that the TCA cycle operates in juice vesicles. [For parts 1 and 2 see HcA 

44, 5088 and 5089.] 

al Juburi, A. Z., Clarkson, T. W., and Cockett, A. T. (1989). Vasocystostomy: a model for studying male 

reproductive toxicity in the rat. ReproductiveToxicology 3, 181-186. 

Keywords: toxicity/testes/reproductive effects/rats/pathology/target organ 

Alabaster, J. S. (1969). Survival of fish in 164 herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, wetting agents and 

miscellaneous substances. International Pest Control 11, 29-35. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/fish/aquatic species/toxicity/lethal concentration 

Alekseev, A. N. and Turov, I. S. (1967). A study of fluoracetamide as a poison to systemic activity. 

Zhurnal Mukrobiologii 44, 98-103. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/invertebrates/rats/systemic toxicity/poison/lethal dose 

Abstract: Fluoracetamide (CH2F CON H2) was studied in the capacity of a poison with systemic effect. This preparation proved to be toxic for 

Xenopsylla cheopis Rotsch. and for Ceratophyllus consimilis Wagn. in feeding them through a biomembrane with the nutritional solution containing this poison. 

Toxemia in albino rats lasted for not less than 19 hours following fluoracetamide administration (the agent was intorduced by feeding fleas of the mentioned species 

on rats). Almost all the fleas (fed on albino rats gievn the preparation in doses 1.5-2 times lower than the minimal lethal dose) gradually perished - on the 6th -10th 

day. An opinion is put forward on the expediency of field trial of fluroacetamide not only as a rat poison, but also as a preparation with systemic effect. 

Alekseev, A. N., Avdeeva, E. V., Turov, I. S., and Tokareva, T. G. (1971). The chemosterilising effect of 

fluoroorganic compounds on larvae and adults of fleas ectoparasitic on rodentsRussian Incomplete. 

Abstract: It was established in laboratory experiments that organic fluorine compounds, fluoroacetamide 

and sodium fluoroacetate at dosages sublethal for rodents and their ectoparasites inhibit reproduction in 

males and females of Nosopsyllus (Ceratophyllus) consimilis (Wagn.) and Xenopsylla cheopis (Roths.) if 

the compounds are imbibed, and also have some effect on adults developing from larvae that had eaten 

faeces of fleas that contained poisoned blood. This effect was more evident in N. consimilis than in X. 

cheopis, which is less sensitive to fluorine poisoning 

Algar, D. and Kinnear, J. E. (1996). Secondary poisoning of foxes following a routine 1080 rabbit-baiting 

campaign in the Western Australian wheatbelt. CALMScience 2, 149-151. 

Abstract: There is circumstantial evidence that foxes (Vulpes vulpes) feeding on rabbits (Oryctolagus 

cuniculus) poisoned with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080 poison) die from secondary poisoning. A rabbitpoisoning 

campaign that occurred during a fox research study provided direct evidence to support the 

above view 

Allcroft, R., Peters, R. A., and Shorthouse, M. (1969). Fluoroacetamide poisoning : part II. Toxicity in 

dairy cattle : confirmation of diagnosis. Veterinary record 84, 403-409. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/diagnosis/non-target species/persistence in animals/persistence in 

plants/persistence in water/fluoroacetamide/poisoning 

Allcroft, R. and Jones, J. S. L. (1969). Fluoroacetamide poisoning : part I. Toxicity in dairy cattle : clinical 

history and preliminary investigations. Veterinary record 84, 399-402. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/diagnosis/non-target species/fluoroacetamide/poisoning 

Allender, W. J. (1990). Determination of sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) in biological tissues. 

Journal of Analytical Toxicology 14, 45-49. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/baits/analysis 

Abstract: A sensitive gas chromatographic method was developed for the determination of sodium 

4


Appendix C 

monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080 and 1080 poison) in baits and avian tissues. The procedure involves 

extraction of 1080 with acetone/water (8:1) followed by derivation with pentafluorobenzyl bromide. 

Cleanup of the esterified extracts was carried out using minicolumns containing Florisil and the eluates 

were subsequently analyzed by electron capture gas chromatography. Bait samples were initially screened 

by thin-layer chromatography and identity of derivatized extracts was confirmed by gas chromatography/ 

mass spectrometry. 

Allender, W. J. (1990). Determination of sodium fluoracetate (compound 1080) in biological tissues. 

Journal of Analytical Toxicology 14, 45-49. 

Keywords: 1080/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/baits/analysis 

Abstract: A sensitive gas chromatographic method is described for the determination of sodium 

fluoroacetate in baits and avian tissues. Acetone/water extracts of tissues and bait were screened by thin 

layer chromatography before postcolumn derivization with pentafluorobenzyl bromide. Cleanup of the 

extracts was carried out using minicolumns containing Florisil. Eluates were analysed by electron capture 

gas chromatography. The method was applied to tissues from a magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) that had 

ingested bait containing compound 1080 

Allender, W. J. (1990). The determination of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in formulation 

and technical samples by high pressure liquid chromatography. Journal of Liquid Chromatography 13, 

3465-3472. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/liquid chromatography/analysis 

Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure was developed for the determination 

of sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080). The procedure utilized an amine (NH-2) bonded column 

for the reverse phase determination of sodium monofluoroacetate in formulation and technical samples 

Alterio, N. (2000). Controlling small mammal predators using sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in bait 

stations along forestry roads in a New Zealand beech forest. New Zealand journal of ecology 24, 3-9. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/ground 

control/1080/cats/possums/brodifacoum/poisoning/gut/predators/rats/efficacy/carnivores/poison/wildlife 

Abstract: A single five night pulse of sodium monofluroacetate (0.15% 1080) applied in bait stations at two 

different spacing intervals, 100 and 200 m, along forestry roads in New Zealand beech forest, killed all four 

of the resident radio-tagged stoats (Mustela erminea) and all three of the resident radio-tagged wild house 

cats (Felis catus) by secondary poisoning. Gut contents of predators indicated that house mice (Mus 

musculus), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and bushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were important sources of 

the toxin. High kills of predators, possums and rats at both 100 and 200 m spacing regimes suggest that 

greater efficacy of controlling these pests would be achieved with the latter method. Evidence suggests that 

routine management of possums and rats using 1080 and brodifacoum has resulted in widespread control of 

small mammalian carnivores by secondary poisoning in New Zealand forests. However, aerial application 

of poison can kill large numbers of tomtits (Petroica macrocephala) and robins (Petroica australis) and few 

other native bird species have been adequately monitored through such operations. Reducing risks to native 

wildlife is responsible ecological management. Use of bait stations along forestry roads or tracks may be 

fundamental in mounting cost-effective :Large-scale ground-based protection of native wildlife through 

safer predator controls. 

Andersen, I. Ban on bacterium that makes poison plants safe. New scientist 4 February 1995, 5. 1995. 

Ref Type: Magazine Article 

Keywords: bacteria/degradation/fluoroacetate 

Ando, J. (1966). A selective blockade of the cardiac inotropic effect of adrenaline by sodium 

monofluoroacetate. Bulletin of Osaka Medical School 12, 1-4. 

Keywords: cardiac/sodium monofluoroacetate/heart/rabbits/mode of action 

Abstract: In a few cases of the experiments with isolated, perfused rabbit heart preparations having received 

sodium monofluoroacetate, adrenalin produced only a positive chronotropic effect without any concomitant 

positive intropic one in the course of development of heart failure induced by the metabolic inhibitor. 

5


Appendix C 

Annison, E. F., Hill, K. J., Lindsay, D. B., and Peters, R A. (1960). Fluoroacetate poisoning in sheep. 

Journal of comparative pathology 70, 145-155. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/pathology/heart/sublethal 

effects/fluoroacetate/poisoning/livestock/poison/toxicity/antidote/acetate/blood 

Abstract: Poisoning of livestock by the ingestion of the South African Plant Dichapetalum cymosum has 

long been recognised. The toxic principle of this plant is fluoroacetate (Marais, 1944). More recently the 

introduction of sodium fluoracetate as a rat and rabbit poison has provided another source of this toxic 

substance which may be potentially dangerous to the grazing animal. These facts justify a close study of 

fluoroacetate poisoning in ruminants since, despite a considerable literature on the biochemical nature of 

fluoroacetate poisoning in laboratory animals (Peters, 1952), there is little reliable information on its action 

and toxicity in the larger domestic animals. The most urgent problem however is to obtain an antidote. In 

some animals, acetate is a major product of fermentation in the rumen, and the concentration of acetate in 

the blood of these animals is usually 3 to 10 times that of nonruminants. It was not, therefore, anticipated 

that acetate would prove to be an effective antidote in sheep, but some protective action of acetate has been 

demonstrated in preliminary experiments which are described in this paper. Data on the toxic dose of 

fluoroacetate in sheep and some of its biochemical effect are also reported. 

Annison, E. F. and Bryden, W. L. (1998). Perspectives on ruminant nutrition and metabolism I. Metabolism 

in the rumen. Nutrition research reviews 11, 173-198. 

Keywords: metabolism/non-target species/pathology 

Abstract: Advances in knowledge of ruminant nutrition and metabolism during the second half of the 

twentieth century have been reviewed. Part I is concerned with metabolism in the rumen: Part II discusses 

utilization of nutrients absorbed from the rumen and lower tract to support growth and reproduction. The 

time frame was prompted by the crucial advances in ruminant physiology which arose from the work of Sir 

Jospeh Barcroft and his colleagues at Cambridge in the 1940s and 50s, and by the brilliant studies of Robert 

Hungate on rumen microbiology at much the same time. In reviewing the growth of knowledge of the role 

of bacteria, protozoa, fungi and bacteriophages in the rumen, outstanding developments have included the 

identification and characterization of fungi and the recognition that the utilization of polysaccharides in the 

rumen is accomplished by the sequential activities of consortia of rumen microorganisms. The role of 

protozoa is discussed in relation to the long standing debate on whether or not the removal of protozoa 

(defaunation) improves the efficiency of ruminant production. In relation to nitrogen (N) metabolism, the 

predation of bacteria by protozoa increases protein turnover in the rumen and reduces the efficiency of 

microbial protein production. This may account for the beneficial effects of defaunation where dietary N 

intakes are low and possibly rate limiting for growth and production. Current approaches to the 

measurement of rates of production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen based on the 

mathematical modelling of isotope dilution data are outlined. The absorption of SCFA from the rumen and 

hindgut is primarily a passive permeation process. The role of microorganisms in N metabolism in the 

rumen has been discussed in relation to ammonia and urea interrelationships and to current inadequacies in 

the measurement of both protein degradation in the rumen and microbial protein synthesis. The growth of 

knowledge of digestion and absorption of dietary lipids has been reviewed with emphasis on the 

antimicrobial activity of lipids and the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. The protection of 

unsaturated dietary fats from ruminal biohydrogenation is an approach to the manipulation of the fatty acid 

composition of meat and dairy products. Discussion of the production of toxins in the rumen and the role of 

microorganisms in detoxification has focused on the metabolism of oxalate, nitrate, mycotoxins, saponins 

and the amino acid mimosine. Mimosine occurs in the tropical shrub leucaena, which is toxic to cattle in 

Australia but not in Hawaii. Tolerance to leucaena stems from the presence of a bacterium found in the 

rumen of Hawaiian cattle, which when transferred to Australian cattle survives and confers protection from 

mimosine. The genetic modification of rumen microorganisms to improve their capacity to ultilize nutrients 

or to detoxify antinutritive factors is an attractive strategy which has been pursued with outstanding success 

in the case of fluoroacetate. A common rumen bacterium has been genetically modified to express the 

enzyme fluoroacetate dehalogenase. The modified organism has been shown to survive in the rumen at 

metabolically significant levels and to confer substantial protection from fluoroacetate poisoning. 

Anon (1900). West Australian poison plants. Official report. Journal of the Department of Agriculture of 

Western Australia 2, 418-423. 

Keywords: poison/occurrence in nature 

6


Appendix C 

Anonymous. Animal Research: bait development and toxicology. Forest Research Institute Report 1979, 

67-70. 1979. Rotorua, New Zealand. 


Keywords: acute toxicity/toxicity/1080/poison/lethal dose 

Abstract: Studies of the acute toxicity of compound 1080 to psosums have made considerable progress. In a 

2-year programme involving eight separate dosing trials of captive animals from North and South Island 

sources, the estimated LD50 (ie. the dose estimated to kill 50% of a sample population) ranged between 1.3 

and 2.1 mg/kg. These are higher doses than the 0.8 mg/kg which has been accepted on the evidence of 

previous experimenters. It is becoming clear that the estimate may be affected by factors such as the type of 

possum, its age and sex and perhaps physical condition, the weather, degree of acclimatisation of the 

animals to captivity, season, time of day and the technique of administering the poison. 

Aplin, T. E. H. (1967). Poison plants of Western Australia. The toxic species of the genera Gastrolobium 

and Oxylobium 1. Characteristics of the group. Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia 8, 42-52. 



and Oxylobium. York Road Poison and Box Poison. Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia 8, 200- 

206. 



and Oxylobium. Wodjil poison (Gastrolobium floribundum S. Moore), breelya or kite-leaf poison 

(Gastrolobium laytonii J. White), Roe's poison (Oxylobium spectabile Endl) and granite poison 

(Oxylobium graniticum S. Moore). Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia 12, 154-159. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poison/occurrence in nature 

Aplin, T. E. H. (1971). Poison plants of Western Australia: Gastrolobium and Oxylobium. Western 

Australian Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 3772, 1-64. 

Keywords: poison/livestock/fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Toxic species of the genera Gastrolobium and Oxylobium, which cause considerable numbers of 

livestock deaths in Western Australia as a result of their fluoroacetate content, are described 

Arellano, M., Malet-Martino, M., and Martino, R. (1995). First experiments demonstrating the 

metabolization of 5-fluorouracil into highly toxic fluoroacetate. Proceedings of the American Association 

for Cancer Research 36, 405. 

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil/fluoroacetate/NMR/metabolism 

Abstract: Over the last decade, the number of reports of cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity attributed to 5fluorouracil 

(FU) has rapidly increased. Several authors postulated but never experimentally demonstrated 

that FU might be transformed into fluoroacetate (FAC), a highly cardiotoxic and neurotoxic poison. Using 

19 F NMR, we demonstrated for the first time, in the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) model and in rats, 

that the last catabolite of FU is not α-fluoro-β-alanine. The metabolism continues and leads to two new 

catabolites, FAC and 2-fluoro-3-hydrooxypropionic acid. IPRL were treated with 15 or 45 mg FU/kg b.w.. 

Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 180 mg FU/kg b.w.. FU used in these experiments was pure, i.e. 

free from degradation compounds that can be precursors of FAC. The levels of FAC found in perfusates or 

in rat urine were low: 0.14% and 0.05% of injected FU for 15 and 45 mg FU/kg respectively in perfusates 

and 0.006% in rat urine. However, FAC cumulation can occur and might be responsible for the cardiotoxic 

and/or neurotoxic symptoms. 

Arellano, M., Malet-Martino, M., Martino, R., and Spector, T. (1997). 5-Ethynyluracil (GW776) : effects 

on the formation of the toxic catabolites of 5-fluorouracil, fluoroacetate and fluorohydroxypropionic acid in 

the isolated perfused rat liver model. British journal of cancer 76, 1170-1180. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology/metabolism 

7


Appendix C 

Arellano, M., Malet-Martino, M., Martino, R., and Gires, P. (1998). The anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil is 

metabolized by the isolated perfused rat liver and in rats into highly toxic fluoroacetate. British journal of 

cancer 77, 79-86. 

Keywords: mode of action/NMR/metabolism/humans/5fluorouracil/fluoroacetate/liver/rats/analysis/urine/poison/degradation 

Abstract: We report the first demonstration of the biotransformation of the anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil 

(FU) into two new metabolites, alpha-fluoro-beta-hydroxypropionic acid (FHPA) and fluoroacetate (FAG), 

in the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) and in the rat in vivo. IPRL was perfused with solutions of pure FU 

at two doses, 15 or 45 mg kg(-1) body weight, and rats were injected i.p. with 180 mg of FU kg(-1) body 

weight. Fluorine-19 NMR analysis of perfusates from IPRL and rat urine showed the presence of the 

normal metabolites of FU and low amounts of FHPA (0.4% or 0.1% of injected FU in perfusates from 

IPRL treated with 15 or 45 mg of FU kg(-1) body weight, respectively; 0.08% of the injected FU in rat 

urine) and FAC (0.1% or 0.03% of injected FU in perfusates from IPRL treated with 15 or 45 mg of FU 

kg(-1) body weight, respectively; 0.003% of the injected FU in rat urine). IPRL was also perfused with a 

solution of alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL) hydrochloride at 16.6 mg kg(-1) body weight dose equivalent 

to 15 mg of FU kg(-1) body weight. Low amounts of FHPA (0.2% of injected FBAL) and FAC (0.07%) 

were detected in perfusates, thus demonstrating that FHPA and FAC arise from FBAL catabolism. As FAC 

is a well-known cardiotoxic poison, and FHPA is also cardiotoxic at high doses, the cardiotoxicity of FU 

might stem from at least two sources. The first one, established in previous papers (Lemaire et al, 1992, 

1994), is the presence in commercial solutions of FU of degradation products of FU that are metabolized 

into FHPA and FAG; these are formed over time in the basic medium necessary to dissolve the drug. The 

second, demonstrated in the present study, is the metabolism of FU itself into the same compounds. 

Arrovaye, C. Pers. comm. 2004. 

Ref Type: Personal Communication 

Keywords: humans/poisoning/treatment 

Abstract: Thank you for your information. 

I want to say to you that compound 1080 is the 3rd cause of intoxication in 

Antioquia, Colombia, after the medicaments and organophosphates. We treat 

this intoxication with etanol with good results but we have problems with 

the determination in laboratory because is difficult, that is the reason for 

what we haven`t published it. Last year we had 20 patiens with this 

intoxication in an Universitary Hospital. 

We can be in contact. 

Mi address is: Cra.94 No.38-275 Apto204 Medellín, Colombia. 

Thank you very much. 

Artyushkova, V. A. and Timeyko, V. N. (1982). [Effect of sodium fluoroacetate on oxygen consumption in 

liver and skeletal muscles of rats and cats]. Vopr.Med.Khim. 28, 77-81. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/liver/muscle/rats 

Abstract: Endogenous respiration in cat liver tissue homgenates decreased 5 hrs after intraperitoneal 

administration of sodium fluoroacetate at a dose of 0.35 mg/kg. In rats the endogenous liver tissue 

respiration was unaltered even after the intraperitoneal administration of the compound at a dose of 5 

mg/kg. At the same time, the endogenous respiration was inhibited in rat skeletal muscle homogenates 

within 5 hrs after the intoxication but it was not altered in the cat skeletal muscles. In vitro sodium 

fluoroacetate inhibited respiration in the homogentaes of cat and rat skeletal muscles and of cat liver tissue 

and did not affect the respiration in rat liver homogenates. Pyruvate protected completely the cat and rat 

skeletal muscle preparations and partially cat liver tissue against the fluoroacetate effect in vivo. 

Ashok, A., Gurinderjit, K., Mehrotra, R. S., Aggarwal, A., and Kaur, G. (1986). Effect of certain metabolic 

inhibitors on growth and respiration of Phytophthora colocasiae Racib. Indian Botanical Reporter 5, 119- 

122. 

8


Appendix C 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoride 

Abstract: In lab. tests sodium azide, mercuric chloride, sodium fluoroacetate, sodium malonate, methylene 

blue and sodium fluoride inhibited respiration and mycelial growth of P. colocasiae on Colocasia esculenta 

Aspin, P., Stringer, I., and Potter, M. Invertebrate abundance in pitfall traps before and after aerial sowing 

and bait station presentations of 1080. Ecological consequences of poisons used for mammalian pest 

control, meeting Christchurch 9-10 July 1998 , -17. 1999. 

Ref Type: Abstract 

Keywords: 1080/invertebrates/non-target species/ground control/aerial control 

Ataria, J. M., Eason, C. T., Norris, B., Temple, W., Hope, A., and Smith, N. A. (1995). Evaluation of 1080 

antidotes. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: treatment/1080 

Abstract: Objectives : To identify potential antidotes for 1080 poisoning from the literature on the 

pharmacology of 1080 and its metabolites; to provide a synopsis of a survey of current veterinary practices 

for the treatment of animals suffering from 1080 poisoning; to confirm citrate and calcium concentrtaions 

and aconitrtae hydratase activity as biochemical markers of 1080 poisoning; to evaluate potentail antidotes. 

Conclusions : Citrate concentration is a reliable biomarker of 1080 poisoning; ionised calcium is not; 

acetamide shows prophylactic properties at the clinical level; in contrast, glyceraol monoacetate does not 

reduce 1080-induced biochemical changes in citrate; 

Ataria, J. M., Wickstrom, M. L., Arthur, D., and Eason, C. T. (2000). Biochemical and histopathological 

changes induced by sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in mallard ducks. Proceedings of the New Zealand 

Plant Protection Conference 53, 293-298. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/pathology/persistence in 

animals/1080/poisoning/blood/cardiac/serum/citrate/inhibition/Krebs cycle/enzyme/muscle/sublethal 

effects 

Abstract: Public concern over inadvertent kills of native birds following largescale aerial poisoning 

operations for possum has highlighted deficiencies in information concerning the effects of 1080 on 

nontarget species. In this study biochemical and histopathological changes were measured in adult male 

mallard ducks (Anas playtrynchos) dosed orally with 1080. The toxin was quickly absorbed into the blood 

and distributed to the cardiac tissue. The time taken to reach maximum 1080 concentrations in these tissues 

corresponded closely with the onset of clinical signs of toxicosis. Tissue and serum citrate accumulation is 

a direct result of 1080 induced inhibition of the Krebs Cycle enzyme aconitate hydratase. 

Histopathological lesions indicated that skeletal muscle was a target organ for 1080 induced damage in 

birds. Dose dependent increases in serum ceratinine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 

were consistent with extensive muscle necrosis. Skeletal muscle may be a unique avian specific target 

organ for 1080. 

Atzert, S. P. (1971). A review of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) : its properties, toxicology, 

and use in predator and rodent control. (United States Department of the Interior.Bureau of Sport Fisheries 

and Wildlife: Washington,DC.) 

Keywords: product chemistry/acute toxicity/field efficacy/metabolism/mode of 

action/diagnosis/treatment/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/secondary poisoning/non-target 

species/pathology/1080/pigs 

Abstract: The purpose of this monograph is to summarize current information on sodium 

monofluoroacetate, to review use patterns, and to provide a base for further studies. 

Au, K. G. and Walsh, C. T (1984). Stereochemical studies on a plasmid-encoded fluoroacetate 

halidohyrolase. Bioorganic Chemistry 12, 197-205. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/analysis/NMR/bacteria/degradation/enzyme 

Abstract: The stereochemical course of action of haloacetate halidohydrolase H-1 from Pseudomonas sp., 

strain A, which catalyses the dehalogenation of fluoroacetate to glycolate, has been determined by 

enzymatic analysis of products from incubations with both enantiomers and 2-fluoroproprionate and by 1H 

NMR analysis of the ester of (-)-alpha-methoxy-alpha(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid with phenacyl 

glycolate derived from the product of incubation with the (s)-monodeuterofluoroacetate. 

9


Appendix C 

Aulerich, R. J., Ringer, R. K., and Safronoff, J. (1987). Primary and secondary toxicity of warfarin, sodium 

monofluoroacetate. and methyl parathion in mink. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology 

16, 357-366. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/secondary poisoning/mammals/non-target species/sodium monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: The primary and secondary toxicity of warfarin, sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080), 

and methyl parathion were assessed in the mink, a representative surrogate mammalian wildlife carnivore. 

In a 28-day test, a LC50 value for mink fed warfarin per se (primary toxicity) was calculated to be 11.7 

ppm (mg/kg) with a 95% confidence interval of 9.2 to 15.0 ppm (mg/kg) and a slope of 2.03. Feeding mink 

warfarin-contaminated rabbit (minus digestive tract contents) incorporated into diets to provide warfarin 

residue levels equivalent to the warfarin concentrations fed in the LC50 primary toxicity test did not 

produce secondary toxicity, suggesting that warfarin may be readily bound and/or metabolized into non-, or 

less toxic metabolites by the primary consumer. Toxic residues of 1080 for mink (as in secondary toxicity) 

were not produced in rabbits fed a lethal dose of this compound when the gastrointestinal tract contents 

were removed from the rabbit carcasses. These results suggested that reports of secondary toxicity from 

1080 may be primarily due to consumption of the unmetabolized compound from the gut of the prey 

species. 

Bachelard, H. (1998). Landmarks in the application of C 13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy to studies of 

neuronal/glial relationships. Developmental neuroscience 20, 277-288. 

Keywords: mode of action/NMR/metabolism 

Backholer, J. R. Reference Information on the toxicity of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080). 

1980. Victoria, Vermin and Noxoius Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080 

Bacq, Z. M., Fischer, P., Herve, A., Liebecq, C., and Liebecq-Hutter, S. (1958). Sodium fluoroacetate as a 

protecting agent against irradation. Nature 182, 175-176. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/mode of action 

Bacq, Z. M. and Liebecq-Hutter, S. (1960). Protection against irradiation afforded by sodium fluoroacetate. 

Radiation Research 13, 286-297. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/citric acid/metabolism/liver/rats/citrate/rodents 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate injected into mice at a dose of 4 to 5 mg/kg, 5 hours before irradiation, 

reduced the mortality produced by 650 to 675 r of whole-body X-irradiation. The high levels of citric acid 

in the tissues of the poisoned animals returned to normal within 24 hours if 675 r of X-rays were given 5 

hours after 5 mg/kg of sodium fluoroacetate, whereas 48 hours were required in the case on non-irradiated 

control mice. Thus, X-rays interfered with the metabolism of citric acid in the tissues of the mouse as in the 

tissues of the rat. The liver of the mouse, however, did not behave like the liver of the rat. In contrast to 

rats, male mice injected with sodium fluoroacetate accumulated citrate in their livers, whereas females did 

not; whole-body irradiation reduced the level of accumulated citrate in the liver as it did in tissues of the 

mouse. The injection of sodium fluoroacetate produced a prolonged hypothermia. It is suggested that the 

fluoroacetate-induced accumualtion of citrate protects the animals by complexing magnesium ions 

necessary for DNase activity. 

Balcomb, R., Bowen, C. A., and Williamson, H. O. (1983). Acute and sublethal effects of 1080 on 

starlings. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 31, 692-698. 

Keywords: 1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/birds/reproductive effects/testes/sublethal effects 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is highly toxic to mammals and has been used 

widely for control of rodents and mammalian predators. In 1972 many uses of 1080 were cancelled, due, in 

part to mortalities that were reported among non-target animals. Though 1080 baits and dead poisoned 

animals may be available to birds during avain breeding periods we are unaware of any investigation of 

long-term exposure in birds or possible effects on avian reproduction. Such studies are of particular interest 

as testing with rats has shown testicular lesions and atrophy resulting from sublethal 1080 exposure. Our 

study was undertaken to investigate the short-term acute and long-term sublethal effects of 1080 on 

European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) with emphasis on testicular morphology. Starlings fed 1080 showed 

10


Appendix C 

roughly 14% less testis weight development than controls but the difference was not statistically 

significant. This result suggests a substantial difference in the sensitivity between birds and mammals as 

testing with rats at a lower dosage for a shorter period resulted in significant reductions in testes weights 

and pronounced morphological lesions. 

Ballard, C. L. and Hyde, P. M (1967). Effect of insulin on blood glucose and corticosteroid levels in 

sodium fluoroacetate induced diabetes. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 

124, 317-320. 

Keywords: blood/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/metabolism 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (SFA) has been shown to produce hyperglycemia and ketonemia in the rat. 

Although this SFA-induced diabetes has been described as being partially insensitive to insulin by Engel et 

al., a significant insulin effect has been demonstrated. Karam and Grodskey reported that greater than 

normal amounts of insulin were present in the pancreatic tissue of the SFA-treated animal. The present 

study was designed to investigate the effect of exogenous insulin in reducing blood glucose levels in 

control and SFA-induced hyperglycemic rats. In addition, the effects of SFA and insulin on the levels of 

circulating corticosteroid were determined. The hyperglycemia produced by SFA can be significantly 

reduced by small amounts of insulin. The very levels of plasma corticosteroid found to occur following 

treatment with SFA can be transiently increased by the administration of insulin. These high levels are 

thought to be due to a SFA induced decrease in the hepatic inactivation of the adrenal hormone. 

Bamford, J. (1970). Evaluating opossum poisoning operations by interference with non-toxic bait. 

Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society 17, 118-125. 

Keywords: poisoning 

Abstract: From eight trials made during 1967-69 a technique was developed for estimating the reduction, 

by poisoning, of opossums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from the extent of interference with non-toxic flourpaste 

baits. The model assumes that opossums do not, through experience and learning, search for other 

baits close by. 

The trial data showed that contagion, an increase in levels of bait interference from night to night and very 

high acceptance levels were a consequence of baits having been preferentially placed on open ridges and 

spaced too closely. 

Manipulation of baits on randomly-located lines showed that if baits were spaced 40 yards apart and lines 

were at least 200 yards apart there was little evidence of contagion. 

Procedures are given for using interference levels from poisoned areas and untreated control areas to 

estimate kills. 

Banat, I. M., Lindstrom, E. B., Nedwell, D. B., and Balba, M. T. (1981). Evidence for coexistence of two 

distinct functional groups of sulfate-reducing bacteria in salt marsh sediment. Applied and environmental 

microbiology 42, 985-992. 

Keywords: bacteria/acetate/fluoroacetate/metabolism/inhibition/toxicity 

Abstract: Oxidation of acetate in salt marsh sediment was inhibited by the addition of fluoroacetate, and 

also by the addition of molybdate, an inhibitor of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Molybdate had no effect upon 

the metabolism of acetate in a freshwater sediment in the absence of sulfate. The inhibitory effect of 

molybdate on acetate turnover in the marine sediment was attributed to inhibition of sulfate-reducing 

bacteria which oxidized acetate to carbon dioxide. Sulfide was not recovered from sediment in the presence 

of molybdate, but sulfide was recovered quantitatively even in the presence of molybdate by the addition of 

the strong reducing agent titanium chloride before acidification of the sediment. Reduction of sulfate to 

sulfide by the sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sediment was only partially inhibited by fluoroacetate, but 

was completely inhibited by molybdate addition. This was interpreted as showing the presence of two 

functional groups of sulfate-reducing bacteria - one group oxidizing acetate, and another group probably 

oxidizing hydrogen 

Barasa, A., Godina, G., Buffa, P., and Pasquali-Rochetti, I. (1973). Biochemical lesions of respiratory 

enzymes and configurational changes of mitochondria in vivo. I. The effect of fluoroacetate: a study by 

phase-contrast microscopy and time-lapse cinemicrography. Zeitschrift fuer Zellforschung und 

Mikroskopische Anatomie 138, 187-210. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology/biochemistry/heart/fluoroacetate/inhibition 

11


Appendix C 

Abstract: Chick embro heart fragments in primary hangingdrop culture were treated with sodium 

fluroacetate to induce inhibition of aconitate hydratase, a mitochondrial enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid 

cycle. The mitochondria were analyzed in the living myoblasts by phasecontrast timelapse 

cinemicrography. The results were recorded in 1 16 mm film. After 2030 minutes contact of the cells with 

the inhibitor some mitochondrion became thickened and swollen. The swelling was polymorphous, 

asynchronous and reversible; the name mitochondrion could swell and shrink many times. Some 

mitochondria seemed not to respond to fluroacetate and remained rodlike. Mitochondria appeared the only 

cell components to be morphologically affected by fluroacetate and the changes were specifically caused by 

the inhibitor. The type of mitochondrial swelling differed from the largeamplitude inspirationdependent 

swelling of the isolated mitochondria in vitro and from the configurational changes of isolated 

mitochondria associated with the respiratory states. The evidence pointed to specific connection between 

the biochemical lesion caused by fluroacetate and the configurational changes of the mitochondria. The 

mitochondrial swelling as to a large extent revered by washing the cultures with Tyrode physiological 

saline solution and the reversal was further accentuated by incubation of the cultures in fresh nutrient 

medium. 

Barnett, M. L. J., Batcheler, C. L., and Lambert, R. E. Investigations into the use of natural baits and 

compound 1080 for poisoning deer. 75, 1-12. 1970. Rangiora, Forest & Range Experiment Station. 

Protection Forestry Branch Report No. 75. 


Keywords: baits/1080/poisoning/deer 

Abstract: Poisoning of natural baits with 1080 powder dissolved in an adhesive is effective for killing deer 

in an area of high rainfall and dense vegetation, where conventional methods of control have met with 

limited success in in recent years. Experiments showed that natural baits treated with the adhesive were 

fairly readily accepted by deer. 

Barnett, S. A. and Spencer, M. M. (1949). Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) as a rat poison. The Journal of 

Hygiene 47, 426-430. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning/rats/birds/poisons/efficacy 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) has been tested in the field as a poison for Rattus norvegicus and R. 

rattus. Direct poisoning (without prebaiting) was used in thirteen tests on R. norvegicus. In eight of these 

tests censuses showed kills of at least 89%; in three tests the poison failed, and in two the results were 

equivocal. Of three similar tests against R. rattus two were successful and one was a failure. Six tests of 

1080 after prebaiting gave five successes (including one against R. rattus) and one in which the estimated 

kill was about 82%. In five out of six tests populations of R. norvegicus which had survived baiting with 

1080 showed shyness (refusal) of the poison when it was given in a new bait base. The LD50 of 1080 for a 

strain of white rats was found to be 3.8 mg/kg (approx. range 2.8-5.2). A number of wild birds and some 

domestic aniamls were accidentally killed during the tests despite stringent precautions taken in laying the 

bait and in warning occupiers. It is concluded that (a) although 1080 is probably more effective in direct 

poisoning than other poisons used in the past, it does not give as consistent results as the standard poisons 

do after prebaiting; (b) 1080 is too dangerous for general use. 

Baron, M. L., Bothroyd, C. M., Rogers, G. I., Staffa, A., and Rae, I. D. (1987). Detection and measurement 

of fluoroacetate in plant extracts by 19 F NMR. Phytochemistry 26, 2293-2295. 

Keywords: NMR 

Abstract: Examination of extracts from seeds and foliage of several species known to contain fluoroacetate, 

using 19FNMR spectroscopu, has shown the presence of the characteristic FCH2-signal in most of them 

and enabled quantitative determiniation of their fluoroacetate contect. No other fluorine-containing plant 

metabolites were detected; fluoroacetate was not detected in the extracts of several non-toxic species. The 

limit of detection is estimated to be ca 4 Fg/g. 

Barry, T. N., Blaney, B. J., Hacker, J. B., and Ternouth, J. H. (1987). Secondary compounds of forages. 

(Academic Press; London; UK: 

Keywords: chemistry/cyanide/fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: This review is divided into sections each dealing with representatives of a separate group of 

compounds. Within each section, sub-sections describe the chemistry of the compound(s), factors affecting 

12


Appendix C 

their concentration in plants, and the effect of the secondary compound(s) upon animals and upon forage 

nutritive value. Secondary compounds may be either toxic to animals (e.g. cyanide, nitrate and 

fluoroacetate), cause sub-clinical losses in productivity, (e.g. some mycotoxins and high concentrations of 

condensed tannins), increase nutritive value (e.g. low concentrations of condensed tannins), reduce mineral 

availability (e.g. oxalate) or improve plant persistency (e.g. peramine). The important groups of secondary 

compounds are listed in a table, together with appropriate references 

Bartlett, G. R. and Barron, E. S. G. (1947). The effect of fluoroacetate on enzymes and on tissue 

metabolism. Journal of biological chemistry 170, 67. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/enzyme/metabolism 

Baselt, R. C. (2000). Fluoroacetate. In 'Disposition of toxic drugs and chemicals in man. 5th ed'. (Ed. R. C. 

Baselt.) pp. 365-367. (Chemical Toxicology Institute: Foster City.) 

Keywords: metabolism/acute toxicity/mode of action/liquid chromatography/fluoroacetate 

Basson, P. A., Norval, A. G., Hofmeyr, J. M., Ebedes, H., and Schultz, R. A. (1982). Antelope and 

poisonous plants: 1. Gifblaar Dichapetalum cymosum containing monofluoroacetate. Madoqua 13, 59-70. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/goats/stomach/poisoning/liver/lethal dose/pathology/heart 

Abstract: Ten tame eland (Taurotragus oryx), 4 kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), 2 gemsbok (Oryx gazella), 

6 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) and 33 domestic goats were drenched by stomach tube with extracts 

of the poisonous plant gifblaar (Dichapetalum cymosum) (Hooker) Engler and Prantl (= D. venenatum 

Engler and Gilg). Semi-quantitative analyses of the monofluoroacetate (MFA) content of the leaves were 

conducted at regular intervals and the proven lethal (about LD-100) caprine dose was found to be 

equivalent to 1.01-1.60 mg/kg MFA. Eland and kudu only succumbed at high dosage levels of 6-8 mg/kg 

MFA and proved to be much less susceptible to gifblaar poisoning than goats. Springbok and gemsbok 

were as susceptible as goats, although confirmation is needed in gemsbok to eliminate possible interaction 

between the immobilizing drugs used and MFA. During separate voluntary intake trials, eland ate limited 

offerings of both low and highly toxic stages of gifblaar. At these dosages they showed no ill effects. Kudu 

on the other hand were more cautious and intake was minimal. The lesions caused by gifblaar are 

described. A few macroscopic lesions observed in some of the animals have not been recorded previously. 

These include: edema and hemorrhages of the gall bladder with occasional blood-stained bile; edema of the 

abomasum, periportal area of the liver, pancreas and pulmonary valves; adrenal hemorrhages and petechiae 

in the urinary bladder. Histopathological changes were described in various organs such as the myocardium 

where replacement fibrosis became evident in animals which survived for 2 or more days 

Batcheler, C. L. Compound 1080, its properties, effectiveness, dangers, and use. Forest Research Institute. 

14-17. 1978. Wellington, New Zealand Forest Service. 


Keywords: 1080/aquatic species/fish 

Batcheler, C. L. (1982). Quantifying "bait quality" from number of random encounters required to kill a 

pest. New Zealand journal of ecology 5, 129-139. 

Keywords: possums/field efficacy/baits/carrot 

Batcheler, C. L. and Challies, C. N. (1988). Loss of compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) from 

Carbopol gel smeared on foliage to poison deer. New Zealand journal of forestry science 18, 109-115. 

Keywords: 1080/bait degradation/baits/deer/monofluoroacetate/poison/sodium monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) in a gel carrier was applied to the leaves of 

broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis Raoul) baits (cuttings) to poison deer. In two trials on Stewart Island, (New 

Zealand) assays for F- showed that the poison disappeared during rain, 90% being lost in 207 mm of rain 

and 81 mm of rain in the respective trials. In one trial significant losses of Compound 1080 also resulted 

from biodegradation in storage. Baits set to kill deer were sampled after 0, 15, 30, and 45 days of 

weathering. Only 10% of the treated leaves retained toxic gel after 45 days. About 1.4% of the Compound 

1080 was lost from the leaves per millimetre of rainfall. This rate was similar to loss rates for Compound 

1080 from other baits commonly used in animal control operations. 

13


Appendix C 

Bauermeister, A., Thompson, C. J., and Nimmo, I. A. (1977). The susceptibility of rainbow trout to 

fluoroacetate. Biochemical Society transactions 5, 304-306. 

Keywords: aquatic species/non-target species 

Abstract: Certain poikilothermic animals are resistant to fluoroacetate. Since no-one seems to know how 

they tolerate fluoroacetate, we have examined some of its effects on the Rainbow trout, and for comparsion, 

on the albino rat. Comparison of the LD50 values for fluoroacetate with the concentrations of it which 

inhibit hepatic respiration suggests that in neither species is the liver the critical organ. Nevertheless, it is 

tempting to speculate that trout are relatively immune to fluoroacetate, partly because their aconitrate 

hydratase is only poorly inhibited by fluorocitate, and partly because their low body temperature further 

diminishes the potency of this inhibitor. 

Beard, C. E., Hefford, M. A., Forster, R. J., Sontakke, S., Teather, R. M., and Gregg, K. (1995). A stable 

and efficient transformation system for Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens OB156. Current Microbiology 30, 105- 

109. 

Keywords: resistance 

Abstract: A 9.5-kb shuttle vector capable of replication and selection in both Esherichia coli and 

Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens was constructed. Plasmid pUC118 provided replication functions and ampicillin 

resistance selection in E. coli. In B. fibrisolvens, replication was controlled by the native plasmid pRJF1 

from strain OB156, and selectability was provided by a 3.5-kb fragment of plasmid pAMβ1 containing the 

erythromycin gene. Optimum conditions for transformation were 15 kV/cm, 2 hr recovery, and plating in 

an agar overlay on medium containing 10 µg erythromycin/ml. Maximum efficiency was 1.1 x 10 5 

transformants per µg plasmid DNA (average 3 x 10 4 ), and restriction mechanisms reduced efficiency by a 

factor of 2 x 10 2 . Nonselective growth for 200 generations gave no measurable loss of plasmid. 

Beasley, M. (1996). 1080 - overview of toxicology issues. In 'Improving conventional control of possums : 

proceedings of a workshop organised by the Possum and Bovine Tuberculosis Control National Science 

Strategy Committee, 25-26 October 1995, Wellington'. pp. 15-17. (Royal Society of New Zealand: 

Wellington.) 

Keywords: occupational exposure/1080/possums 

Abstract: This paper reviews the health issues concerning the continued use of 1080 

Beasley, V. R., Dorman, D. C., Fikes, J. D., Diana, S. G., and Woshner, V. (1997). Fluoroacetate - 1080. In 

'A systems affected approach to veterinary toxicology : reference notes for Toxicology VB 320'. pp. 98- 

102. (University of Illinois, Dept. of Veterinary Biosciences: Urbana.) 

Keywords: metabolism/acute toxicity/diagnosis/treatment/1080/pathology 

Abstract: Brief notes on the sources, mechanism, toxicity, signs, clinical pathology, lesions, diagnosis and 

treatment. 

Beggs, J. R., Toft, R. J., Malham, J. P., Rees, J. S., Tilley, J. A. V., Moller, H., and Alspach, P. (1998). The 

difficulty of reducing introduced wasp (Vespula vulgaris) populations for conservation gains. New Zealand 

journal of ecology 22, 55-63. 

Keywords: birds/invertebrates/wasps/poisons/poison/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/poisoning 

Abstract: Vespula vulgaris are widespread, abundant pests in New Zealand. They compete for food with 

native birds and feed on native invertebrates. The authors poisoned wasps annually over 4 years (1991-95) 

to see if it was possible to reduce their abundance in two 30-ha beech (Nothofagus) forest sites near Lake 

Rotoroa. Two different poisons (sodium monofluoroacetate [sodium fluoroacetate] and sulfluramid) were 

used, mixed with sardine cat food. There was no evidence that one poison was more effective than the 

other. Between 82 and 100% of the colonies were killed in the poisoned sites, but reinvasion by foraging 

workers meant that cumulative wasp biomass (measured using Malaise traps) was reduced by only 55-70%. 

Individual wasps were about 16% heavier in the poisoned sites at the peak of the wasp season (March) than 

in the non-poisoned sites, although this had a minimal effect on cumulative biomass over the entire season. 

Conservation gains need to be quantified in order to assess whether the expense of such poisoning 

operations is warranted 

14


Appendix C 

Belcher, C. A. (1998). Susceptibility of the tiger quoll, Dasyurus maculatus, and the eastern quoll, D. 

viverrinus, to 1080-poisoned baits in control programmes for vertebrate pests in eastern Australia. Wildlife 

research 25, 33-40. 

Keywords: baits/marsupials/non-target species 

Bell, A. T., Newton, L. G., Everist, S. L., and Legg, J. (1955). Acacia georginae poisoning of cattle and 

sheep. The Australian Veterinary Journal 249-257. 

Keywords: poisoning/occurrence in nature/livestock 

Bell, J. (1972). The acute toxicity of four common poisons to the opossum Trichosurus vulpecula. New 

Zealand veterinary journal 20, 213-214. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/strychnine/rabbits/secondary poisoning/cyanide/arsenic 

Abstract: Although a number of poisons are used for the destruction of opossums, Trichosurus vulpecula 

(Kerr), very little information on their acute toxic effects is available. A study of the toxicity of four 

poisons was therefore undertaken. Two of these compounds, sodium monofluoroacetate and sodium 

cyanide, are used as toxins against opossums in New Zealand, and others, arsenic trioxide and strychnine 

alkaloid, are used for the destruction of rabbits. Arsenic trioxide and strychnine were suggested as 

replacements for sodium monofluoroacetate and sodium monofluoroacetate and sodium cyanide by the 

Rabbit Destruction Council (pers. comm.). They suggested strychnine as a substitute for cyanide to 

overcome poison shyness and arsenic as a substitute for sodium monofluoroacetate to circumvent the 

danger of secondary poisoning to farmers dogs. 

The investigation determined the oral toxicity of these poisons and comments on the suitability of arsenic 

trioxide and strychnine as substitutes. 

Benitez, D., Pscheidt, G. R., and Stone, W. E. (1954). Formation of ammonium ion in the cerebrum in 

fluoroacetate poisoning. American journal of physiology 176, 488-492. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology 

Abstract: A study was made of the ammonium ion and glutamine in the cerbrum during the course of 

fluoracetate poisoning in dogs. 

Bennett, L. W., Miller, G. W., Yu, M. H., and Lynn, R. I. (1983). Production of fluoroacetate by callus 

tissue from leaves of Acacia georginae. Fluoride 16, 111-117. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fluoride/inhibition/occurrence in nature/persistence in plants 

Abstract: Callus cultures of A. georginae were initiated from leaf discs from young leaves. Growth of callus 

was slow but predictable with tissue volume up to 2.2 cm-3 being formed. Fluoride concentrations up to 80 

ppm in the medium produced no adverse effect on callus growth. Reversible growth inhibition occurred at 

160 ppm; apparent death occurred at higher concentrations. Fluoroacetate was detected by gas 

chroamtography in the callus treated with 40, 80 and 160 ppm fluoride 

Bentley, E. W., Alabaster, J. S., and Taylor, E. J. (1958). The use of sodium fluoroacetate against rats living 

in sewers discharging into natural waters. Sanitarian London 1966. 

Keywords: aquatic species/fish/toxicity/1080 

Bentley, E. W., Hammond, L. E., Bathard, A. H., and Greaves, J. H. (1961). Sodium fluoroacetate and 

fluoroacetamide as 'direct' poisons for the control of rats in sewers. Journal of Hygiene, Cambridge 59, 

413-417. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/poisons/rats/zinc 

phosphide/poisoning/efficacy/treatment 

Abstract: Field trials suggest that 3-monthly operations against rats in sewers using either 0.25% sodium 

fluoroacetate or 2% fluroacetamide as a direct poison are more effective than 6-monthly treatments with 

2.5% zinc phosphide or 10% arsenious oxide using the pre-baiting method. In six paired trials 2% 

fluoroacetamide gave better results (an apparent 100% clearance in 5 instances) than 0.25% sodium 

fluoroacetate. There is no evidence, at present, that direct poisoning treatments with 2% fluoroacetamide or 

0.25% sodium fluoroacetate are improved by the addition of mould inhibiting substances to the bait. 

15


Appendix C 

Berends, A. G., Keetelaar-Jansen, W. A. J., and Van Dijk, N. R. M. A comparison of the toxicity of sodium 

trifluoroacetate, sodium monofluoroacetate and sodium fluoride to the alga Scenedesmus subspicatus . 

56835/61/94. 1994. Washington DC USA, AFEAS. Alternative Fluorocarbons Environmental 

Acceptability Study Final Report. 


Keywords: algae/toxicity/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/fluoride 

Berends, A. G., Boutonnet, J. C., de Rooij, C. G., and Thompson, R. S. (1999). Toxicity of trifluoroacetate 

to aquatic organisms. Environmental toxicology and chemistry 18, 1053-1059. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/aquatic species/acute toxicity/algae 

Berg-Johnsen, J, Paulsen, R. E., Fonnum, F., and Langmoen, L. A. (1993). Changes in evoked potentials 

and amino acid content during fluorocitrate action studied in rat hippocampal cortex. Experimental brain 

research 96, 241-246. 

Keywords: mode of action 

Abstract: Fluorocitrate inhibits the glial tricarboxylic acid cycle and thereby the synthesis of glutamine, 

which is the main precursor for transmitter glutamate. We investigated the possibility that there is a 

functional correlate to fluorocitrate action by recording evoked field potentials in rat hippocampal slices. 

The excitatory postsynaptic potential (field-EPSP) was markedly depressed after 7-8 h of fluorocitrate 

action. The population spike was also reduced, but a major part of the reduction may be the result of 

weaker synaptic activation rather than reduced excitability of the postsynaptic cells. The activity of thin 

unmyelinated fibres was only slightly affected. Preceding the changes in the field-EPSP there was a 

decrease in the glutamine content in the fluorocitrate treated slices relative to controls. Only a small 

decrease in tissue glutamate was seen concomitantly with the synaptic failure, probably because the 

transmitter pool of glutamate in those fibres stimulated makes little contribution to the total tissue 

glutamate. 

Bergmann, F. and Shimoni, A. (1953). The enzymic hydrolysis of alkyl fluoroacetates and related 

compounds. Biochemical journal 55, 50-57. 

Keywords: product chemistry 

Bester, M. N., Bloomer, J. P., Bartlett, P. A., Muller, D. D., van Rooyen, M., and Buchner, H. (2000). Final 

eradication of feral cats from sub-Antarctic Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean. South African Journal of 

Wildlife Research 30, 53-57. 

Keywords: cats/poisoning/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/field efficacy 

Abstract: The last stages of the eradication of feral domestic cats Felis catus from sub-Antarctic Marion 

Island are described. After four seasons of hunting, intensive gin-trapping from 1990 and poisoning with 

sodium monofluoroacetate from 1991 were incorporated into the eradication campaign. Hunting became 

totally ineffective at low densities, while trapping became more effective. Poisoning was added to rid the 

island of any remaining cats. The last live cat was sighted and shot in January 1991, while the last cat 

trapped in July 1991. No sign of cats has been seen on the island in the subsequent eight years, and it is 

stated with complete confidence that feral house cats have finally been eradicated from Marion Island. 

Beveridge, A. E., Smale, M. C., and Holzapfel, A. S. Ecology and management of Pureora Forest Park. 

Conservation Science Advisory Notes 282. 2000. Wellington, Department of Conservation. 


Bieleski, R. (2002). The 1080 Plant. New Zealand Garden Journal 5, 2-3. 

Keywords: 1080/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: At the moment, there is a lot of interest and a fiery debate about the use of 1080 in controlling 

possums. Interestingly, there are environmentalists on both sides of the debate. The 'antis' argue that 1080 

poisons our environment, while the 'pros' argue that its use greatly reduces possum damage, and allows 

recovery of our native vegetation from the drastic effects of introduced animals. Unfortunately, the debate 

is being muddled by claims that are not based on any concrete evidence or even contradicted by wellestablished 

knowledge. Perhaps the biggest confusion relates to the nature and use of the bait (the stuff the 

poison is carried in) versus the nature of the poison itself. Many of the concerns about use of 1080 are 

16


Appendix C 

essentially about the form of the bait and the way that the bait is distributed, so that other poisons used in 

the same ways would present the same problems. Largely neglected in the public debate is the nature of the 

poison itself, particularly in relation to its status as a natural plant product, rather than being some unnatural 

creation of unethical chemists. 

Blake, P. G. and Tomlinson, A. D. (1971). Thermal decomposition of fluoroacetic acid. Journal of the 

Chemical Society (B) 1596-1597. 

Keywords: bait degradation/chemistry/temperature 

Abstract: Thermal decomposition of gaseous fluoroacetic acid in silica at 295 - 283° C gives carbon 

monoxide, formaldehyde carbon dioxide, silicon tetrafluoride and fluoroacetyl fluoride as main products. 

Elimination of hydrogen fluoride appears to be the initial step in decomposition, followed mainly by 

formation of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. 

Blok, J. (1975). Methods for measurement of biodegradability of chemical compounds. Int.Biodetn.Bull. 

11, 78-84. 

Abstract: This survey aims at promoting the standardization of methods for determing biodegradability. 

The most important problems met in biodegradation research concern adaptation, toxicity, non-biotic 

eliminations and analytical restrictions. Consequent rules and recommendations can be devided into two 

groups, viz one group aiming at adaptation and another group at obtaining reliable measurements. From a 

classification of frequently used methods it appears that there are only two clearly different groups of 

methods which show a great many small differences. Adjustment of well known methods to the proposed 

rules and recommendations calls for an adaption procedure followed by a procedure for measurements. 

Blomquist, G. J., Halarnkar, P. P., and Dwyer, L. A. (1985). Proprionate and methyl malonate metabolism 

in insects. In 'Bioregulators for pest control'. (Ed. P. A. Hedin.) pp. 245-253. (American Chemical Society: 

Washington DC USA.) 

Keywords: metabolism/invertebrates/fluoroacetate/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Sources of propionate and methylmalonate and their use as substrates for juvenile hormone and 

methyl branched hydrocarbon biosynthesis in insects are reviewed. An unusual pathway for propionate 

metabolism has been shown to occur in insects and it may be related to the absence or low levels of vitamin 

B12 found in many species. This pathway suggested the possibility that 2-fluoropropionate might be 

selectively metabolized in insects to the toxic 2-fluoroacetate. However, 2-fluoropropionate was not toxic 

to Musca domestica or Periplaneta americana, presumably because it was not metabolized to 2fluoroacetate 

rapidly enough. Nevertheless, it is suggested that exloitation of unique metabolic pathways in 

insects offers the potential for novel control techniques. 

Boink, A. B. T. J., Wemer, J., Meulenbelt, J., Vaessen, H. A. M. G., and de Wildt, D. J. (1994). The 

mechanism of fluoride-induced hypocalcaemia. Human & Experimental Toxicology 13, 149-155. 

Keywords: fluoride/toxicity/humans/cardiac 

Abstract: 1. Fluoride intoxication leads to sudden cardiac death which has been assumed to result from the 

accompanying severe hypocalcaemia. The aim of this study has been to investigate the suggestion that 

fluorapatite formation rather than CaF2 precipitation is responsible for this low calcium. 

2. Measurements of free Ca 2+ and F - ion concentrations in HEPES buffered solutions containing F - , Ca 2+ , 

and phosphate ions at different concentrations in the absence and presence of hydroxyapatite showed that 

the presence of hydroxyapatite enhanced the decrease of Ca 2+ and F - concentration. 

3. The ratio of Ca 2+ :F - clearance was 5:1 which is consistent with formation of fluorapatite. These results 

support the hypothesis that hydroxyapatite acts as a nucleation catalyst for fluorapatite formation and this 

process is responsible for the hypocalcaemia induced by fluoride intoxication. 

4. The proposed mechanism explains also the metabolic acidosis which is frequently seen in cases of 

fluoride intoxication. 

Bong, C. L., Cole, A. L. J., Walker, J. R. L., and Peters, J. A. (1979). Effect of sodium fluoroacetate 

("Compound 1080") on the soil microflora. Soil biology and biochemistry 11, 13-18. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/soil/aquatic species/algae/persistence in 

plants/fungus 

Abstract: A range of New Zealand soils, many contaminated by sodium fluoroacetate ("Compound 1080" 

17


Appendix C 

or NaFA) were examined for micro-organisms capable of defluorinating this animal poison. Species of 

Pseudomonas and Fusarium capable of growth on NaFA were isolated whilst many other soil bacteria and 

fungi exhibited defluorinating activity when grown on an alternative organic C source. It was concluded 

that NaFA has a short biological half-life in the soils investigated. 

Some NaFA-contaminated soils also contained species of the algae Chlorella and Chlamydomonas which 

were unaffected by NaFA but growth of a duck weed, Spirodela oligorrhiza, was inhibited 73% in the 

presence of 5 µΜ−NaFA. 

Bong, C. L., Walker, J. R. L., and Peters, J. A. (1980). The effect of fluoroacetate ("Compound 1080") and 

fluoride upon duckweeds. New Zealand journal of science 23, 179-183. 

Keywords: persistence in plants/aquatic species/persistence in water/bioassay/fluoroacetate/fluoride 

Abstract: The toxic effects of fluoroacetate (Nafa) and fluoride (NaF) upon three different species of 

duckweed have been compared. Duckweeds proved far more sensitive to Nafa than to NaF; the frond 

multiplication rate being halved by 0.5mM Nafa compared to 10mM NaF. The frond multiplication rate 

was proportional to the logarithm of the Nafa concentration, whereas it was linearly related to NaF 

concentration. Our results suggest that duckweeds could beused as a sensitive bioassay system, and their 

potential as an indicator of pollution of ponds and streams by Nafa is being investigated. 

Booth, L. H., Ogilvie, S. C., Wright, G. R., and Eason, C. T. (1997). Water quality monitoring after 1080 

pest control operations. Water and wastes in NZ 96, 22. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080 

Abstract: The results suggested that significant or prolonged contamination after using 1080 for pest control 

is highly unlikely, if care is taken to avoid watercourses when aerially sowing 1080 bait. 

Booth, L. H., Ogilvie, S. C., Wright, G. R., and Eason, C. T. (1999). Degradation of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) and fluorocitrate in water. Bulletin of environmental contamination and 

toxicology 62, 34-39. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in water/1080/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Using a method developed for the analysis of fluorocitrate in water, it is shown that fluorocitrate 

is product of 1080 degradation, but is rapidly degraded and due to its lower oral toxicity compared with 

1080, it is more important to monitor 1080 residues than fluorocitrate after a possum control operation 

using 1080 bait. 

Booth, L. H., Ogilvie, S. C., and Eason, C. T. (1999). Persistence of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), 

pindone, cholecalciferol, and brodifacoum in possum baits under simulated rainfall. New Zealand journal 

of agricultural research 42, 107-112. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/brodifacoum/possums 

Booth, L. H. and Wickstrom, M. L. (1999). The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) to Huberia 

striata, a New Zealand native ant. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 161-165. 

Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/persistence in animals/1080/secondary poisoning/birds 

Booth, L. H., Wright, G. R. G., Brown, L. E., Radford, C. D., and Eason, C. Dust and 1080 residue 

contamination after aerial sowing of 1080 baits for possum control. New Zealand Plant Protection 53, 446. 

2000. 


Keywords: 1080/baits 

Bosakowski, T. and Levin, T. T. (1986). Serum citrate as a peripheral indicator of fluoroacetate and 

fluorocitrate toxicity in rats and dogs. Toxicology and applied phamacology 85, 428-436. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/metabolism/lethal 

dose/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/citrate/heart/acute toxicity/blood 

Abstract: The utility of serum citrate as a peripheral indicator of toxicity was tested as a possible 

investigational probe for compounds which inhibit citrate metabolism. Fluoroacetate (FA) and its putative 

toxic metabolite, fluorocitrate (FC), were given to rats and dogs in a series of studies. In rats 3mg/kg FA 

18


Appendix C 

(po) caused a 46% depletion in heart ATP concentrations and a 15fold increase in heart citrate 

concentrations. Both of these changes were significantly correlated with a fivefold elevation in serum 

citrate elevations corresponded with the appearance of serious clinical signs and death. In range finding 

studies with rats or dogs, serum citrate elevations were always observed in a doserelated pattern according 

to the does of FA or FC administered. In contrast to FA toxic doses of FC did not reduce heart ATP in 

either rats of dogs and high correlations were established between serum glucose and serum citrate in both 

species. Serum total calcium was reduced (18%) in dogs treated with FC (8mg/kg, iv) and a strong inverse 

correlation to serum citrate was shown. This correlation is biologically meaningful in light of the known 

chelating effect of citrate on calcium. Clinical manifestations of tremors, tetany, and convulsions in FC 

treated dogs were consistent with know symptoms of hypocalcemia. No decrease in total calcium was 

observed in rats treated with either FA or FC. Despite certain species differences in response to the two 

inhibitors, serum citrate levels were always reflective of nontoxic, toxic or lethal doses. 

Bosakowski, T. and Levin, A. A. (1987). Comparative acute toxicity of chlorocitrate and fluorocitrate in 

dogs. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 89, 97-104. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/metabolism/acute toxicity/fluorocitrate/dogs 

Bourke, E., Frindt, G., Schreiner, G. E., and Preuss, H. G. (1979). Effects of fluorocitrate on renal 

ammoniagenesis and glutamine metabolism in the intact dog kidney. Kidney International 15, 255-263. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/metabolism/kidney 

Abstract: Renal glutamine metabolism was studied in vivo following infusions of fluorocitrate into 

chronically acidotic and alkalotic dogs. Coincident with a dramatic rise in renal cortical citrate 

concentrations, there was a significant fall in tissue glutamate in both acid-base states. This was 

accompanied by a significnat increase in total renal ammonia production. Glutamine metabolism and 

ammoniagenesis in alkalotic dogs receiving fluorocitrate simulated that achieved in acidotic dogs. The 

simultaneous administration of α-ketoglutarate and fluorocitrate significantly diminished the fall in tissue 

glutamate and the rise in ammoniagenesis induced by fluorocitrate alone. These results are compatable 

with the hypothesis that ammonia production from glutamine is enhanced secondary to increased glutamate 

deamination. We postulate that this chain of events may be the consequence of impared α-ketoglutarate 

production from citrate. 

Bovis, R., Kasten, F. H., and Okigaki, T. (1966). Electron microscopic study of the toxic effect of the toxic 

effect of sodium fluoroacetate on rat myocardial cultures. Experimental cell research 43, 611-621. 

Keywords: pathology/mode of action/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Bowen, L. H., Morgan, D. R., and Eason, C. T. (1995). Persistence of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in 

baits under simulated rainfall. New Zealand journal of agricultural research 38, 529-531. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/persistence in water 

Abstract: The rate of leaching of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) by simulated rainfall was determined 

for carrot and possum pellet baits containing 0.08 and 0.15% 1080. Carrot baits were highly water-resistant 

and showed no decline in 1080 concn after 200 mm of rain. It is concluded that it is inadvisable to use 

carrot bait in arid areas when rapid restocking of land is required after a control operation, but they may be 

particularly suitable for forest habitats. Of the two types of pellet (Wanganui No. 7 and RS5) tested, RS5 

pellets were the less water-resistant and started to disintegrate after only 5 mm of rain. The 1080 concn also 

declined more rapidly in these pellets. So that toxicity is retained for the maximum length of time, RS5 

pellets should be used in arid areas and Wanganui No. 7 pellets in wetter environments, when pellets are 

the bait of choice. RS5 pellets should be used if rapid return to stock to the land is required. 

Bowen, L. H., Morgan, D. R., and Eason, C. T. Persistence of 1080 in baits under simulated rainfall. 

[LC9495/107], -8. 1995. Christchurch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract 

report. 


Keywords: bait degradation/1080 

Abstract: Objective: To determine the rate of leaching of 1080 by simulated rainfall from commercial 1080 

pellets and carrot baits. 

Conclusions / recommendations : Carrot baits are highly water-resistant, and it is inadvisable to use them 

19


Appendix C 

where rapid destocking of land is required; in order to retain toxicity for the maximum length of time, RS5 

pellets should be used in arid areas and the more water-resistant Wanganui no 7 pellets in wetter 

environments. If rapid return of stock to land is required, RS5 pellets should be used; bait type is a more 

important determinant of 1080 persistence than initial concentration. 

Bowman, R. G. (1999). Fate of sodium monofluroacetate (1080) following disposal of pest bait to a 

landfill. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 193-197. 

Keywords: persistence in water/persistence in soil/1080/baits 

Abstract: The results of a programme to monitor the containment and natural breakdown of approximately 

12 000 kg of toxic vertebrate pest bait, containing compound 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate), in a landfill 

site are reported. The baits were buried in a purpose-dug pit in a managed solid waste disposal site at 

Winton in central Southland, New Zealand, in August 1996. Compound 1080 is used extensively in a bait 

form to control a range of introduced vertebrate pests, (e.g., European rabbit, Australian brush tailed 

possum), which cause considerable economic and environmental damage in New Zealand. Two shallow 

monitor bores, sited 5 and 13 m from the disposal pit, were sampled weekly for five weeks and thereafter 

monthly for 13 months. Analyses detected 1080 in 5 of the 28 groundwater/leachate samples. The 1080 

concentrations in those samples, except for one result, were low. These were either below or close to the 

Ministry of Health provisional maximum acceptable value standards (PMAV) for drinking water, currently 

0.005 mu g ml(-1). The concentrations of 1080 in groundwater in the more distant bore (13 m) were 

markedly lower than those in the nearer bore (5 m). 1080 was first detected in the near bore after 5 weeks 

and the more distant bore after 16 weeks. The level and frequency of incidence of 1080 in both holes 

decreased over the sampling period until none was detected after 10 months. In situ sampling of the 

residual waste material indicated the 1080 concentration in the disposal pit decreased to less than 10% of its 

original level in 12 months. The active anaerobic bacterial processes operating in the organic refuse pile 

appear to provide an ideal environment for the rapid natural breakdown of 1080. The findings will assist 

with the setting of conditions for resource consents concerning the disposal of materials containing 1080 in 

landfill sites. 

Bowman, R. H. (1964). Inhibition of citrate metabolism by sodium fluoroacetate in the perfused rat heart 

and the effect on phosphofructokinase activity and glucose utilisation. Biochemical journal 93, 13c-15c. 

Keywords: inhibition/citrate/metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/heart 

Abstract: The results do show that the concentration of ATP was considerably decreased in hearts from 

animals treated with fluoroacetate, but it is not known whether these depressed ATP concentrations are 

below that required for adequate hexokinase activity in the heart. 

Brady, R. O. (1955). Fluoroacetyl coenzyme A. Journal of biological chemistry 217, 213-224. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poison/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The increasing biochemical importance of reactions mediated by thiol esters of coenzyme A 1 

leads to an interest in the possible metabolic activity of substituted derivatives of CoASH. Of particular 

interest is monofluoroacetyl coenzyme A, since fluoroacetate is a potent lethal poison. A partial 

explanation of the toxicity of fluoroacetate has come from the work of Liébecq and Peters (3) and Martius 

(4). Peters and collaborators (5) have elegantly demonstrated the formation of fluorocitrate which is a 

potent inhibitor of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by virtue of its competitive inhibition of the enzyme 

aconitase (6). The formation of fluorocitrate is presumed to be due to the activation of fluoroacetate to Facetyl 

SCoA, which is subsequently condensed with oxalacetate in the presence of the condensing enzyme 

described by Ochoa, Stern, and Schneider (7). 

The preparation and properties of F-acetyl SCoA and its reactivity in various enzyme systems are 

described. Evidence for a fluoroacetate activating system different from that for acetate is reported. 

Brand, M. D., Evans, S. M., Mendes-Mourão, J., and happell, J. B. (1973). Fluorocitrate inhibition of 

Aconitate hydratase and the tricarboxylate carrier of rat liver mitochondria. Biochemical journal 134, 217- 

224. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/inhibition/liver 

Abstract: 1. The effect of biologically synthesized and purified fluorocitrate on the metabolism of 

tricarboxylate anions by isolated rat liver mitochondria was investigated, in relation to the claim by Eanes 

et al. (1972) that this fluoro compound inhibits the tricarboxylate carrier at concentrations at which it has 

20


Appendix C 

little effect on the aconitate hydratase activity. 2. That the inhibitory action of fluorocitrate is at the level of 

the aconitate hydratase and not at the level of the tricarboxylate carrier is indicated by the following 

findings. Although the oxidation of citrate and cis-aconitate, but not that of isocitrate, was inhibited by 

fluorocitrate, the exchange of internal citrate for external citrate or L-malate was not. Had the 

tricarboxylate carrier been affected, these latter exchange reactions would have been inhibited. 3. By using 

aconitate hydratase solubilized from mitochondria it was found that with citrate as substrate the inhibition 

by fluorocitrate was partially competitive (Ki = 3.4x10 -8 M), whereas with cis-aconitate as substrate the 

inhibition was partially non-competitive (Ki = 3.0x10 -8 M). 

Bremer, J. and Davis, J. (1973). Fluoroacetylcarnitine: metabolism and metabolic effects in mitochondria. 

Biochimica et biophysica acta 326, 262-271. 

Keywords: metabolism/citrate/heart/muscle/biochemistry/fluorocitrate/liver/pathology 

Abstract: The metabolism and metabolic effects of fluoroacetylcarnitine have been investigated. 1, 

Carnitineacetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.7) transfers the fluoro-acetyl group of fluoroacetylcarnitine nearly as 

rapidly to CoA as the acetyl group of acetylcarnitine. 2. Fluorocitrate is then formed by citrate synthase 

(EC 4.1.3.7) but htis second reaction is relatively slow. 3. The fluorocitarte formed intramitochondrially 

inhibits the metabolism of citrate. 4. In heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria the accumulated citarte 

inhibits citrate synthesis and the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Free acetate is formed, presumably because 

accumulated acetyl-CoA is hydrolyzed. 5. In liver mitochondria the accumulation of citrate leads to a 

relatively increased rate of ketogenesis. Increased ketogensis is obatined also upon the addition of citrate to 

the reaction mixture. 

Bremer, J. and Davis, E. J. (1974). Citrate as a regulator of acetyl-CoA metabolism in liver mitochondria. 


Keywords: citrate/metabolism/liver/mode of action/enzyme/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The reversibility of citrate synthesis and the effects of fluorocitrate on citrate synthesis in whole 

mitochondria have been investigated. Cleavage of citrate to oxaloacetate (trapped as malate) and acetyl- 

CoA (trapped as acetycarnitine) in whole liver mitochondria can be demonstrated. The maximum rate of 

the reversed reaction is at most 1/40 of the maximum rate of citrate synthesis. Citrate and fluorocitrate are 

competitive inhibitors with respect to oxaloacetate of purified pig heart synthase. The K1 for both 

compounds was found to be approx. 1.5 mM. Both citrate and fluorocitrate inhibit citrate synthesis and 

increase ketone genesis in whole liver mitochondria. The probably act as competitive inhibitors with 

respect to oxaloacetate, since malate counteracts this inhibition. For kinetic reasons it is concluded that the 

citrate synthesis recation probably never approaches equilibrium in the intact tissue. The improtanceof 

citrate in the regulation of citrate and ketone body fomration in the liver is discussed. 

Brezis, M., Shanley, P., Silva, P., Spokes, K., Lear, S., Epstein, F., and Rosen, S. (1985). Disparate 

mechanisms for hypoxic cell injury in different nephron segments. Journal of Clinical Investigation 76, 

1796-1806. 

Keywords: kidney/inhibition/metabolism/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Hypoxic injury was evaluated morphologically in the proximal tubule and in the medullary thick 

ascending limb of isolated rat kidneys perfused for 90 min with or without O2 or with various metabolic 

inhibitors. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration (with rotenone, antimycin, oligomycin) or of 

intermediary metabolism (with monofluoroacetate, malonate, 2-deoxyglucose) caused reduction in renal 

oxygen consumption, renal function and ATP content comparable with those elicited by oxygen 

deprivation. 

Brezis, M., Rosen, S., Spokes, K., Silva, P., and Epstein, F. (1986). Substrates induce hypoxic injury to 

medullary thick limbs of isolated rat kidneys. American journal of physiology 251, F710-F717. 

Keywords: kidney/metabolism/inhibition/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Under certain conditions, excess of substrates may be detrimental to the kidney. In isolated rat 

kidneys perfused with cell-free medium, oxidative metabolism to support reabsorptive transport in the 

presence of a limited oxygen supply results in hypoxic injury to medullary thick ascending limbs (mTAL). 

Since inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration markedly reduced this injury, we evaluated the effects of 

altering the availability of substrate for oxidative metabolism in the mTAL. Inhibition of glucose utilization 

with 2-deoxyglucose (50 mM) and simultaneous inhibition of long-chain fatty acid metabolism with 2- 

21


Appendix C 

tatredecyglycidic acod (10 -4 mM) in the absence of exogenous substrates consistently reduced hypoxic cell 

injury to mTAL. Similarly the direct inhibition of substrate oxidation by the citric acid cycle with 

monofluoroacetate (5 mM) also reduced the extent of damage to this nephron segment. 

Bringmann, G. and Kuhn, R. (1976). Vergleichende Befunde der Schadwirkung wassergefahrender Stoffe 

gegen Backterien (Psuedomonas putida) und Blaualgen (Microcystis aeruginosa). GWF-wasser/abwasser 

117, 410-413. 

Keywords: bacteria/algae/toxicity/sodium fluoroacetate 

Brock, E. M. (1965). Toxicological feeding trials to evaluate the hazard of secondary poisoning to gopher 

snakes, Pituophis catenifer. Copeia 2, 244-245. 

Keywords: poisoning/reptiles/secondary poisoning/non-target species 

Abstract: No observable reaction was shown by snakes which accpeted mice that had consumed lethal 

quantities of either thallium sulphate or of warfarin, diphacin, or prolin. Snakes fed rodents poisoned with 

sodium fluoroacetate, endrin, arsenic trioxide or zinc phosphide baits often regurgitated the mice but 

exhibited no other response. In fourteen snake feeding trials, the Microtus used had accepted baits soaked 

in a high concentration of sodium fluoroacetate. Twelve of these mice were regurgitated. Snakes fed mice 

which had eaten baits treated with strychine alkaloid became irritable and reacted with tremors. Five of 

these snakes died of secondary poisoning. 

Brockmann, J. L., McDowell, A. V., and Leeds, W. G. (1955). Fatal poisoning with sodium fluoroacetate : 

report of a case. Journal of the American Medical Association 159, 1529-1532. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/pathology/sodium fluoroacetate/humans 

Abstract: Certain drugs can be used with benefit in a case of sodium fluoroacetate poisoning. These are (1) 

procainamide (Pronestyl) hydrochloride for cardiac arrythmias, (2) intravenously used alcohol for central 

nervous system irritability, and (3) vasodepressor drugs such as mephentermine (Wyamine) sulfate to 

maintain blood pressure. In the future these drugs, which we feel prolonged the life of our patient, should 

be tried in cases of sodium fluoroacetate poisoning, as they may save the lives of patients who have 

ingested smaller amounts of the poison. 

Brothers, N. P. (1982). Feral cat control on Tasman Island. Australian Ranger Bulletin 2, 9. 

Brown, C. J. (1993). Test of compound 1080 from a poison collar on a captive vulture. Vulture News 29, 

19-26. 

Keywords: 1080/poison/birds/toxicity/USA/predators/lethal dose/poisons 

Abstract: The poison collar was developed in the USA in the late 1970s. It was designed to be an 

effective and highly selective means of killing Coyotes Canis latrans that preyed on domestic stock, 

without harming non-target individuals and species (Connolly et al. 1978; Saverie & Sterner 1979). The 

collar has been exported to other parts of the world, where it is used against mainly medium-sized 

mammalian predators. 

The poison collar consists of two rubber pouches containing poison under low pressure, and two straps 

with velco attachments. The collar is fitted around the neck of a sheep or goat and the pouches are 

positioned around the throat, which is the site of attack by most mammalian predators. The exact position 

of the pouches depends on the expected predator. A number of young domestic animals (usually at least 

20) are fitted with collars and released with a larger flock of adult animals into the camp where losses are 

being experienced. The predator usually atacks one of the smaller animals. On biting into one of the 

poison pouches, a lethal dose of poison squirts into the predator's mouth and is ingested. 

In the USA a wide spectrum of poisons were tested for use in the collar (e.g. Connelly et al. 1978); 

Saverie & Sterner 1979; Sterner 1979). Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacete) was found to be the 

most suitable toxin and was registered for this purpose (Scrivner 1983; Howard & Schmidt 1984). The use 

of the poison collar and compound 1080 were vigorously opposed and intensively monitored by a number 

of environmental pressure groups in the USA (e.g. Anon. 1982; Doherty 1982; Sibbison 1984). The issue 

was eventually settled in court. The verdict was in favour of the use of the collar and compound 1080 

because, after extensive testing by impartial organisations, no secondary poisoning was found and no nontarget 

animals were killed (Connolly 1983; Eastland & Beasom 1986). Recent investigations of secondary 

poisoning concluded that consuming carcasses of Coyotes killed by 1080 poison from a collar poses little, 

22


Appendix C 

if any, hazard to Striped Skunks Mephitis mephitis and Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos (Burns et al. 

1991). 

Results: 

The vulture's first meal was at about 18h00 on day one. About 0.5 kg of food was taken. Within 30 min 

the bird regurgitated its entire crop contents. The bird fed again at midday on day two, taking about 0.3 kg, 

which it kept down. It fed again at about 17h00 on day two, from the carcass (about 0.5 kg) and from the 

meat ergurgitated on day one (about 0.2 kg). Within about 20 min it regurgitated about 0.3 kg but kept the 

remainder down until nightfall. On arrival at the cage at 07h30 on day three it was apparent that the vulture 

had regurgitated about 0.2 kg of food during the night, and that it had been pulling at the carcass, but not 

feeding much, as its crop was empty. 

In addition to feeding from the incisions, and gaining access through them to meat between the skin and 

skeleton, the bird had tugged and torn the contaminated skin. At no stage did the vulture show any 

symptoms of 1080 poisoning other than regurgitation. Common symptoms are depression, unsteady gait 

and loss of balance, closed eyes, hunched posture and raised or fluffed feathers (McIlroy 1984). After 

returning the bird to the large aviary, it fed on clean meat on the afternoon of day three and showed no 

signs of having been poisoned. 

Brown, F. G. (1972). Heart-leaf, poisonous to livestock. Unknown. 

Abstract: The distribution in Queensland, clinical symptoms and control of heart-leaf poison bush 

(Gastrolobium grandiflorum), which is toxic to livestock at all stages of growth, are described. The toxin is 

a fluoroacetate. 2,4,5-T diluted with dieselene and applied to the main stem at ground level gave effective 

control 

Brown, T. D., Jones-Mortimer, M. C., and Kornberg, H. L. (1977). The enzymic interconversion of acetate 

and acetyl coenzyme A in Escherichia-coli. J Gen Microbiol 102, 327-336. 

Abstract: Mutants of Escherichia coli K12 have been isolated that grow on media containing pyruvate or 

proline as sole carbon sources despite the presence of 10 or 50 µm-sodium fluoroaetate. Such mutants lack 

either acetate kinase [ATP: acetate phosphotransferase; EC2.7.2.I] or phosphotransacetylase [acetyl- 

CoA:orthophosphate acetyltransferase; EC2.3.I.8] activity. Unlike wild-type E coli, phosphotransacetylase 

mutants do not excrete acetate when growing aerobically or anearobically on glucose; their anaerobic 

growth on this sugar is slow. The genes that specify acetate kinase (ack) and phosphotransacetylase (pta) 

activities are cotransducible with each other and with purF and are thus located at about min 50 on the E 

coli linkage map. Although Pta- and Ack- mutants are greatly impared in their growth on acetate, they 

incorporate [2- 14 C]acetate added to cultures growing on glycerol, but not on glucose. An inducible acetyl- 

CoA synthetase [acetate: CoA ligase (AMP-forming); EC6.2.I.I] effects this uptake. 

Browne, J. L., Sanford, P. A., and Smyth, D. H. (1977). Transport and metabolic processes in the small 

intestine. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B 195, 307-321. 

Keywords: citrate/fluoride/fluoroacetate/citric acid/inhibition/gut 

Abstract: The transfer of alpha -methylglucoside and citrate was studied in experiments with everted sacs 

of rat and hamster small intestine. The transfer of alpha -methylglucoside was stimulated in the hamster 

tissue by metabolizable hexoses and by citrate, succinate and pyruvate. In the rat jejunum metabolizable 

hexoses only were effective. Fluoride (10 mmol/litre) inhibited endogenous transfer in the hamster and 

glucose-dependent transfer in both rat and hamster. Fluoroacetate (10 mmol/litre) inhibited endogenous 

transfer in tissue of both animals, but inhibited glucose-dependent transfer only in the hamster. This 

indicated that in the hamster the citric acid cycle is the major source of energy both for endogenous 

substrate and for added glucose. In the rat, added glucose supplies energy mainly through the glycolytic 

pathway, although endogenous energy is derived from the citric acid cycle. In the rat, glucose abolished 

completely the inhibition of alpha -methylglucoside transfer produced by L-proline, although the inhibitory 

effects of galactose could be only partially overcome. In the hamster, L-proline caused an inhibition which 

was not completely abolished by the additional energy. The results indicate that in the rat sugars and amino 

acids compete for energy rather than interact at the carrier level. In the hamster it is possible that sugars and 

amino acids interact at carrier level in addition to competing for energy. Citrate is more rapidly transferred 

and metabolized by hamster than by rat intestine. Citrate and unidentified radioactive metabolites 

accumulated in the serosal fluid, thus establishing the existence of a specific mechanism for citrate transfer 

23


Appendix C 

Brownsey, R. W., Bridges, B. J., and Denton, R. M. (1977). Effects of fluoroacetate and (-)-hydroxycitrate 

on fatty acid synthesis in rat epididymal adipose tissue. Biochemical Society transactions 5, 1286-1288. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/citrate/metabolism/testes 

Abstract: Regualtion of the conversion of pyruvate (derived from glucose) into fatty acids in rat adipose 

tissue appears to be largely brought about by parallel changes in the proportions of pyruvate dehydrogenase 

and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in their respective active forms. We conclude form this study as we have 

previously on other evidence that the concentration of citrate is probably not of great importance in the 

regulation of fatty acid synthesis. 

Buckley, N. A., Whyte, I. M., O'Connell, D. L., and Dawson, A. H. (1999). Activated charcoal reduces the 

need for N-Acetylcysteine treatment after Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) overdose. Clinical Toxicology 37, 

753-757. 

Keywords: antidote/treatment/poisoning/humans 

Abstract: Background: The evidence for efficacy of gastric lavage and activated charcoal for 

gastrointestinal decontamination in poisoning has relied entirely on volunteer studies and/or 

pharmacokinetic studies and evidence for any clinical benefits or resource savings is lacking. Aim of study: 

To investigate the value of gastrointestinal decontamination using gastric lavage and/or activated charcoal 

in acetaminophen (paracetamol) poisoning. Patients and Methods: We analyzed a series of 981 consecutive 

acetaminophen poisonings. These patients were treated with gastric lavage and activated charcoal, activated 

charcoal alone, or no gastrointestinal decontamination. The decision as to which treatment was received 

was determined by patient cooperation, the treating physician, coingested drugs, and time to presentation 

after overdose. Results: Ot 981 patients admitted over 10 years, 10% (100) had serum concentrations of 

acetaminophen that indicated a probable or high risk of hepatotoxicity. The risk of toxic concentrations for 

patients ingesting less than 10g of acetaminophen was very low. In patients presenting within 24 hours, 

who had ingested 10g or more, those who had been given activated charcoal were significantly less likely 

to have probable or high tisk concentrations (Odds ratio 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.58, p < 0.0001). Gastric 

lavage, in addition to activated charcoal, did not further decrease the risk (Odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 0.57- 

2.20, p = 0.86). Conclusions: Toxic concentrations of serum acetaminophen (paracetamol) are uncommon 

in patients ingesting less than 10 g. In those ingesting more, activated charcoal appears to reduce the 

number of patients who achieve toxic acetaminophen concentrations and thus may reduce the need for 

treatmernt and hospital stay. 

Buffa, P. and Peters, R. A. (1950). The in vivo formation of citrate induced by fluoroacetate and its 

significance. Journal of physiology 110, 488-500. 

Keywords: metabolism/mode of action/persistence in 

animals/citrate/fluoroacetate/enzyme/biochemistry/aconitase 

Buffa, P., Guarriero-Bobyleva, V, and Pasquali-Rochetti, I. (1971). Biochemical effects of fluoroacetate 

poisoning in rat liver. CIBA Foundation Symposia 2, 303-326. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/liver/metabolism/mode of action/lethal dose/citrate/fluorocitrate/rats 

Abstract: The mode of action of fluoroacetate in the liver of the rat has been studied. The response of liver 

tissue to fluoroacetate posioning depends in a decisive manner on the nutritional state of the animal. In the 

fed rat a lethal dose of fluoroacetate causes marked accumulation of citrate, rapid fall in the amount of 

glycogen and decrease of tissue ATP. In the rat starved for 24 hours, the concentration of liver glycogen is 

very low, the amount of ATP is reduced by about 40% and fluoroacetate poisoning causes only a slight 

increase in liver citrate. In teh fed rat the tricarboxylic acid cycle runs mostly on pyruvate, and 

fluoroacetate is converted to fluorocitrate; when the tricarboxylic acid cycle runs mostly on fatty acids, as is 

the case in the starved rat, very little fluoroacetate is converted to fluorocitrate in the liver. In the liver 

slices obtained for fluoroacetate-poisoned fed rats the endogenous respiration is not inhibited and the citrate 

previously accumulated is metabolized. The mirochondria isolated from the poisoned liver are inhibited in 

their ability to oxidize added citrate (by over 50%), cis-aconitate (by about 15%) and oxaloacetate (by 

about 30%), whereas they oxidize other intermediates of the cycle and pyruvate and glutamate at normal 

rates. Oxidative phosphorylation is not affected. Extramitochondrial aconitate hydratase is virtually 

unaffected in the liver cell poisoned with fluoroacetate and in conjunction with extramitochondrial NADPlinked 

isocitrate dehydrogenase, it provides an alternative metabolic pathway for the citrate which has 

diffused out of the mitochondria into the cytosol. 

24


Appendix C 

Buffa, P., Guarriero-Bobyleva, V, and Costa-Tiozzo, R. (1973). Metabolic effects of fluoracetate poisoning 

in mammals. Fluoride 6, 224-245. 

Keywords: metabolism/poisoning/mammals/symptoms/Krebs cycle/pathology 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate poisoning causes a variety of metabolic effects in animals: block in the 

tricarboxylic acid cycle at the citrate stage; accumulation of citrate and lowering of adenosine triphosphate 

in tissues; increased production of ketone bodies; rapid hydrolysis of glycogen in liver, skeletal muscle and 

heart tissues and a parallel in blood glucose and lactate. 

Injected fluoroacetate is rapidly distributed in all the tissues of the rat and 3% of it is transformed into 

fluorocitrate. The synthesis of fluorocitrate occurs in the mitochondria, in the complex formed by the inner 

membrane and the matrix. In isolated rat liver mitochondria fluorocitrate is formed from pyruvate plus 

fumarate or from acetate plus fumarate but not from fatty acids plus fumarate. Endogenous fluorocitrate 

inhibits specifically the mitochondrial-bound aconitate hydratase and not the enzyme present in the soluble 

cytoplasm. The primary biochemical lesion is soon followed by secondary inhibitions at various sites in 

the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria. 

The increased production of ketone bodies is likely to be induced by inhibition of citrated synthase caused 

by fluoroacetyl-SCoA and the accumulated citrate. 

Glycogen depletion in all probability is due to adrenalin release or intense sympathetic stimulation as a 

result of the biochemical changes caused by fluoroacetate. The parallel hyperglycemia and increased 

lactate formation can be explained by the rapid glycogenolysis. 

The metabolic changes caused by fluoroacetate poisoning are discussed in light of the present knowledge 

on cell biochemistry. 

Buffa, P., Pasquali-Rochetti, I., Barasa, A., and Godina, G. (1977). Biochemical lesions of respiratory 

enzymes and configurational changes of mitochondria in vivo II. Early ultrastructural modifications 

correlated to the biochemical lesion induced by fluoroacetate. Cell and tissue research 183, 1-23. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology/treatment/developmental toxicity/biochemistry/aconitase 

Abstract: Correlative biochemical and electron microscopic alterations were observed in chick embryo 

myoblasts in vitro after treatment with fluoroacetate. Fluoroacetate poisoning caused an increase of citrate 

and a decrease of ATP in the cultures. Cell respiration was only slightly impaired by fluoroacetate in the 

first 10 min but was inhibited to 30% one hour after exposure to the poison. Fluoroacetate did not affect 

oxidative phosphorylation. The evidence suggests that fluoroacetate was transformed in myoblasts into 

fluorocitrate which inhibited the mitochondrialbound aconitate hydratase as in adult tissues. Ultrastructural 

changes in the majority of the fluoroacetatetreated cells were observed. Very few myoblasts appeared 

unaffected by the poison. Mitochondria were specifically altered. The early changes occurred in the 

mitochondrial matrix where the inhibited enzyme is known to be located and were followed by 

modifications in the configuration and structure of cristae. Exogenous fluorocitrate caused ultrastructural 

changes in the mitochondria similar to that provoked by fluoroacetate. The localization of the early change 

in the mitochondrial matrix and the evaluation of the structural modifications suggest a correlation between 

the biochemical lesion, i.e. the inhibition of aconitate hydratase, and the change revealed in the 

mitochondrial structure containing the inhibited enzyme. 

Buffa, P., Costa Tiozzo, R., and Gualtieri Fruggeri, M. (1979). The synthesis of fluorocitrate from 

fluoroacetate in isolated rat mitochondria. Fluoride 12, 114-124. 

Keywords: 

fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/citrate/liver/brain/kidney/heart/acetate/inhibition/enzyme/aconitate/metabolism 

Abstract: The lethal effects of fluoroacetate have always been found to be associated with an increase of 

citrate in the tissues. For this reason, accumulation of citrate is considered an indicator for fluorocitrate 

formation. The synthesis of fluorocitrate was studied in isolated rat liver, brain, kidney and heart 

mitochondria. Evidence for fluorocitrate formation was found in liver, brain and kidney mitochondria but 

not in heart mitochondria. Fluoroacetate was activated and transformed into fluorocitrate in mitochondria 

metabolizing either pyruvate and fumarate, or acetate and fumarate, or octanoate and fumarate; the 

fluorocitrate synthesis was demonstrated by citrate accumulation in the system following the inhibition of 

the enzyme aconitate hydratase. Synthesis of fluorocitrate did not appear to require mitochondrial structural 

integrity; it occurred in osmotically altered mitochondria and in mitochondria deprived of the outer 

membrane. When the substrates were pyruvate and fumarate in liver mitochondria, uncoupling of oxidative 

phosphorylation enhanced citrate formation and did not inhibit fluorocitrate synthesis. With acetate and 

25


Appendix C 

fumarate as substrates uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation inhibited the both citrate and fluorocitrate 

synthesis. In liver mitochondria fluoroacetate was activated through 2 separate pathways, one associated 

with pyruvate metabolism and not dependent on oxidative phosphorylation energy, the other associated 

with acetate metabolism and ATP dependent 

Burande, M. D., Goyal, R. K., and Verma, S. C. (1983). Studies on the mechanism of cardiotonic effects of 

sodium fluoroacetate and dobutamine. Indian journal of experimental biology 21, 150-152. 

Keywords: pathology/metabolism/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (20 to 320 µg) and dobutamine (0.5 to 0.8 µg) produced dose dependent 

positive inotropic effect in isolated frog heart preparation, without affecting the heart rate. The dose 

dependent increase in cardiac contractility to sodium fluoroacetate was not affected by propranolol (1 x 10 -6 

M), whereas the reponses to dobutamine were inhibited competitively by propranolol (1 x 10 -6 M). 

Phentolamine (1 x 10 -6 M), had no significant effect and phenomenon of tachyphylaxis was not observed 

with either sodium fluoroacetate or dobutamine. Responses to sodium fluoroacetate were not affected 

either by caffeine (2 mM), or by imidazole (100 µM). However, dose dependent responses to dobutamine 

were potentiated by caffeine and inhibited by imidazole. The decrease in sodium chloride concentration 

(from 110 to 165 mM) in frog Ringer solution, inhibited the responses to sodium fluoroacetate while 

increasing it (from 110 to 165 mM) the responses were potentiated. But the responses to dobutamine were 

unchanged when sodium chloride concentration in perfusion fluid were altered. It is suggestive from the 

data that sodium fluoroacetate induced positive inotrophic effects are probably due to sodium extrusion 

mechanism while dobutamine is acting directly through beta adrenoceptors and indirectly involving 

adenylate CAMP system for the positive inotrophic action. 

Burande, M. D., Goyal, R. K., and Verma, S. C. (1983). Influence of extracellular ions on the positive 

inotropic effects of sodium fluoroacetate and dobutamine. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 15, 111-118. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/heart/mode of action/amphibian 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (Na FAC, 20 ug to 320 ug) and dobutamine (0.5 ug to 8 ug) produced dose 

dependent positive inotropic effect in isolated frog heart preparation, without affecting the heart rate. The 

responses to NaFAC and dobutamine were inhibited when calcium chlroide (CaCl2) concentration was 

increased from 1.58 mM to 317 mM in frog Ringer solution. When CaCl2 concentration was reduced the 

responses to both NaFAC and dobutamine were potentiated. By reducing the potasium chloride (KCl) 

concentration in the perfusion fluid the response to NaFAC were potentiated, while increasing the 

concentration the responses were inhibited. However, the responses to dobutamine were unchanged by 

changing the KCl concentration in the perfusion fluid. The decrease in sodium chloride (NaCl) 

concentration potentiated the responses to NaFAC. However the responses to dobutamine were unchanged 

when NaCl concentration in the perfusion fluid were altered. It is suggested from the data that NaFAC 

induced positive inotropic effects probably due to sodium extrusion mechanism leading to facilitation of 

calcium uptake. 

Burke, D. G., Lew, D. K., and Cominos, X. (1989). Determination of fluoroacetate in biological matrixes as 

the dodecyl ester. The Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 72, 503-507. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/chemistry/analysis 

Burns, R. J., Connolly, G., and Okuno, I. Secondary toxicity of coyotes killed by 1080 single-dose baits. 

Salmon, T. P. 324-329. 1986. University of California, Davis. Proceedings Twelfth Vertebrate Pest 

Conference. 


Keywords: 1080/baits/persistence in animals/predators/USA/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: Carcasses and viscera of coyotes poisoned by Compound 1080 in single dose tallow baits (SDBs) 

were fed to 3 coyotes, 3 domestic dogs, 4 striped skunks, and 15 black-billed magpies to determine if these 

species would be poisoned secondarily. Test subjects received no food other than tissues from poisoned 

coyotes for periods of 14 to 35 days. Total amounts of contaminated coyote tissues consumed by dogs, 

coyotes, skunks, and magpies, respectively, averaged 67, 152, 117, and 371% of body weight. Except for 

one skunk that refused to eat, no mortalities occurred and no evidence of poisoning was seen. 

The average 1080 residue in tissues fed to nontarget animals from coyotes poisoned by one to three SDBs 

(5 to 15 mg 1080 per coyote) was 0.29, 0.30, and 0.31 repectively. Highest residue levels observed were 

26


Appendix C 

0.66 ppm in muscle, 0.79 ppm in small intestine, and 0.76 ppm in stomach tissue. These concentrations 

were apparently too low to cause secondary poisoning in the species tested. 

Burns, R. J., Tietjen, H., and Connolly, G. E. (1991). Secondary hazard of livestock protection collars to 

skunks and eagles. Journal of wildlife management 55, 701-704. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/birds/secondary poisoning/persistence in 

animals/livestock/livestock protection collar 

Burns, R. J. and Connolly, G. E. (1992). Toxicity of compound 1080 to magpies and the relationship of 

dose rates to residues recovered. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference 15, 403-408. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/birds/persistence in animals/1080/temperature/lethal dose/muscle/gut 

Burns, R. J. and Connolly, G. E. (1995). Toxicity of compound 1080 livestock protection collars to sheep. 

Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology 28, 141-144. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/non-target species/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/treatment 

Burns, R. J. and Connolly, G. E. (1995). Assessment of potential toxicity of compound 1080 from livestock 

protection collars to canines and scavenging birds. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 36, 

161-167. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/birds/mammals/persistence in animals/1080/livestock/livestock protection 

collar/scavenger/dogs/muscle 

Burns, R. J., Zemlicka, D. E., and Savarie, P. J. (1996). Effectiveness of large livestock protection collars 

against depredating coyotes. Wildlife Society bulletin 24, 123-127. 

Keywords: livestock/livestock protection collar/1080/predators/symptoms/time to death/efficacy 

Abstract: We investigated the effectiveness of large livestock protection collars (LLPCs) to kill coyotes 

(Canis latrans) that attacked sheep. The LLPC, designed for sheep and goats >22.7 kg, contained the same 

formulation of Compound 1080 as the smaller collar (LPC) registered by the Environmental Protection 

Agency in 1985. In 32 tests involving 19 sheep wearing LLPCs, 12 coyotes made 14 neck or throat attacks. 

In 10 of the 14 attacks (71%) LLPCs were punctured and all 10 coyotes died. Coyotes that punctured 

collars showed signs of intoxication in an avergae of 203 minutes and died an average of 93 minutes later. 

Time to death did not differ among coyotes that punctured 1 collar comaprtment versus 2 compartments. 

The LLPC was more effective in deterring coyote predation on large sheep than the previously registered 

small LPC. 

Busana, F., Gigliotti, F., and Marks, C. A. (1998). Modified M-44 cyanide ejector for the baiting of red 

foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Wildlife research 25, 209-215. 

Keywords: cyanide/foxes/analysis/efficacy/mode of action/baits 

Abstract: Fox carcasses are seldom recovered after a 1080-baiting program, making analysis of efficacy 

difficult. Sodium cyanide was selected as an alternative toxin due to its rapid mode of action. A number of 

bait techniques were trialled in order to develop an appropriate cyanide delivery system that could be used 

as a buried bait. Techniques investigated included treated wax and gelatine capsules, a wooden capsule 

holder and a modified M-44 cyanide ejector. Subsequent trials showed that the modified M-44 ejector had 

greater efficacy in recovering fox carcasses at bait stations when compared with the other techniques 

trialled. This paper describes the range of baits trialled and the modifications that allow the M-44 to be used 

as a buried bait. A protocol for deployment of the M-44 in the field, together with a brief assessment of 

efficacy for each technique is also provided 

Busch, H. and Potter, V. R. (1952). Multiple effects of fluoroacetate on pyruvate metabolism in vitro. 

Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 80, 701-704. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/citrate/kidney/liver 

Abstract: Citrate formation is increased and the oxidation is diminished by the addition of fluoroacetate to 

kidney homogenates; under the same conditions, citrate formation is decreased and acetoacetate fromation 

is increased while oxidation is unchanged in liver homogenates. At higher concentrations of fluoroacetate, 

acetoacetate formation is also inhibited in liver homogenates. 

27


Appendix C 

Butcher, A. D. The effect on fauna of poisons used in vermin control. Wildlife Contribution No 5. 1964. 

Victoria, Fisheries and Wildlife Department. 


Keywords: poisons/poison 

Byrd, G. V., McClellan, G. T., and Fuller, J. P. To determine the efficacy of and environmental hazards of 

compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) as a control agent for Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) on Kiska Island, 

Aleutian islands unit. Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Unpublished final progress report by 

AIU-AMNWR, 22pp. 1988. 

Ref Type: Unpublished Work 

Keywords: efficacy/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/foxes/lethal dose/baits/non-target 

species/birds 

Abstract: A single experimental application of Compound 1080 was used to assess the efficacy and hazards 

associated with efforts to eradicate introduced Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) on Kiska Island, Alaska. 

Results from feeding trials showed that 4 mg of 1080 in beef tallow and bees wax pellets was an adequate 

lethal dose for Arctic foxes. In March and June of 1986, nearly 50,000 single-dose baits were distributed 

along the coastal areas of Kiska Island. Most foxes on Kiska were killed following the first application in 

March 1986, but at least one remained until June 1988. There was no evidence of mortality to non-target 

species like Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or Common ravens (Corvus corax); however at least 

two Glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) were killed, probably by directly ingesting bait. It appears 

the use of Compound 1080 to remove introduced Artic foxes on Kiska Island has been successful. Several 

species of island nesting birds appear to exhibit signs (by 1988) of population increase associated with fox 

eradication. With the eradication of Artic foxes on Kiska Island, the potential for this insular ecosystem to 

sustain former numbers of ground nesting birds has been restored. 

Cai, J., Luo, H., Guo, C., Cai, J. S., Luo, H. M., and Guo, C. K. (1997). Study on the clinical features of 

fluoroacetamide and sodium fluoroacetate poisoning cases. Zhongguo Meijieshengwuxue ji Kongzhi Zazhi 

= Chinese Journal of Vector Biology and Control 8 , 251-254. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/symptoms/birds/mammals/humans 

Abstract: The symptoms of cases of fluoroacetamide and sodium fluoroacetate poisoning, which happened 

in Jinli town, Gaoyao City, Guangdong, China between June and November 1995 are described. The onset 

of poisoning in wild birds and mammals was rapid. Symptoms included vomiting and neurological 

symptoms. Mortality was high. Symptoms in poisoned humans included dizziness, headache, nausea, 

vomiting and tics 

Cai, X. L., Zhang, D. M., Ju, H. X., Wu, G. P., and Liu, X. P. (2004). Fast detection of fluoroacetamide in 

body fluid using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after solid-phase microextraction. Journal of 

Chromagraphy B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences 802, 239-245. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/fluorine/blood/urine/analysis 

Abstract: A novel method for fast determination of fluoroacetamide, a kind of organic fluorine pesticide, in 

blood and urine samples was developed with acetamide as an internal standard using gas 

chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique. The 

SPME was performed by immersing a PDMS fiber of 100 mum coating thickness in a sample solution for 

25 min at 70degreesC with (CH3CH2)(4)NBr to improve the extraction efficiency. After a GC sample 

injection, the extracted fluoroacetamide was desorbed from the fiber for 4 min to perform the GC/MS 

detection with a HP-PLOT Q capillary column. The analytical conditions were optimized by examining 

systematically, the effects of experimental parameters on the ratio of characteristic ion peak areas of 

fluoroacetamide to acetamide. Under optimal conditions, the ratio was proportional to the concentration of 

fluoroacetamide ranging from 5.0 to 90 mug/ml with a detection limit of 1.0 mug/ml. The average recovery 

of fluoroacetamide in blood sample was 92.2%. The established method could be used for the fast and 

convenient measurement of fluoroacetamide in poisoned sample. 

Caithness, T. A. and Williams, G. R. (1971). Protecting birds from poisoned baits. New Zealand journal of 

agriculture 122(6), 38-43. 

28


Appendix C 

Keywords: non-target species/birds 

Abstract: Techniques to protect birds from poisoning include the consideration of bait size and use of dyes. 

Calder, B. and Deuss, F. The effect of 1080 poisoning on bird populations in Motere, Pureora Forest Park, 

winter 1984. 1985. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/birds/non-target species 

Calver, M. C. and King, D. (1986). Controlling vertebrate pests with fluoroacetate: lessons in wildlife 

management, bio-ethics and co-evolution. Journal of Biological Education 20, 257-262. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/humans/livestock/predators 

Abstract: Pest management is one the most important aspects of applied ecology included in the school 

biology curricula. This reflects the need to regulate pest numbers to maximise agriculturla production, 

reduce damage to buildings, check the risk of spread of serious diseases of humans and domestic animals, 

and minimise the nuisance to people and livestock caused by some pests. Additionally, conservation 

policies sometimes involve culling predators or competitors of threatened species using pest control 

techniques. However, the discussions of pest control in biology textbooks are biased heavily towards the 

control of invertebrate and plant pests, while vertebrate pests are neglected. While no doubt motivated by 

the relative economic importance of vertebrate and invertebrate pests, this attitude prevents a 

comprehensive coverage of pest control issues. Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) was used as a 

vertebrate pesticide in the USA from the 1940s until its ban for use on Federal land in 1972, and it is still 

used widely on private lands. In Australia, it has been in increasing use since its introduction in the early 

1950s. This paper compares and contrasts the use of 1080 in both countries focusing on the aims and 

methods involved, the biological peculiarities of each system and the role of public opinion and pressure in 

determining the nature of 1080 use. 

Calver, M. C., McIlroy, J. C., King, D. R., Bradley, J. S., and Gardner, J. L. (1989). Assessment of an 

approximate lethal dose technique for determining the relative susceptibility on non-target species to 1080 

toxin. Australian wildlife research 16, 33-40. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/approximate lethal dose/lethal dose/1080 

Calver, M. C., King, D. R., Bradley, J. L., Gardner, J. L., and Martin, G. (1989). An assessment of the 

potential target specificity of 1080 predator baiting in Western Australia. Aust.Wildl.Res. 16, 625-638. 

Keywords: 1080/baits/non-target species/mammals 

Abstract: The potential hazard of 1080 baiting for predators to 14 species of non-target mammals in the 

pastoral areas of Western Australia and a further six from Western Australia's Fitzgerald River National 

Park, was assessed by comparing projected doses of 1080 (based on consumption of non-toxic bait by 

captive animals in the absence of alternative food) with the approximate lethal dose of 1080 for each 

species. These figures suggested that individuals from 12 species were potentially at risk from crackle baits, 

while only individuals from Dasyurus hallucatus, Ningaui spp., Sminthopsis crassicaudata, Planigale 

maculata, one population of Leggadina forresti and one population of Sminthopsis ooldea were potentially 

endangered by meat baits. 

Tests using the native mammals Zyzomys argurus and Pseudomys hermannsbergensis and laboratory mice 

(Mus musculus) and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) showed that individuals of all species reduced their 

consumption of toxic bait relative to non-toxic bait, although this did not prevent three of five rats and one 

of three P. hermannsbergensis from being killed. 

Cappenberg, T. E. (1974). Interrealtions between sulfate-reducing and methane-producing bacteria in 

bottom deposits of a fresh-water lake. II. Inhibition experiments. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 40, 297-306. 

Keywords: bacteria/inhibition/fluoroacetate/toxicity 

Abstract: A possible substrate interrelationship between methane-producing and sulphtae-reducing bacteria 

has been studied in the bottom deposits of Lake Vechten. Inhibition of methnogenesis in mud samples by 

chlorine-containing analogues of methane resulted in accumulation of acetate. Fluoroacetate reduced the 

concentration of methane by about 75%. 

29


Appendix C 

Cappenberg, T. E. and Prins, R. A. (1974). Interrelations between sulfate-reducing and methane-producing 

bacteria in bottom deposits of a fresh-water lake. III. experiments with 14 -C labelled substrates. Antonie van 

Leeuwenhoek 40, 457-469. 

Keywords: bacteria/fluoroacetate/inhibition/toxicity 

Abstract: An ecological substrate relationship between sulfate-reducing and methane-producing bacteria in 

14-C labeled acetate and lactate as substrates. Fluoroacetate strongly 

mud of Lake Vechten has been studied in experiments using 

inhibited the formation of 14CO2 from [U-14C]-acetate and β-fluorolactate gave an inhibition of similar magnitude of the breakdown of [U-14C]-L-lactate to 14CO2 

thus confirming earlier results on the specific action of these inhibitors. 

Carrell, H. L., Glusker, J. P., Villafranca, J. J., Mildvan, A. S., Dummel, R. J., and Kun, E. (1970). 

Fluorocitrate inhibition of aconitase : relative configuration of inhibitory isomer by X-ray crystallography. 

Science 170, 1412-1414. 

Keywords: product chemistry/mode of action 

Abstract: The fluorocitrate isomer that is a strong inhibitor and inactivator of aconitase has been shown by 

x-ray crystallographic studies on the rubidium ammonium salt to have the configurations (1R:2R) or 

(1S:2S) 1-fluoro-2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid. A possible mechanism for the action of 

fluorocitrate is proposed which involves the 1R:2R isomer suggested from biochemical data. 

Casper, H. H., McMahon, T. L., and Paulson, G. D. (1984). Sodium fluoroacetate levels in canine tissues. 

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians 

26 (1983 Meeting), 155-160. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/persistence in animals/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning/dogs/liver/kidney/secondary poisoning/analysis 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poisoning in dogs is a continuing problem. A recently developed 

assay for 1080 in tissue was applied to tissues from field cases of suspected 1080 toxicosis in dogs. The 

assay utilizes C14-1080 internal standards and capillary gas chromatography / mass spectrometry to give 

clear identification of 1080 levels down to 10 ppb tissue equivalent. The 1080 levels in tissues from field 

cases of 1080 toxicosis ranged from 45 to 5451 ppb for liver (n=11) and 55 to 297 ppb for kidney (n=5). 

There were no clear differences in liver 1080 levels for primary poisoning cases vs levels in suspected 

secondary poisoning cases. For routine diagnostic use a 1080 analysis must be reliable at the 20 ppb tissue 

level. 

Casper, H. H., McMahon, T. L., and Paulson, G. D. (1985). Capillary gas chromatographic-mass 

spectrometric determination of fluoroacetate residues in animal tissues. Journal of the Association of 

Official Analytical Chemists 68, 722-725. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/acetate/analysis 

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of fluoroacetate (FAC) (a rodenticide) residues in 

animal tissues is described. The procedure involves tungstic acid extraction, partitioning into ethyl acetate, 

evaporation of ethyl acetate, derivation with pentafluorobenzyl bromide (PFB), and analysis of the resulting 

derivative (PFB-FAC) by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CGC-MS) with specific ion 

monitoring (SIM). The tungstic acid system extracted 96.8 +- 4.2% of the endogenous 14C-1080 residues 

in rat tissues. Recovery of FAC during the extraction, purification, and derivatization procedures is 

established by use of a 14C-FAC spike. 1,2-Dibromobenzene is used as an internal standard for the CGC- 

MS analysis. PFB-FAC is identified on the basis of comparative retention times and the relative intensities 

of m/z 257.9 and 181.0. PFB-FAC is quantitated by comparing the response at m/z 257.9 to a PFB-FAC 

standard curve. Routine sensitivity of the method allows determination of 10 ppb fluoroacetate in tissue 

Casper, H. H., Mount, M. E., Marsh, R. E., and Schmidt, R. H. (1986). Fluoroacetate residues in ground 

squirrel and coyote tissues due to primary or secondary 1080 poisoning. Journal of the Association of 

Official Analytical Chemists 69, 441-442. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/secondary poisoning/mammals/persistence in animals/1080 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate residues in various tissues of 1080 poisoned ground squirrels and coyotes are listed. 

The tissues (excluding the stomach) of squirrels poisoned with an average of 0.8mg 1080/kg (low dose) 

contained from 182 to 1309 ppb Fluoroacetate. In squirrels poisoned with an average of 4.8 mg 1080/kg 

(high dose), the tissue residues ranged from 535 to 9754 ppb Fluoroacetate. Tissues from coyotes which 

died after consuming 1080 poisoned ground squirrels were also analyzed for fluoroacetate residues. 

30


Appendix C 

Residues in these coyote kidneys and livers ranged from less than 10 ppb to 95 ppb fluoroacetate. The 

residue findings in this research indicate that a diagnostic assay for 1080 in tissues must be reliable at 10 

ppb (or less) fluoroacetate. 

Casselton, L. A. and Casselton, P. J. (1974). Functional aspects of fluoroacetate resistance in Coprinus with 

special reference to acetyl-CoA synthetase deficiency. Molecular gen genetics 132, 255-264. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/resistance/fungus 

Abstract: Mutants of Coprinus lagopus unable to utilise acetate were selected on a glucose medium 

containing the toxic analogue fluoroacetic acid. Tests for interallelic complementation between twenty-five 

differently isolated acu-1 mutants proved negative, indicating that the acetyl-CoA synthetase activity is 

carried on a single polypeptide. 

Cater, D. B. and Peters, R. A. (1961). The occurrence of renal changes resembling nephrosis in rats 

poisoned with fluorocitrate. British journal of experimental pathology 42, 278-289. 

Keywords: kidney/pathology/rats/poisoning/fluorocitrate/citric acid/aconitase/poisons/poison 

Abstract: The kidneys of rats dying 2 hr after 60 or 80 mg/kg fluorocitrate ip showed degeneration of the 

mitochondria in the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules with blockages of tehe tubules and distension 

of the Bowman's capsule with fluid. In rats killed, or dying, after 2 or more daily or alternative day doses, 

marked fatty change was observed in the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules, together with 

degeneration and loss of tubular cells. Rats dying in this group showed fatty degeneration in the walls of 

the arcuate, interlobular and glomerular arteries. The histological picture resembled that found in the 

kidneys of patients dying with lipoid nephrosis. Similar changes were found in hepatoma-bearing rats 

treated with fluorocitrate, but not in the kidneys of heptoma-bearing rats injected with saline, fluoro-oleic 

acid or 1-deoxy-1-fluoroglycerol. Fluorocitrate produces a specific block in teh citric acid cycle at the 

aconitase stage. The various known causes of nephrosis in rats are discussed in relation to their action as 

mitochondrial poisons 

Cerutti, V. F. and Peters, R A. (1969). Observations upon the effect of fluoroacetate and pyruvate upon the 

isolated atria from rat heart. Biochemical Pharmacology 18, 2264-2267. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/heart/fluorocitrate/citrate 

Abstract: In these experiments with atria there was no support for the attractive idea that pyruvate reverses 

the action of fluorocitrate in causing accumulation of citrate; but it should be stressed that their 

observations were upon the whole heart. The failure to reverse is, however, consistent with earlier 

experiments. It appears, however, as if there can be some recovery by washing after a low dose of 

fluoroacetate, which is enough to restore a return of the beat and improved inotropism. This may be due to 

washing out citrate. Nevertheless the general toxicity of fluoroacetate could account in part for the asthenic 

state observed by Peters and Morselli. regarding the interesting results with noradrenalin, these may be due 

to reactivation of phosphokinase on the lines described by Murad et al. 

Chandler, G. T., Bayer, R. J., and Crisp, M. D (2001). A molecular phylogeny of the endemic Australian 

genus Gastrolobium (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae) and allied genera using chloroplast and nuclear markers. 

American Journal of Botany 88, 1675-1687. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Gastrolobium is an endemic Australian genus that produces toxic sodium monofluoroacetate. Past 

key morphological characters, such as fluoroacetate content and characters associated with pollination 

syndrome, are shown to be polyphletic, with fluoroacetate possibly a pleisomorphic condition lost in more 

derived species. 

Chandler, G. T., Crisp, M. D, Cayzer, L. W., and Bayer, R. J. (2002). Monograph of Gastrolobium 

(Fabaceae : Mirbelieae). Australian Systemic Botany 15, 619-739. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/fluoroacetate 

Chapman, E. A. and Graham, D. (1974). The effect of light on the tricarboxylic acid cycle in green leaves. 

1. Relative rates of the cycle in the dark and the light. Plant Physiology 53, 879-885. 

Keywords: inhibition/fluoroacetate/persistence in plants 

Abstract: In excised leaves of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus [= Vigna radiata]), illumination with 0.043 

31


Appendix C 

gcal/cm min of white light gave a rate of respiration 11-fold greater than in darkness. Feeding 14CO2 or 

14C-labelled acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in darkness for 2 h labelled the mitochondrial pools of 

cycle intermediates. 82% inhibition of apparent photosynthesis with 0.1mM 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1dimethyl-urea 

largely prevented internally derived 14CO2 fixation and under these conditions 14CO2 

evolution continued in the light at a similar rate to that in darkness, showing that light-induced nonphotosynthetic 

processes have no significant effect on endogenous dark respiration. The effect of malonate 

and fluoroacetate as inhibitors of the tricarboxylic acid cycle suggested that the cycle functions in the light 

at a rate similar to that in darkness except for a short initial inhibition 

Chaurasia, S. C. (1981). Efficacy of certain metabolic inhibitors against Phytophthora parastica var. 

piperina causing foot-rot and leaf-rot diseases of pan. Indian Journal of Mycology and Plant Pathology 11, 

155-156. 

Keywords: inhibition/fungus/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoride 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate was comparatively less toxic to the growth of the pathogen than other 

fluoride compounds tested. 

Cheng, S.-C., Kumar, S., and Casella, G. A. (1972). Effects of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate on the 

metabolic compartmentation of tricarboxylic acid cycle in rat brain slices. Brain research 42, 117-128. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/Krebs cycle/brain 

Abstract: (1) The effects of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate in striatum slices of the rat brain were studied 

after metabolizing 3 different labeled substrates in the presence of glucose. The concentration of citrate 

increased under the influence of these inhibitors; those of glutamine decreased and those of (-aminobutyrate 

increased only in the presence of fluorocitrate. These inhibitors did not affect acetylcholine synthesis. 

(2) The effect of these fluoroinhibitors on the labeling of intermediates was rather complicated. The 

specific radioactivity of various metabolites changed differently according to both the labeled substrate and 

the inhibitor. The effects of these fluoroinhibitors on the specific radioactivity ratios or 

citrate/acetylcholine, glutamine/glutamate, (-aminobutyrate/glutamine, and aspartate/glutamate were also 

discussed in the text. These changes in specific radioactivities and their rations were explained using a 

model with 3 metabolic compartments. The compartments were characterized by labeled substrate 

utilization and glutamate-glutamine pool sizes. Pyruvate entered primarily the large compartment with a 

large glutamate pool, and acetate and citrate each entered primarily a different small compartment with 

small glutamate pools. In addition, these changes suggested that fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate did not 

have completely similar effects. 

Chengxin, W. and Zhi, D. Rodent control in China. Dubock, A. C. 521-531. 1984. England, ICI Plant 

Protection Division, Fernhurst, Haslemere Surrey England. Proceedings of a Conference on the 

Organisation and Practice of Vertebrate Pest Control. 30 August- 3 September 1982. Elvetham Hall 

Hampshire England. 30-8-0082. 


Keywords: zinc phosphide/diphacinone/difenacoum/brodifacoum/lethal dose/sodium 

fluoroacetate/1080/fluoroacetamide/strychnine/chlorophacinone 

Chenoweth, M. B. and Gilman, A. (1946). Studies on the pharmacology of fluoroacetate I. Species 

response to fluoroacetate. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 87, 90-103. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/mammals/fluoroacetate/acute toxicity/symptoms 

Chenoweth, M. B. and Gilman, A. (1946). Pharmacology of fluoroacetate. Federation proceedings 5, 171. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/fluoroacetate 

Chenoweth, M. B. and St.John, E. F. (1947). Studies on the pharmacology of fluoroacetate III. Effects on 

the central nervous systems of dogs and rabbits. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 

90, 76-82. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/dogs/rabbits/welfare/symptoms/brain 

Abstract: Spike and dome waves of high voltage occurring at a 3 per second rate have been produced in the 

EEG of curarized dogs by the administartion of fluoroacetic acid. Six of 8 dogs receving intravenous 

injection of 0.05 to 1.0 mg/kg of fluroacetate (sodium salt or methyl ester) developed cerebral dysrythmias 

32


Appendix C 

strongly resembling clinical grand mal and petit mal seizures. Fourteen of 16 dogs receving intracranial 

injections of fluroacetate (sodium salt or methyl ester) of 41 to 250 per cent of the LD50 developed similar 

dysrythmias. No definite relation was found between the use or dosage of water or lipoid soluble fluoroacetates, the sex, age or size of the dog and the occurrence of 

the petit mal type dysrythmias. The grand mal seizures were produced more frequently with larger doses. Rabbits, a species which can not be convulsed by the 

intravenous injection of fluoroacetate in any dosage, convulse when very small doses (40 and 80 per cent of the intravenous LD50) are injected intracranially. 

Chenoweth, M. B. and Gilman, A. (1947). Studies on the pharmacology of fluoroacetate II. Action on the 

heart. Bulletin of the U.S.Army Medical Department 7, 687-706. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/heart/lethal dose/muscle/rabbits/herbivores/carnivores/mode of action 

Abstract: The circulatory changes produced in rabbit, pig, goat, horse and rhesus and spider monkeys by 

lethal doses of fluoroacetate were examined, and it is concluded that they result from the action of the drug 

on the heart. The actions of fluoroacetate on the heart are twofold; (1) depression of the excitation and 

conduction systems and the development of myocardial foci of excitation and (2) the depression of the 

muscular system. The characteristic response to these actions varies between species. The most significant 

differences among species were (1) the absence of any effect upon auricular activity or auricoloventricular 

conduction and a tendency towards various forms of alternation which characterized the rabbit and the 

monkey (2) the minimum of ectopic rhythyms and alternation which characterized the cat (3) the absence 

of acute changes and the delayed development of idioventricular bradycardia which characterized the rat. 

Ventricular fibrillation is the cause of death in these species and is preceeded by numerous 

electrocardiographic changes, such as heterotopic rhythyms, S-T changes resembling coronary disease, AV 

and intraventricular conduction blocks and unrelated degrees of electrical and mechanical pulsus alternans. 

The action of fluoroacetate is considered to be on a specific metabolic system unevenly distributed 

throughout these species and on which the hearts of these species are dependent to a varying degree, or 

which is varyingly sensitive to fluoroacetate. 

Chenoweth, M. B. (1949). Monofluoroacetic acid and related compounds. Pharmacological reviews 1, 383- 

424. 

Keywords: mode of action/acute toxicity/metabolism 

Abstract: Conversion of a metabolic intermediate into a very highly toxic compound by the introduction of 

a single fluorine atom in a strategic position in the molecule has been described for a number of 

compounds. It appears to be a useful method for producing agents with which the metabolic pathways can 

be differentiated in a large number of species with a minimum of effort, for it is evident that these agents 

act by virtue of their close resemblance to natural metabolites. As an example, the variation among species 

in response to monofluoroacetic acid has ben related to certain definite differences in metabolism in the 

species studied. 

Chenoweth, M. B., Kandel, A., Johnson, L. B., and Bennett, D. R. (1951). Factors influencing fluoroacetate 

poisoning : practical treatment with glycerol monoacetate. Journal of pharmacology and experimental 

therapeutics 102, 31-49. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/acute toxicity/pathology/sodium fluoroacetate/rabbits 

Abstract: 1. The ability of various chemical substances to prevent or reverse the toxic effects of sodium 

fluoroacetate has been studied in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and rhesus monkeys (Macacca mulatta). 

2. Commercially available monoacetin containing about 60 per cent glycerol monoacetate has been found 

to be superior to any other substance yet tested for general use against fluoroacetate poisoning. Certain 

characteristics of its action have been described. 

3. Various factors such as water and electrolyte imbalance have been assigned distinct, but minor roles in 

the development of the phenomena of fluoroacetate poisoining. 

4. The ability of fluoroacetate to potentiate the depressant action of barbiturates has been observed and the 

autoprotective effect in rats has been further clarified. 

5. An outline has been presented, based upon experiments with monkeys, which may be helpful for the 

guidance of those treating human fluoroacetate poisoning. 

Chenoweth, M. B. Fluoroacetate: still a portal to comparative toxicology. Unknown , 1074. 1970. 


Keywords: fluoroacetate 

33


Appendix C 

Chi, C.-H., Chen, K.-W., Chan, S.-H., Wu, M.-H., and Huang, J.-J. (1996). Clinical presentation and 

prognostic factors in sodium monofluoroacetate intoxication. Journal of toxicology : clinical toxicology 

34, 707-712. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/acute toxicity/humans/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/poisoning/analysis/serum 

Abstract: Background: The diagnosis of sodium monofluoroacetate intoxication in humans is usually based 

on a history of ingestion and clinical findings. Although several previous reports have described the clinical 

course and outcome of patients who ingested this drug, prognostic indicators of short-term survival are not 

available. Methods: A retrospective study of 38 consecutive cases of sodium monofluoroacetate poisoning 

at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, 1988-1993, to analyze the clinical findings and to predict 

mortality. Results: Seven of 38 patients (18%) died. The most common symptom was nausea or vomiting 

(74%). The most frequent ECG finding was nonspecific ST-T and T wave abnormalities (72%). 

Hypocalcemia (42%) and hypokalemia (65%) were the common electrolyte abnormalities. The clinical and 

laboratory characteristics were compared for the survival and mortality groups. Significant differences in 

hypotension, respiratory rate, pulse rate, creatinine, potassium, elevated alanine aminotransferase, pH, 

PCO2, APACHE II score, and subjective respiratory distress were noted. Discriminant analysis identified 

hypotension, increased serum creatinine, and decreased pH as the most important predictors of mortality, 

with sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 96%. Conclusions: Hypotension and the early onset of metabolic 

acidosis and increased serum creatinine are associated with poor short-term survival. These prognostic 

variables can be useful in the care of patients with suspected sodium monofluoroacetate intoxication. It is 

suggested that all such patients should be observed intensively for at least 48 h. 

Chi, C.-H., Lin, T.-K., and Chen, K.-W. (1999). Hemodynamic abnormalities in sodium monofluoroacetate 

intoxication. Human and experimental toxicology 18, 351-353. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/mode of action/acute toxicity/humans/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/resistance/cardiac 

Abstract: Hypotension is one of the most important predictors of mortality in sodium monofluoroacetate 

(SMFA) intoxication. This paper reports the hemodynamic response in one fatal and another survival case 

of SMFA intoxication. Despite correction of hypovolemia and with inotropic support, the patients remained 

in shock. Hemodynamic observations have provided evidence that shock after SMFA intoxication is due to 

diminished systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. This is the first report in which such 

an invasive hemodynamic investigation has been recorded in a clinical case of SMFA intoxication. 

Chidthiasong, A. and Conrad, R. (2000). Specificity of chloroform, 2-bromoethanesulfonate and 

fluoroacetate to inhibit methanogenesis and other anaerobic processes in anoxic rice field soil. Soil biology 

and biochemistry 32, 977-988. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/soil/acetate/bacteria/degradation 

Abstract: Chloroform (CHCl3), 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) and fluoroacetate have frequently been used 

as methanogenic inhibitors in rice field soil and in other environments, but their effects on other microbial 

processes have not received sufficient attention. Therefore, we comparatively determined the effects of 

CHCl3, BES and fluoroacetate on different microbial processes in rice field soil slurry upon incubation 

under anoxic conditions: on the reduction of the electron acceptors nitrate, ferric iron, sulfate; on the 

production of CH4 and CO2; on the temporal change of the electron donors H2, acetate and propionate; and 

on the turnover of [2- 14 C]acetate during the early reduction phase (day 7), and during the later 

methanogenic phase (day 30). The results demonstrate: (1) fluoroacetate inhibited acetate consumption by 

all microorganisms, (2) BES generally inhibited CH4 production, and (3) CHCl3 not only inhibited 

methanogenesis, but partially also acetate-dependent sulfate reduction, and perhaps H2-dependent 

homoacetogenesis. The specificity of the different inhibitors resulted in characteristic patterns of the 

temporal change of electron donors and acceptors and of CH4. The pattern of propionate change was 

consistent with production by fermenting bacteria and consumption by sulfate reducers either using sulfate 

or methanogens as electron acceptor. Sulfate reducers were also found to be important for acetate 

consumption during the early phase of soil anoxia. Later on, however, methanogenic acetate consumption 

was much more pronounced. The application of inhibitors with different specificity was helpful for 

elucidating the flow of carbon and electrons during degradation of organic matter in anoxic rice field soil. 

34


Appendix C 

Chumakova, I. V., Taran, I. F., and Dyatlov, A. I. Cytological studies of female fleas treated with 

chemosterilants and systemic poisons. g, 198-199. 1974. 14-5-1974. 


Keywords: poisons/poison/fluoroacetate/invertebrates/toxicity 

Abstract: Female fleas were treated by contact with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1% aqueous solutions of thiotepa 

(tiotef), and orally by feeding on white mice to which fenitrothion (Sumithion) or barium fluoroacetate had 

been given at 1.5, 3.0 or 9.0 mg/kg body weight. Resulting changes in the genital system were followed 

from the first to the fourteenth day of adult life. In females treated with 0.25% thiotepa, slight degenerative 

changes in the gonads were seen for 3-4 days, but thereafter the ovaries reverted to their normal form and 

functions. In those treated with 0.5% and 0.75% thiotepa, changes were noted on the second day. 

Development of the ovaries was delayed, and in 70-75% of females they showed resorption in different 

degrees. These changes were more evident in females that had been treated with a 1% solution. Fleas that 

had taken up systemic poisons from mice treated at 1.5-3.0 mg/kg showed no apparent changes in the 

gonads but laid a greater proportion of non-viable eggs than untreated females. Those that fed on mice that 

had been treated at 9.0 mg/kg showed delay in the development of the ovaries, complete resorption of the 

egg-cells or irreversible degenerative changes in the gonads 

Chung, H. M. (1984). Acute renal failure caused by acute monofluoroacetate poisoning. Veterinary and 

human toxicology 26 Supplement 2, 29-32. 

Keywords: mode of action/diagnosis 

Abstract: NaFA produces toxic effects by metabolic conversion to fluorocitrate, inhibits Krebs' cycle and 

the formation of ATP, reduces energy supply to cells, and thus causes cellular dysfunction or degeneration. 

All body cells are potentially affected, although with different sensitivity. Acute renal failure was found in 

three out of our five cases, and two were in frank uremia. The ARF was reversible and may be either 

oliguric or non-oliguric. The causes of ARF were not apparent, but direct nephropathy or some other 

factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of ARF 

Cifarelli, A., Pepe, G., Paradisi, F., and Piccolo, D. (1979). The influence of some metabolic inhibitors on 

phagocytic activity of mouse macrophages in-vitro. Res.Exp.Med. 174, 197-204. 

Keywords: fluoride/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/temperature/Krebs cycle/plasma/mode of action 

Abstract: The action of different metabolic inhibitors on phagocytosis by macrophages from mouse 

peritoneal exudate cultured in vitro was studied. The following metabolic inhibitors were tested: sodium 

iodacetate, sodium fluoride, sodium fluoroacetate, sodium melonate, 2-4-dinitrophenol, sodium azide, 

ouabain and cycloheximide, all at the concentration of 10-3 M. Iodoacetate caused a strong inhibitory 

effect on phagocytosis,confirming that glycolycis is the main source of energy for the phagocytic process. 

Fluoride, although it is an effective inhibitor of glycolysis, did not exert any effect. Sodium fluoride blocks 

anaerobic glycolysis only in vitro at an unphysiological temperature (0. degree. C). Fluoroacetate and 

malonate, 2 compounds which interfere with the Krebs cycle, did not inhibit phagocytosis; but the Krebs 

cycle activity is poorly developed in the macrophagic cells. Sodium azide and 2-4-dinitrophenol, 2 

inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, showed an effect on phagocytosis only after 3 h of contact with the 

cell cultures. Quabain blocked Na + and K + transport across the plasma membrane and it probably inhibited 

phagocytosis by interfering with the movements of the cell membrane. The mode of action of 

cycloheximide on phagocytosis is uncertain. This compound inhibits the protein synthesis and it can 

perhaps act by preventing the renewal of the cell membrane. 

Clarke, D. D. and Nicklas, W. J. (1970). Tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism in the brain. Effect of 

fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate on the labelling of glutamate, aspartate, glutamine and y-aminobutyrate. 

Biochemistry Journal 120, 345-351. 

Keywords: metabolism/brain/Krebs cycle/biochemistry/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The effect of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate on the compartmentation of the glutamate-glutamine 

system was studied in brain slices with L-[U-14C]glutamate, L-[U-14C]aspartate, [1-14C]acetate and yamino[1-14C]butyrate 

as precursors and in homogenates of brain tissue with [1-14C]acetate. The effect of 

fluoroacetate was also studied in vivo in mouse brain with [1-14C]acetate as a precursor. Fluoroacetate and 

fluorocitrate inhibit the labelling of glutamine from all precursors but affect the labelling of glutamate to a 

much lesser extent. This effect is not due to inhibition of glutamine synthetase. It is interpreted as being due 

to selective inhibition of the metabolism of a small pool of glutamate that preferentially labels glutamine. 

35


Appendix C 

Clarke, D. D. (1991). Fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate: mechanism of action. Neurochemical research 16, 

1055-1058. 

Keywords: metabolism/mode of action/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/aconitase 

Abstract: The concept of lethal synthesis as suggested by Peters is reviewed in the light of the more recent 

work in this area. It is suggested that fluorocitrate is a "suicide" substrate for aconitase rather than a 

competitive inhibitor as originally suggested. The use of these substances to study glial-neuronal 

relationships is considered 

Clear, M. Reports from New Zealand Food Safety Authority - red meat residue and species verification 

monitoring. Surveillance 30[2], 18-19. 2003. 


Keywords: residues/liver/pigs/possums/brodifacoum/1080 

Cohen, E. and Levinson, H. Z. (1974). The effect of fatty acids and their alpha-fluoro analogs on the 

feeding response and development of the hidebeetle Dermestes maculatus Deg. Zeitschrift fur Angewandte 

Entomologie 76, 98-105. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/inhibition/invertebrates 

Abstract: Studies in Israel showed that larvae and adults of Dermestes maculatus Deg. were attracted by 

palmitic and stearic acids and were repelled by caprylic acid, a lower homologue. Lauric acid, which 

strongly deterred the larvae from feeding, stimulated the adults to feed. Palmitic and stearic acids enhanced 

larval growth and metamorphosis, but caprylic and lauric acids inhibited them. The larvae and adults 

differed in their response to alpha -fluoro fatty acids. The former were invariably repelled by the fluoro 

analogues, but the latter fed readily on a diet containing alpha -fluorolaurate and alpha -fluorostearate. It 

appeared that the adults were incapable of distinguishing between fatty acids and their respective fluoro 

derivatives. Sodium fluoroacetate was very toxic to the larvae but alpha -fluoro fatty acids were relatively 

non-toxic, inhibiting growth only at a dietary level of 1%. This moderate effect was ascribed to inhibition 

of beta -oxidation, whereby the lethal fluorocaetate was not released 

Cohen, P. (1996). Protecting sheep puts birds at risk. New scientist 149, 5. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/persistence in animals/birds 

Cole, B. T., Engel, F. L., and Fredericks, J. (1955). Sodium fluoroacetate diabetes: correlations between 

glycemia, ketonemia and tissue citrate levels. Endocrinology 56, 675-683. 

Keywords: sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/citrate/rats/heart/liver/spleen/kidney/muscle/poisoning/Krebs cycle/persistence 

in animals 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate was administered intraperitoneally to fasted and fed rats. Hyperglycemia 

and ketosis developed within four hours. Ketosis persisted between 24-40 hours and hyperglycemia from 

40-64 hours in both groups. A single SFA poisoned rat exhibited a prolonged survival, dying on the 14th 

day of fasting with marked hyperglycemia and ketosis. The citrate content of the heart, liver, spleen, 

kidney, pancreas and gastrocnemius muscle was estimated in SFA posioned rats and found to correlate 

reasonably well with the hyperglycemia and ketosis. With the exception of spleen, citrate levels were all 

back to normal by 64 hours. Pretreatment with cortisone acetate prevented the ketosis of SFA poisoning 

and increased the hyperglycemia but did not modify the tissue citrate concentrations. These data are 

interpreted to indicate that the Krebs cycle blockade in the tissues in general plays a primary role in the 

etiology of SFA diabetes. The single observation of persistent diabetes, however leaves open the possibility 

of specific damage to insulin producing cells as a factor in the diabetes. 

Coleman, J. D., Montague, T. L., Eason, C. T., and Statham, H. L. The management of problem browsing 

and grazing mammals in Tasmania. LC9596/106, 1-74. 1997. Tasmania, Department of Primary Industry 

and Fisheries. 


Keywords: mammals/deer/rabbits/possums/goats 

Coleman, J. D., Morgan, D. R., and Sweetapple, P. J. Seasonal constraints on the use of aerially-sown baits 

loaded with 1080 to control possum populations. [LC9899/123], -21. 1999. Lincoln, Manaaki Whenua - 

36


Appendix C 

Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract report. 


Keywords: aerial control/possums/field efficacy/1080 

Abstract: Objectives : To determine the probability of success of aerial possum control operations 

conducted over the early spring - autumn period in forest adjacent to pasture and representative of that 

present in Tb Vector Risk Areas. 

Conclusions : Bait acceptance by possums living near forest margins at Waitaha is poorer than that 

recorded from possums living deep in the forest; condition of possums over the period of the study 

appeared to be a poor predictor of bait acceptance; bait acceptance could not be predicted from the 

availability or use by possums of favoured natural foods; there is no strong evidence that baiting outside of 

winter at Waitaha would result in an operational failure. 

Collier, D. N., Spence, C., Cox, M. J., and Phibbs, P. V. (2001). Isolation and phenotypic characterization 

of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pseudorevertants containing supressors of the catabolite repression controldefective 

crc-10 allele. FEMS Microbiology Letters 196, 87-92. 

Keywords: bacteria/enzyme/metabolism/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide 

Abstract: The amiE gene encodes an aliphatic amidase capable of converting fluoroacetamide to the toxic 

compound fluoroacetate and is one of many genes whose expression is subject to catabolite repression 

control in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The protein product of the crc gene, Crc, is required for repression of 

amiE and most other genes subject to catabolite repression control in this bacterium. When grown in a 

carbon source such as succinate, wild-type P. aeruginosa is insensitive to fluoroacetamide (due to the 

repression of amiE expression). In contrast, mutants harbouring the crc-10 null allele cannot grow in the 

presence of fluoroacetamide (due to lack of repression of amiE). Selection for succinate-dependent, 

fluoroacetamide-resistant derivatives of the crc-10 mutant yielded three independent pseudorevertants 

containing suppressors that restored a degree of catabolite repression control. Synthesis of Crc protein was 

not reestablished in these pseudorevertants. All three suppressors of crc-10 were extragenic, and all three 

also suppressed a δcrc: :tetA allele. In each of the three pseudorevertants, catabolite repression control of 

amidase expression was restored. Catabolite repression control of mannitol dehydrogenase production was 

also restored in two of the three isolates. None of the suppressors restored repression of glucose-6phosphate 

dehydrogenase or pyocyanin production. 

Collins, D. (1983). Evaluation of a routine method for determining sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) 

residues in poison baits. New Zealand journal of science 26, 283-286. 

Keywords: high-performance liquid chromatography/bait degradation/1080/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: A total fluorine method routinely used for measuring sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080 or 

1080) in poison baits was evaluated by using a more specific high performance liquid chromatographic 

(HPLC) technique. The rountine method accurately measures 1080 in unweathered baits and adequately 

estimates the level in baits during the early stages of weathering. In well weathered baits with levels of 

1080 below 100 mg/kg the rountine method always overestimates the amount of 1080 present. Further 

investigation showed that most of the overestimation could be attributed to thepresence of inorganic 

fluoride which is not distinguished from 1080 by the rountine method. Production of fluoride from 1080 

within a poison bait has not previously been suggested as a contributing factor in bait detoxification 

Collins, D. M., Fawcett, J. P., and Rammell, C. G. (1981). Determination of sodium fluoroacetate 

(Compound 1080) in poison baits by HPLC. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 26, 

669-673. 

Keywords: high-performance liquid chromatography/sodium fluoroacetate/1080/liquid chromatography 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate, also known as compound 1080, has been widely used as a poison for 

controlling various vertebrate pests. The field use of such a highly toxic compound necessitates the 

analysis of baits and tissues to monitor to exposure of operators, agricultural stock and protected wildlife 

species (RAMMELL and FLEMING 1978) Two general analytical methods are currently used, one based 

on a final fluorine estimation and the other on gas liquid chromatography (GLC). In the fluorine methods 

the sample extract is ashed and the fluorine determined either colorimetrically (AOAC 1980) or with a 

fluorideselective electrode (Peters and Baxter 1974). The fluorine methods, although sufficiently sensitive 

for most purposes, are necessarily nonspecific. The GLC methods which have been described are 

cumbersome and generally semi quantitative (Stahr et al. 1974, Peterson 1975, Stevens et al. 1976). An 

37


Appendix C 

improved GLC method using pentafluorobenzyl derivatisation and electroncapture detection was proposed 

recently (Okuno and Meeker 1980) but the presence of interfering peaks and low, variable recovering were 

a problem. 

The preparation of fluorescent derivatives of monocarboxylic acids using 

4bromomethyl7methoxycoumarin (BrMmc) and their separation by high performance liquid 

chromatography (HPLC) has recently been reported (Lam and Grushka 1978). We have adapted this 

method to the analysis of sodium fluoroacetate. A simple but efficient method for recovering this 

compound from baits is also described. 

Colvin, B. A., Hegdal, P. L., and Jackson, W. B. (1988). Review of non-target hazards associated with 

rodenticide use in the USA. Bulletin OEPP 18, 301-308. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/mammals/secondary poisoning/USA/predators/raptors 

Connolly, G. and Burns, R. J. (1990). Efficacy of compound 1080 livestock protection collars for killing 

coyotes that attack sheep. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference 14, 269-276. 

Keywords: ground control/efficacy/1080/livestock/livestock protection collar/USA/predators 

Connolly, G. (1993). Livestock protection collars in the United States, 1988-1993. In 'Eleventh Great Plains 

Wildlife Damage Control Workshop proceedings, April 26-29, 1993, Kansas City, Missouri'. pp. 25-33. 

(U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: Fort 

Collins.) 

Keywords: ground control/target species/livestock/livestock protection collar/predators/USA/field efficacy 

Connolly, G. Development and use of compound 1080 in coyote control, 1944-1972. Proceedings of the 

21st Vertebrate Pest Conference, Visalia, California, March 2004, X. 2004. 


Keywords: 1080/fluoroacetate/toxicity/sodium 

fluoroacetate/rodents/rodent/baits/livestock/fish/wildlife/humans/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Compound 1080 ® is a man-made sodium salt of fluoroacetic acid or fluoroacetate, which occurs 

in nature as the toxin in many species of poisonous plants. The toxicity of such plants had long been 

recognized, but the toxic agent was not identified as fluoroacetate until 1944. By that time, the pesticidal 

potential of synthesized sodium fluoroacetate (code number 1080-44) was being explored in the United 

States in a war time, crash program aimed at finding new rodenticides. Compound 1080, the main product 

of that program, proved to be the best rodenticide known up to that time. It was found to be even more 

toxic to canids than to rodents, so was used experimentally for coyote control beginning in November 1944. 

Compound 1080 was authorized for operational use in governmental predator control in 1946. Large meat 

baits, or bait stations, injected with 1080 solution and placed on livestock ranges in winter quickly became 

a preferred method for reducing coyote populations that preyed on sheep and cattle. The use of 1080 bait 

stations peaked in Fiscal Year (FY) 1963, when over 16,000 stations were placed by the U. S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (FWS) Predator and Rodent Control (PARC) program. After 1963, numbers of 1080 

stations declined year by year to 1972 when the use of 1080 and other predacides on Federal lands and in 

Federal programs was stopped by President Nixon's Executive Order 11643, followed by Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) suspension and cancellation of registrations for 1080 and other predacides. The 

1080 cancellation was based partly on high potential hazard to humans, even though no human had ever 

been killed or seriously injured in connection with the use of this toxicant in coyote control. 

Paradoxically, most of the political agitation over Compound 1080 focused its use in predator control even 

though much greater amounts were used for rodent control. The total amount of 1080 sold in the U. S. 

during 1968-72, the last five years in which 1080 bait stations were used, was approximately 10,003 lb. 

Only 1.3 percent (129 lb) of that amount was used for predator control. The largest amount of 1080 used 

for coyote control in the United States in any one year was about 42.4 lb, in FY 1963. 

Cook, C. J. (1998). Serotonergic and cholecystokinin antagonists change patterns of response in rats (Rattus 

norvegicus) to oral sodium monofluoroacetate. New Zealand veterinary journal 46, 76-78. 

Keywords: mode of action/welfare/rats/sodium monofluoroacetate 

38


Appendix C 

Cook, C. J., Eason, C. T., Wickstrom, M., and Devine, C. D. (2001). Development of antidotes for sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). Biomarkers 6, 72-76. 

Keywords: treatment/1080/pathology/antidote/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/dogs/CNS/cardiac/muscle/rats/blood/brain 

Cooke, J. A. (1976). The uptake of sodium monofluoroacetate by plants and its physiological effects. 

Fluoride 9, 204-212. 

Keywords: persistence in plants/metabolism/fluoroacetate/fluoride/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The uptake and physiological effects of sodium fluoroacetate and sodium fluoride on a number of 

plant species are compared. Both ionized fluoride and fluoroacetate were taken up by Helianthus annuus 

although the patterns of distribution differed. Fluoride accumulated mainly in the root but a small 

percentage was translocated to the shoot causing premature senescence of the leaves. Fluoroacetate, 

however, was translocated to the shoot with little accumulation in the root. On a µgF/ml basis, the 

fluoroacetate solutions were more toxic reducing dry weight and producing leaf necrosis. However, 

fluoroacetate did not have the the rapid effect on the water balance of the plants shown by fluoride. The 

significance of the metabolism of fluoroacetate is discussed in relation to these physiological studies. 

Corr, P. V. and Martire, P. (1971). Leaching by rain of sodium fluoroacetate ("1080") from baits used for 

rabbit control. Australian journal of experimental agriculture and animal husbandry 11, 278-281. 

Keywords: bait degradation/sodium fluoroacetate/1080 

Abstract: This paper reports experiments concerned with the loss of 1080 from a new type of pellet bait 

made from a mixture of pollard, bran, and molasses (PBM) and compared this with carrot and oat baits. 

The effect of different amounts of poison applied to baits in different ways was also studied. The 

experiments were done at Frankston (25 miles south east of Melbourne), Victoria in 1965 and 1966. The 

results for pellets at Frankston are compared with those for pellets retrieved from the field during poisoning 

experiments. 

Corr, P. V. (1971). The acceptability and effectiveness of pellet bait for poisoning rabbits. Australian 

journal of experimental agriculture and animal husbandry 11, 407-414. 

Keywords: poisoning/rabbits/carrot/baits/field efficacy/1080 

Abstract: It is concluded that the specially prepared pellet baits are as effective for poisoning rabbits as 

carrot baits, better than oat baits, and generally satisfactory. 

Corsi, A. and Granata, A. L. (1967). Differential toxicity of fluoroacetate to heart, kidney and brain 

mitochondria of the living rat. Biochemical Pharmacology 16, 1083-1089. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/pathology/fluoroacetate/heart/brain/kidney 

Abstract: Mitochondria were prepared from the heart, kidney and brain of rats intoxicated with 

fluoroacetate. Incubation with several substrates showed dpression of respiration of heart mitochondria 

with pyruvate and succinate, and depression of kidney mitochondria with pyruvate, succinate, citrate, βoxobutyrate 

and L-glutamate; no inhibitionof respiration was detected in brain mitochondria. 

Phosphorylative capacity, as expressed by the P:O ratios, was not affected in any of the tissues. However, a 

reduction in respiratory control was observed in all cases. 

Cottral, G. E., Dibble, G. D., and Winton, B. (1947). The effect of sodium fluoroacetate ("1080" 

rodenticide) on white leghorn chickens. Poultry Science 26, 610-613. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/birds/symptoms/sodium fluoroacetate/poisoning/1080/acute toxicity/lethal 

dose/mammals 

Abstract: The symptoms of sodium fluoroacetate ("1080") poisoning in chickens are cyanosis of the comb 

and wattles, depression, weakness, disinclination to eat or move about, distention of the crop with fluid and 

gas, edema of the wattles, dyspnea and moist rales. The necropsy findings on sodium fluoroacetate 

poisoning in chickens are hemorrage and edema of the lungs, petechial hemorrages in the pericardial and 

mesenteric fat, enteritis, congestion of the internal organs and ovarian hemorrage in laying birds. The most 

pronounced effect of "1080" is on the lungs, where it causes hemorrage and edema. All birds that died of 

"1080" poisoning showed hemorrage and edema of the lungs therefore these lesions are considered 

diagnostic. The results obtained after the administration of 1080 to 28 birds of two age groups indicated the 

following dose levels: Maximum tolerant dose between 4.0 and 5.0 mg/kg, LD50 between 7.0 and 8.0 

39


Appendix C 

mg/kg and LD100 between 15.0 and 18.0 mg/kg. Laying hens appeared to be more susceptible to 1080 

poisoning than hens that were not laying. Chickens are considerably more resistant to 1080 poisoning than 

are many of the small mammals. 

Cox, R. B. and Zatman, L. J (1972). The effect of fluoroacetate on the growth of the facultative 

methylotrophs bacerium 5H2, Pseudomonas AMI and bacterium 5B1. Society for General Microbiology: 

Proceedings 6. 

Keywords: bacteria/fluoroacetate/inhibition/toxicity 

Crawford, M. A. (1963). The effects of fluoroacetate, malonate and acid-based balance on the renal 

disposal of citrate. Biochemical journal 88, 115-120. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/citrate/excretion/urine/biochemistry 

Curry, D. Model permit conditions for the use of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). 1995. Wellington, 

Ministry of Health. 



Dalrymple, B. P. and McSweeney, C. S. (1998). Manipulation of rumen function by the inoculation of 

novel microorganisms. Outlook on Agriculture 27, 107-113. 

Keywords: toxicity/poisons/poison/fluoroacetate/bacteria/GMO 

Abstract: Some recent developments in the area of utilizing ruminal microorganisms for the modification 

and improvement of productivity in ruminants are described. The inoculants, designed for establishment in 

the new domestic ruminant host, have specific, superior or modified activities, but currently have a 

restricted geographical or species distribution. Current work has focused on three novel or augmented 

activities, namely: reducing the toxicity of particular plant poisons, increasing the utilization of plant fibre 

and the modification of protein supply. The most successful projects so far have tackled the detoxification 

of the plant poisons, mimosine and fluoroacetate, but projects aimed at increasing the utilization of plant 

fibre are now well advanced. Molecular techniques have significantly assisted in the identification, 

differentiation and tracking of organisms and are essential for the construction of modified organisms 

Daniel, M. J. (1962). Control of introduced deer in New Zealand. Nature 194, 527-528. 

Keywords: deer/1080/persistence in animals/efficacy/field efficacy 

Daniel, M. J. Early trials with sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) for the control of introduced 

deer in New Zealand. Technical Paper No. 51, O.D.C. 414.11, -27. 1966. Wellington, Forest Research 

Institute, New Zealand Forest Service. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/deer/lethal dose/birds/non-target 

species/symptoms/welfare 

Abstract: More than 100 baiting and poison trials using sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) 

carried out by the New Zealand Forest Service from 1957 to 1961 on fallow, red and sika deer, are 

described in some detail. Toxicity ratings varied from 1/4 lb to 1 lb (0.11 - 0.45 kg) of 1080 per 1,000 lb 

(454 kg) of chopped carrot bait, apparently the bait most favoured by these species of deer. If the LD50 for 

deer is similar to that for sheep (0.45 mg per 1 kg of body weight) a lethal dose for a 11lb (50 kg) deer 

would be contained in some 1.5 oz (40 g) of toxic carrot at the toxicity levels used. Some deer in the trials 

consumed more than 4 lb (1.8 kg) of toxic carrot, which would have contained well over 30 lethal doses. 

More than 500 deer were poisoned on grassy river flats and at least 40 in Nothofagus forest edges. The 

danger to native and exotic birds does not appear to be nearly as great as was anticipated. These trials 

indicate that large concentrations of deer on open clearings and in forest edges can be effectively reduced 

by the use of 1080 in carrot bait. It appears unlikely at this stage, however, that this technqiue will 

supersede hunting as an econmic method of deer control in most of New Zealand's 14,000,000ac 

(5,700,000 ha) of indigenous watershed-protection and production forests, or in the 1,000,000 ac (405, 000 

ha) of exotic production forests. 

40


Appendix C 

David, W. A. L. (1950). Sodium fluoroacetate as a systemic and contact insecticide. Nature 165, 493-494. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/persistence in plants/invertebrates/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

David, W. A. L. and Gardiner, B. O. C. (1951). Investigations on the systemic insecticidal action of sodium 

fluoroacetate and of three phosphorus compounds on Aphis fabae Scop. Annals of applied biology 91-110. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/invertebrates/persistence in plants/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/systemic 

toxicity/persistence in soil 

Abstract: The general insecticidal properties of bis (bis-dimethylamino phosphonus) anhydride, bis 

(dimethylamino) fluorophosphine oxide, diethyl paranitro-phenyl phospahte (E600) and sodium 

fluoroacetate are described. All are toxic to aphids when infested planst are dipped in solutions. Although 

this is thought to be a contact action the possibility that the materials are first absorbed by the leaves and 

that the aphids are killed by imbibing toxic sap is not excluded. At the lowest concentrations giving a 

complete kill of aphids, the anhydride is the most persistently effective of the four compounds. E600 is the 

most phytotoxic compound. When applied to the roots the order of decreasing toxicity of 

acetate>oxide>anhydride>E600 in sand and soil, and acetate>oxide>anhydride=E600 in culture solution. 

The anhydride and acetate are more persistent in the plants than the oxide and E600. The amrgin of safety 

between insecticidal dosage and phyocidal dosage is appreciably larger with the acetate than with the other 

three compounds. When equal dosages are administered to plants by the cut tap root technique the order of 

decreasing toxicity to aphids is seen to be acetate>oxide>E600>anhydride. All compounds, except possibly 

E600 appear to be absorbed by the intact roots of the plants. Systemic insecticidal action following 

application made to leaves of the broad bean is easy to demonstrate with the acetate, demionstrable with 

difficulty with the anhydride and not at all with E600 and the oxide. Sodium fluoroacetate is an extremely 

effective systemic insecticide whether applied to the leaves or the roots of the broad bean. It is apparently 

not phytotoxic at several times the concentration necessary for insecticidal action but may prove to be too 

generally toxic or persistent for practical use. 

David, W. A. L. and Gardiner, B. O. C. (1953). The systemic insecticidal action of sodium fluoroacetate 

and of three phosphorus compounds on the eggs and larvae of Pieris brassicae L. Annals of applied biology 

40, 403-417. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/invertebrates/persistence in plants/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/systemic 

toxicity 

David, W. A. L. and Gardiner, B. O. C. (1954). The systemic insecticidal action of certain compounds of 

fluorine and of phosphorus on Phaedon cochleariae Fab. Annals of applied biology 41, 261-270. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/invertebrates/persistence in plants/fluorine/systemic toxicity 

David, W. A. L. and Gardiner, B. O. C. (1958). Fluoroacetamide as a systemic insectide. Nature 181 , 

1810. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/efficacy/invertebrates/systemic toxicity 

David, W. A. L. and Gardiner, B. O. C. (1966). Persistence of fluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide in soil. 

Nature 209, 1367-1368. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/soil 

De Meyer, R. and De Plaen, J. (1964). An approach to the biochemical study of teratogenic substances on 

isolated rat embryo. Life sciences 3, 709-713. 

Keywords: regulatory toxicology/mammals/rodents/teratogenicity/sodium fluoroacetate/developmental 

toxicity/reproductive effects 

Abstract: The genesis of congenital malformations, especially those induced by drugs, has long been a 

clinical enigma. In the rat, we have been able to demonstrate the teratogenic activity of three substances, all 

of which can specifically affect carbohydrate metabolism. Carbutamide, administered by stomach tube at a 

dose of 500 mg/day on the 9th and 10th days of pregnancy, induces cleft palate and microphthalmia or 

anophthalmia in nearly 100% of the embryos. The intramuscular injection of 2-deoxyglucose at a dose of 

120 mg/day during the 9th and 10th day of pregnancy produces resorption in 17 out of 54 foetuses and 

foetal anomalies, such as cleft palate or forelimb anomalies in 17 out of those surviving. Sodium 

41


Appendix C 

fluoroacetate, 600 micrograms given intraperitoneally on the 9th day, causes eye anomalies, syndactylia 

and evisceration. 

De Moraes-Moreau, R. L., Haraguchi, M., Morita, H., and Palermo-Neto, J. (1995). Chemical and 

biological demonstration of the presence of monofluoroacetate in the leaves of Palicourea marcgravii St 

Hil. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research 28, 685-692. 

Keywords: mode of action/occurrence in nature/product chemistry/acute toxicity/NMR/monofluoroacetic 

acid/symptoms/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/rats 

Abstract: Cattle losses in Brazil have been attributed to Palicourea marcgravii St. Hil., a toxic plant for 

cattle. The crude extract from the leaves of P. marcgravii was successively fractionated using solvents with 

different polarities to determine whether monofluoroacetic acid and/or some other substance present in the 

leaves maybe responsible for the acute symptoms caused by the plant. Authentic sodium monofluoroacetate 

(SMFA) was used for comparison. The only P. marcgravii fraction which induced seizures and death in 

intoxicated rats was water soluble. The signs and symptoms induced in the animals by the crude extract and 

water-soluble fraction were the same as induced by SMFA and included tonic seizures and other actions on 

the CNS. The close-lethality and dose-latency to the 1st seizure curves constructed for the water-soluble 

fraction of the leaf extract (30-100 mg/kg) and SMFA (0.6-3.0 mg/kg) were parallel. Five animals per dose 

were used. The potency ratio of SMFA in relation to the water-soluble fraction of the leaf extract was 53.8 

(dose-lethality curve) and 64.1 (dose-latency to the 1st seizure curve). The water-soluble fraction contained 

a substance with hRf = 20 which was the same as that of authentic SMFA. The F-19 NMR spectra of 

authentic SMFA and the P. marcgravii water-soluble fraction were identical. These data demonstrate the 

presence of SMFA in the water-soluble fraction of P. marcgravii leaves and show that monofluoroacetate is 

the active principle responsible for the signs and symptoms of acute intoxication. 

de Oliveira, M. M. (1963). Chromatographic isolation of monofluoroacetic acid from Palicourea 

marcgravii St.Hill. Experientia 29, 586-587. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/analysis/monofluoroacetic acid 

Abstract: 'Erva de rato' (rat weed) Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) whose natural habitat is in moist 

woodlands is a shrub found in several Brazilian states. It has long been known as one of the most toxic 

plants of our pastures, although its active principle had not previously been identified. The present note 

deals with the isolation of the substance mainly by chromatographic methods, and its identification as 

monofluoroacetic acid. 

Demarchi, A. C., Menezes M.L., Mercadante A., and Vassillief I. (2001). Determination of the sodium 

monofluoroacetate in serum by gas chromatography. Chromatographia 54, 402-404. 

Keywords: serum/sodium monofluoroacetate/humans/poisoning/analysis 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (NAFAc) has been widely used for vertebrate pest control, such as 

rabbits in Australia. However NAFAc is extremely toxic to all vertebrates and its use is restricted. Although 

this compound is stringently restricted, the occurrence of accidental and homicidal poisoning is no everpresent 

possibility. The method developed in this work shows the applicability of SPE with alumina 

cartridges for the extraction of NAFAc from serum samples. The method is efficient with recoveries of at 

least 96.8% from spiked serum. The samples were subsequently derivatized with dicyclohexylcabodiimide 

(DCC), using 2,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), to make the product volatile for GC analysis. 

Deonier, C. C., Jones, H. A., and Incho, H. H. (1946). Organic compounds effective against larvae of 

Anopheles quadrimaculatus : laboratory tests. Journal of economic entomology 39, 459-462. 

Keywords: aquatic species/non-target species/invertebrates 

Abstract: Of the 6000 organic compounds tested to determine their toxicity to fourth-instar larvae of 

Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say only 175 gave mortalities of over 50 per cent in 58 hours at 1 p.p.m. 

Twenty-two compounds, in addition to DDT and related compounds, showed toxicity at 0.1 p.p.m. Acetic 

acid 1-trichloromethyl -2,2,-methylene bis (4,6-dichlorophenyl) diester; benzene hexachloride; and 

Synthetic 3956 were superior to the other compounds in their toxicity to anopheline larvae. 

Desmoulin, F., Gilard, V., Malet-Martino, M., and Martino, R. (2002). Metabolism of capecitabine, an oral 

fluorouracil prodrug: F-19 NMR studies in animal models and human urine. Drug metabolism and 

disposition 30, 1221-1229. 

42


Appendix C 

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil/fluoride/fluoroacetate/humans/kidney/liver/metabolism/NMR/plasma/rats/urine 

Abstract: Capecitabine (Xeloda; CAP) is a recently developed oral antineoplastic prodrug of 5-fluorouracil 

(5-FU) with enhanced tumor selectivity. Previous studies have shown that CAP activation follows a 

pathway with three enzymatic steps and two intermediary metabolites, 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5'- 

DFCR) and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR), to form 5-FU preferentially in tumor tissues. In the 

present work, we investigated all fluorinated compounds present in liver, bile, and perfusate medium of 

isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) and in liver, plasma, kidneys, bile, and urine of healthy rats. Moreover, 

data obtained from rat urine were compared with those from mice and human urine. According to a low 

cytidine deaminase (3.5.4.5) activity in rats, 5'-DFCR was by far the main product in perfusate medium 

from IPRL and plasma and urine from rats. Liver and circulating 5'-DFCR in perfusate and plasma 

equilibrated at the same concentration value in the range 25 to 400 muM, which supports the involvement 

of es-type nucleoside transporter in the liver. 5'-DFUR and alpha-fluoro-beta-ureidopropionic acid (FUPA) 

+ alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL) were the main products in urine of mice, making up 23 to 30% of the 

administered dose versus 3 to 4% in rat. In human urine, FUPA + FBAL represented 50% of the 

administered dose, 5'-DFCR 10%, and 5'-DFUR 7%. Since fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance 

spectroscopy gives an overview of all the fluorinated compounds present in a sample, we observed the 

following unreported metabolites of CAP: 1) 5-fluorocytosine and its hydroxylated metabolite, 5-fluoro-6hydroxycytosine, 

2) fluoride ion, 3) 2-fluoro-3-hydroxypropionic acid and fluoroacetate, and 4) a 

glucuroconjugate of 5'-DFCR. 

Devine, C. D. and Cook, C. J. (1998). Bait shyness and its prevention in the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. 

New Zealand journal of zoology 25, 223-229. 

Keywords: bait shyness/rabbits/aversion/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/poisoning 

Abstract: Caged New Zealand white rabbits were examined for the development, and prevention, of a 

learned aversion to toxic feed. Two familiar feeds were offered. One feed, a paste, contained sublethal 

amounts of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080); the other feed, cereal-based pellets, was unpoisoned. On 

initial poisoning, consumption of both feeds decreased, but more markedly for the 1080-dosed pastes. 

Suppressed feed consumption was observed for several days and may have been illness induced. A second 

poisoning elicited a significant depression of consumption of pastes but not pellets. The addition of a 

mixture of certain drugs (neurotransmitter antagonists) to the poisoned paste appeared to prevent the 

characteristic depression of this paste intake. We speculate that the drugs disrupted the associative process 

linking 1080 to recognisable attributes of the toxin or bait itself. The implications of these results on 

aversion formation in rabbits and pest control are discussed. [References: 29] 

Dieke, S. and Richter, C. P. (1946). Comparative assay of rodenticides on wild Norway rats. I. Public 

Health Rep. 61, 672-679. 

Keywords: assay/rats/zinc phosphide/Lethal Dose 50/acute toxicity 

Abstract: Eight rodenticides were bioassayed, using 406 recently trapped adult wild Norway rats. 

Unanaesthetised rats were given the various poisons suspended (or dissolved) in 10% acacia solution, 

through a metahl stomach tube. No significant seasonal variation was observed nor was there any sex 

variation (except in the case of red squill). The median lethal doses and their standard errors were found to 

be as follows, in mg/kg: 

1080 was 0.22 ± 0.01, strychnine sulphate was 4.8 ± 0.4, ANTU was 6.9 ± 0.5, thallium sulphate was 15.8 

± 0.9, zinc phosphide was 40.5 ± 2.9, arsenic trioxide was 138 ± 13, fortified red squill in females was 133 

± 10, fortified red squill in males was 276 ± 29 and barium carbonate was 1480 ± 340. 

Dietrich, L. S. and Shapiro, D. M. (1956). Fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate antagonism of tumor growth. 

Effect of these compounds on citrate metabolism in normal and neoplastic tissue. Cancer Research 16, 

585-588. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/citrate/citric acid/brain/heart/kidney/aconitase/mode of 

action/metabolism/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetate and monofluorocitrate both show carcinostatic activity against the 

adenocarcinoma 755 growth in C57BL mice. The administration of monofluoroacetate markedly increased 

the citric acid levels in the 755 tumor and normal brain, heart and kidney tissue. Monofluorocitrate 

administration raised the citrate concentration in the tumor and kidney tissue but had no effect on the citric 

acid levels in mouse brain or heart. In vitro studies on seven different experimental mouse neoplasms 

43


Appendix C 

indirectly indicate that all these tumor tissue possess aconitase activity. However, of all the neoplasms 

studied, adenocarcinoma 755 can efficiently convert fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate as measured by citric 

acid accumulation in the fluoroacetate poisoned tumor homogenates. 

Dilks, P. and Lawrence, B. (2000). The use of poison eggs for the control of stoats. New Zealand journal of 

zoology 27. 

Keywords: poison/stoats/1080/lethal dose/field efficacy 

Abstract: Stoats (Mustela erminea) are an important predator of many forest bird species in New Zealand, 

and more effective methods for their control are being sought. Stoat control using Fenn traps has been 

shown to prevent predation on mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala), but this technique is labour-intensive and 

costly to use for protection of large areas of habitat. We evaluated 1080 delivered in eggs as a poison for 

control of stoats. The lethal dose has been determined by captive and field trials, but attempts to implement 

a large-scale control operation have given inconclusive results. To clarify the effectiveness of 1080 eggs as 

a control technique, we carried out further field trials with radio-tagged stoats in the Makarora Valley. 

Twenty animals were monitored by radio tracking, and data loggers and video cameras recorded their visits 

to bait stations. The precise time an individual stoat ate a poison egg could be determined from data logger 

and video information, and its fate was followed. Sixteen of twenty stoats were killed by 1080 eggs, three 

died of other causes and one remained alive at the end of the trials. 

Dobereiner, J. and Tokarnia, C. H. (1959). Poisoning of cattle by "erva de rato" (Palicourea marcgravii St. 

Hil.) in the Itapicuru Valley, Maranhao. Arq Institut Biol Anim 2, 83-91. 

Keywords: poisoning/livestock/occurrence in nature 

Douglas, G. W., Woodfield, B. R. G, and Tighe, F. G (1959). 1080 poison. A major weapon in rabbit 

control. The Journal of Agriculture (Victoria) 279-327. 

Keywords: 1080/poison 

Abstract: In the past four years poisoning with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) has become well established as 

a major method of rabbit destruction in Victoria. 

Early in 1953, successful trials with 1080, using apple as bait, were carried out in the Jack River and 

Yarram districts of Victoria. Kills were estimated to be between 90 and 99 per cent, of the rabbits in the 

areas where the poisoning was effected, and further trials in the Yarram district confirmed these estimates. 

Douglas, M. H. (1967). Control of thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus): evaluation of a poisoning technique. New 

Zealand journal of science 10, 511-526. 

Keywords: poisoning/1080/carrot/poison/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: An attempt was made to evaluate a poisoning technique utilizing compound 1080 and carrots for 

the control of thar. Pre-poisoning and post-poisoning counts were undertaken in three Zonesto define the 

effectiveness of the poison and pre-feeding. Zone I with no pre-feeds had an estimated kill of 11%, Zone II 

with one pre-feed an estimated kill of 30%, Zone III with two pre-feeds an estimated kill of 51%. 

Supplementary results were collected on secondary poisoning, identification of 1080 death, whether 

poisoning took a biased sample of the population, and biological data. 

DuBois, K. P. (1948). New rodenticidal compounds. Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association 

37, 307-310. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/efficacy/antidote/poisoning/lethal dose/rodents 

Abstract: The toxicological and some of the pharmacological properties of Castrix, α-napthylthiourea, and 

sodium fluoroacetate are reviewed. Information relating to the toxicity and rodenticidal efficacy of 2chloro-4-dimethylamino-6-methylpyrimidine 

is reported. Sodium pentabarbital has been found to be 

effective as an antidote for Castrix poisoning. 

Dummel, R. J. and Kun, E. (1969). Studies with specific enzyme inhibitors. The Journal of Biological 

Chemistry 244, 2956-2969. 

Keywords: chemistry/enzyme/mode of action/analysis/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Isolation of D and L isomers of erythro-fluorocitric acid was accomplished by first separation of 

diastereomeric racemates as cyclohexamine salts of diethyl fluorocitrate. This was followed by resolution 

44


Appendix C 

of the erythro-diastereoisomer into optical isomers by fractional crystallization as (+) and (-)dioxyephidrine 

salts. Partial hydrolysis to the monoethyl ester of resolved fluorocitrate was acheived by 

guanidine carbonate and complete hydrolysis to the free acid in NaOH. Purification tothe final stage of 

optically resolved free acids was carried out by fractionation as barium and cyclohexamine salts. Only the 

L isomer inhibited aconitase activity of rat kidney mitochondria. 

Dunn, D. and Berman, D. A. (1966). Oxidation of glucose-1-14C, glucose-6-14C and acetate-1-14C by rat 

ventricle strips during the inotropic action of fluoroacetate. Life sciences 5, 1881-1886. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/heart/rodents/mode of action/metabolism/inhibition/muscle 

Abstract: The alterations in metabolism that occur in hearts poisoned with fluoroacetate have been studied 

by Williamson et al. They found that the depression of contractility appeared to correlate well with the 

metabolic inhibition. Under certain experimental conditions, however, fluoroacetate stimulates the force of 

contraction of the heart. Katzung et al. demonstrated that fluoroactate stimulates contractility at low 

frequencies of stimulation and depresses contractility at high frequencies. Pasner demonstrated that 

fluoroacetate exerts a greater positive inotropic effect when the heart muscle is suspended in a medium 

containing a low calcium concentration than in high calcium. 

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of fluoroacetate on the metabolism of 

electrically stimulated rat ventricle strips under conditions in which fluoroacetate stimulates contractility; 

i.e. the tissue was suspended in a medium containing a low calcium concentration and was electrically 

stimulated at a low frequency. 

Eanes, R. Z., Skilleter, D. N., and Kun, E. (1972). Inactivation of the tricarboxylate carrier of liver 

mitochondria by (-)-erythrofluorocitrate. Biochemical and biophysical research communications 46, 1618- 

1622. 

Keywords: metabolism/liver/fluorocitrate/inhibition/citrate/aconitase 

Eanes, R. Z. and Kun, E. (1974). Inhibition of liver aconitase isozymes by (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate. 

Molecular Pharmacology 10, 130-139. 

Keywords: metabolism/inhibition/liver/aconitase/biochemistry/enzyme/fluorocitrate/citrate 

Eason, C., Batcheler, D., and Wright, G. Environmental impact assessments on 1080 associated with 

possum control in the Waipoua Forest Sanctuary, Northland. FWE 91/8, -9. 1991. 


Keywords: 1080/non-target species/aerial control/possums/witholding 

period/mammals/invertebrates/analysis/persistence in water/persistence in animals 

Abstract: High concentrations of 1080 in mice suggested significant rodent mortality after possum control 

operations. Although some 1080 was present in insects, at the maximum concentration detected a 50-g bird 

would have to eat approximately 300-g of insect material at one session to be affected. Kauri snails were 

not contaminated. These analyses were undertaken on a small sample and should be treated accordingly. 

The sowing techniques did not affect bait size and integrity. The risk to non-target forest species, humans 

and stock was low after 28 days. However, baits from one area contained a significant amount of 1080 for 6 

weeks. The streams and rivers of the Waipoua Forest Snactuary were not comtaminated after the sowing of 

1080 possum baits. 

Eason, C. and Gooneratne, R. An evaluation of the risk to man of secondary poisoning with sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). New Zealand medical journal 106[949], 41. 1993. 


Keywords: secondary poisoning/poisoning/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/1080/humans/possums/livestock/rabbits/witholding period 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) was introduced in 1954 for vertebrate pest control in New 

Zealand. It remains an essential tool for the containment of tuberculosis spread by possums and to reduce 

possum damage to crops and forests. Whilst stock should be removed from areas where this toxin is being 

used, there have been concerns that livestock may become contaiminated with 1080 after ingestion of a 

sublethal dose of toxin by eating a bait intended for a rabbit or a possum. To quantitate the risk of such an 

event, rabbits, sheep and goats have been orally dosed witj 0.1 mg/kg 1080 (approximately one quarter of 

the LD50) and plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of 1080 have been measured. The 

45


Appendix C 

plasma elimination t1/2 in rabbits, goats and sheep was 1, 5 and 11 hour respectively and tissue 

concentrations were consistently lower than plasma concentrations. All traces of 1080 were eliminated in 

one week. The rapid elimination of 1080 couples with destocking practices, suggests that the likelihood of 

1080 residues occurring in meat for human consumption or export is extremely remote. 

Eason, C., Temple, W., Reeve, J. E., Waters, J. D, Fagerstone, K. A., and Savarie, P. J. An evaluation of the 

need for regulatory toxicology studies on sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). Landcare Research Contract 

Report LC9596/06, -27. 1995. 


Keywords: regulatory toxicology/sodium monofluoroacetate/1080 

Eason, C., Wickstrom, M., Milne, L., Warburton, B., and Gregory, N. (1998). Implications of animal 

welfare considerations for pest control research : the possum as a case study. In 'Ethical approaches to 

animal-based science ; proceedings of the Joint ANZCCART/NAEAC conference held in Auckland, New 

Zealand 19-20 September 1997'. pp. 125-130. (ANZCCART: Auckland.) 

Keywords: welfare/possums 

Abstract: Increasingly animal welfare considerations have influenced the focus of pest control research and 

the manner in which it is conducted. In this case study we review the trends and influences on research 

related to the Australian brushtail possum, considered the most damaging animal pest in New Zealand. The 

limited public acceptance for killing of animal pests such as rats and possums, carries the caveat that it 

must be done with minimal pain and distress. Finding control methods that are cost effective, target 

specific, and humane remains a major ethical and animal welfare issue. There is increasing emphasis on 

establishing the relative merits of different trap types and poisons (from a welfare perspective) and the 

development of non-lethal methods and biocontrol. We have initiated new research which will lead to an 

animal welfare audit of the existing six toxicants commonly used for possum control. The merits of this and 

all other pest control research will be judged increasingly from a welfare perspective, and research must 

initiate the use of animal management techniques which minimise pain or distress. 

Eason, C., Warburton, B., and Henderson, R. (2000). Toxicants used for possum control. In 'The brushtail 

possum : biology, impact and management of an introduced marsupial'. (Ed. T. L. Montague.) pp. 154-163. 

(Manaaki Whenua: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/possums/welfare/non-target species/secondary poisoning/1080/brodifacoum 

Abstract: In New Zealand there are six toxicants currently registered for possum control: 1080 (sodium 

monofluoroacetate), cyanide, cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), phosphorus, brodifacoum, and pindone. Their 

use for killing possums raises a variety of concerns including risks and persistence, which are often 

different for each toxicant because of the differences in their physical and chemical properties and their 

toxicological modes in action. 

The ideal toxicant for possum control should be inexpensive, usable by farmers, and humane. It should 

have an antidote and be degradable in soil and water. As far as possible it should be species-specific. It 

should not leave persistent residues in livestock and should have a low risk of primary or secondary 

poisoning in non-target species. It should be supported by a comprehensive database of efficacy, 

toxicology, and risk assessment studies that satisfy local concerns as well as national and international 

regulatory agencies. Such and ideal pesticide has not yet been identified and may never be. The 

advantages and disadvantages of the six toxicants currently used for possum control are summaried below 

ans some of the research questions being addressed regarding their safety and efficacy are outlined. 

Currently the range of toxicants and baits available allows those involved in possum control to select the 

most appropriate combination for sustained control of possums, provided they are familiar witht eh 

advantages and disadvantages of the different toxicants and baits. 

Eason, C. (2000). Persistence of 1080. Surveillance 20, 7. 

Keywords: 1080/persistence in animals/persistence in invertebrates/persistence in water 

Eason, C. and Wright, G. Water monitoring for contamination after aerial 1080 pest control operations - an 

update. He Korero Paihama - Possum Research News 16[December 2001], 10-11. 2001. Landcare 

Research. 

46


Appendix C 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in water/aerial control 

Eason, C. and Wickstrom, M. Vertebrate Pesticide Toxicology Manual (Poisons). Department of 

Conservation Technical Series 23, -122. 2001. Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington, 

New Zealand. 


Keywords: poisons 

Eason, C. and O'Halloran, K. (2002). Biomarkers in toxicology versus ecological risk assessment. 

Toxicology in press. 

Keywords: humans/regulatory toxicology/toxicity/wildlife 

Abstract: Toxicity testing of drugs, pesticides, and hazardous compounds has substantially evolved into a 

battery of standardized tests conducted in a range of surrogate test organisms. The toxicity of these 

xenobiotics in terms of their LD50, LC50, ED50, EC50, MATC, LOEL, LOEC, NOEL or NOEC is extrapolated to humans and wildlife. Historical 

failures in the risk assessment process have been largely due to over reliance on regulatory toxicology and an "assembly line" mentality to toxicology. The 

importance of toxicokinetics, receptor studies and biomarkers are reviewed, firstly, with reference to toxicological incidences in drug development programmes, and 

secondly, with reference to improved environmental risk assessment of pesticides and other contaminants. Ecological risk assessments also require multidisciplinary 

skills to study the entry, distribution, and biological effect and fate of chemicals to fully characterise and understand the potential adverse implications of 

contamination. Optimum integration of chemical measurements and biomarker responses is a challenge that will lead to an improved understanding of adverse 

effects and their significance in both human and ecological risk assessment. 

Eason, C. (2002). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) risk assessment and risk communication. Toxicology 

181-182, 523-530. 


Abstract: Sodium monofluroacetate (1080) is a vertebrate pesticide widely used for possum control in New 

Zealand. Fluoracetate is also a toxic component of poisonous plants found in Australia, South Africa, 

South America, and India. Because of its importance and effectiveness in pest control and the highly toxic 

nature of this compound, its acute sub-lethal and target organ toxicity have been extensively studied. In 

relation to its use as a pesticide its environmental fate, persistence, non-target impacts and general 

toxicology have been and continue to be extensively studied. Toxic baits must be prepared and used with 

extreme care, otherwise humans, livestock, and non-target wildlife will be put at risk. The high risk of 

secondary poisoning of dogs is a cause for concern. 1080 acts by interfering with cellular energy 

production. Possums die from heart failure, usually within 6-18 h of eating baits. Long-term exposure to 

sub-lethal doses can have harmful effects and strict safety precautions are enforced to protect contractors 

and workers in the bait manufacturing industry. Considerable care is taken when using 1080 to ensure that 

the risks of using it are outweighed by the ecological benefits achieved from its use. When its use is 

controversial, risk communicators must take care not to trivialise the toxicity of the compound. The 

benefits of 1080 use in conservation, pest control, and disease control should be weighed up alongside the 

risks of using 1080 and other techniques for pest control. 

Eason, C. T. and Frampton, C. M. (1991). Acute toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits to feral 

cats. Wildlife research 445-449. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/cats/field efficacy/welfare/1080 

Abstract: Feral cat populations have had a devastating effect of many native wildlife species. As part of a 

program to evaluate improved predator control, feral cants were observed after they had ingested a polymer 

bait loaded with 0.4-1.6mg sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) per 1-g bait, equivalent of doses of 0.1-1.3 

mg per kg body weight. Deaths occurred with 0.6 mg per bait and all higher doses. With the highest dose 

all animals died within 24 h. An approximate oral LD50 of 0.28 mg per kg (0.07-0.49) and LD90 of 0.35 

mg per kg (0.14-0.56) were calculated (with 95% confidence limits). Main symptoms were disorientation 

and lethargy, followed by death. A dose of 2 mg 1080 per bait is recommended as a humane and lethal 

poison for feral cats. 

Eason, C. T. (1991). Cholecalciferol as an alternative to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) for poisoning 

possums. Proceedings of the New Zealand Weed and Pest Control Conference 44, 35-37. 

Keywords: possums/non-target species/1080/acute toxicity 

47


Appendix C 

Abstract: Large-scale possums control in New Zealand is dependent on the use of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). Although 1080 is highly effective, its use is restricted and there is public 

pressure to find alternatives. An acute toxicity programme has been set up to identify safer, humane, and 

more target-specific toxins. Possums ere dosed with a new rodenticide, cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). 

Interim results indicated that cholecalciferol has and LD90 of approx. 20-50mg/kg in the possum. 

Eason, C. T., Wright, G. R., and Fitzgerald, H. (1992). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) water-residue 

analysis after large-scale possum control. New Zealand journal of ecology 16, 47-49. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080/possums/aquifer 

Abstract: Two major control operations were conducted in New Zealand in 1990 using aerially sown baits 

containing the poison sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) [sodium fluoroacetate] against (1) brushtail 

possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in kauri (Agathis australis) mixed hardwood forests of Waipoua Forest 

Sanctuary, and (2) against brushtail possums and rock wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) in the pohutukawa 

(Metrosideros excelsa) forests on the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island. This note briefly reports the results 

of water-residue analyses carried out to determine the fate of 1080 in waterways. In Waipoua, streams and 

rivers were monitored for 4 months after 100 t of 1080 possum baits were sown over 17 000 ha of forest. At 

Rangitoto Island, surface and ground water samples were analysed for 6 months after 20 t of 1080 possum 

baits were sown over the 2300 ha island. No 1080 was detected in the streams and rivers of the Waipoua 

forest or the surface or ground water of Rangitoto Island. 

Eason, C. T. (1992). The evaluation of alternative toxins to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) for possum 

control. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference 15, 348-350. 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080/lethal dose/field efficacy/bait shyness 

Abstract: Possum control in New Zealand is dependent on the use of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and 

cyanide. Although 1080 is highly effective, its uses is restricted to government staff. Cyanide is available 

for a wide group of licensed operators but cyanide "shyness" reduces its effectiveness. An acute toxicity 

programme has been set up to identify non anticoagulant toxins, that could be used safely by farmers. Dose 

ranging studies showed that possums are susceptible to cholecalciferol, calciferol, gliftor, alpha-chloralose, 

and nicotine, but not to bromethalin. As lethal doses for these toxins have been ascertained, which of them 

are likely to be cost-effective and safe alternatives to 1080 now needs to be established. Bait palatability 

and field studies will then be undertaken with the most promising candidates. 

Eason, C. T., Morgan, D. R., and Clapperton, B. K. Toxic bait and baiting strategies for feral cats. 371- 

376. 1992. University of California, Davis. Proceedings of the 15th Vertebrate Pest Conference. Borrecco, 

J. E. and Marsh, R. E. 


Keywords: cats/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/baits/acute 

toxicity/plasma/warfarin/field efficacy/iophenoxic acid 

Abstract: To improve feral cat control we developed a dry pelleted toxic bait and evaluated the potential of 

lures. A ploymer fish meal bait was preferred by cats from a range of bait types tested. L-alanine furtehr 

increased bait acceptance by cat in pens trials and catnip may have the potential to increase field acceptance 

and target specificity. An oral LD90 of 0.38 mg/kg was established for sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in 

feral cats voluntarily eating surface-loaded baits. Acute toxicity to cats of warfarin, cholecalciferol and 

gliftor was tested. However, because the cat proved highly sensitive to 1080, we recommended its use at a 

dose of 2 mg per cat bait. In preliminary field trials of bait acceptance using non-toxic ploymer bait 

(without flavour or attractants) marked with the plasma marler iophenoxic acid, 50% of 39 cats caught 

within 3 weeks of laying the baits were marked. Subsequently polymer bait, surface coated with 1080 was 

used in the successful eradication of feral cats from Matakohe Island (37 ha) Whangerei Harbour, New 

Zealand. 

Eason, C. T. Old pesticide - new data. New Zealand Science Monthly [March 1992], 15-16. 1992. 


Eason, C. T. and Hickling, G. J. (1992). Evaluation of a bio-dynamic technique for possum pest control. 

New Zealand journal of ecology 16, 141-144. 

Keywords: pest/possums 

48


Appendix C 

Eason, C. T., Gooneratne, R., Wright, G. R., Pierce, R., and Frampton, C. M. (1993). The fate of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) in water, mammals, and invertebrates. Proceedings of the New Zealand Plant 

Protection Conference 46, 297-301. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/persistence in water/invertebrates/mammals/metabolism/non-target 

species/1080/possums/birds 

Abstract: New data on the fate of sodium monoacetate (1080) [SMA] in water and its persistence in 

mammals and invertebrates is summarized. Studies revealed that 1080 was readily degraded in water, 

mammals and invertebrates. It was found that significant water contamination after the aerial distribution of 

1080 bait for the control of possums was very unlikely. The rapid elimination of 1080 from animal tissue 

confirms that 1080 residues are most unlikely in meat. Analyses of residues in invertebrates indicated there 

was no long-term contamination of invertebrates and little risk of significant amounts of 1080 passing 

through the food chain to birds. 

Eason, C. T., Frampton, C. M., Henderson, R., Thomas, M. D., and Morgan, D. R. (1993). Sodium 

monofluoroacetate and alternative toxins for possum control. New Zealand journal of zoology 20, 329-334. 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is still an essential tool for possum control. We gave 

reassessed the fate of this compound in the environment and found no evidence of water contamination 

after largescale possum control operations. The toxin is biodegradable in all living systems and will not 

accumulate in the food chain. Nevertheless, over reliance on a single toxin for a particular pest, such as 

1080 for possum control, is unwise, and we are evaluating alternatives. Possums are susceptible to some 

nonanticoagulant toxins, including gliftor, cholecalciferol, calciferol, and alphachloralose. Of the 

anticoagulant toxins, broadifacoum is more effective than pindone. Integrated pen and field trials will 

determine the most cost effective alternatives to 1080 for use in bait stations and for aerial application. 

Any alternative toxin will need to be subjected to the same scrutiny as 1080 for its environmental fate and 

impact on nontarget species. 

Eason, C. T., Frampton, C. M., Henderson, R. J., and Thomas, M. D. (1993). Alternatives to 1080 for 

possums. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Christchurch.) 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080/brodifacoum 

Abstract: Objectives: To generate data on the safety and effectiveness of new toxins to support their 

registration for possum control: to determine the effectiveness of anticoagulant toxins for possum control; 

to conduct limited research on back-up compounds, such as alpha-chloralose. 

Conclusions: Cholecalciferol and gliftor show considerable promise as alternatives to 1080; brodifacoum 

is approximately 800 times more toxic to possums than pindone, is effective for maintenance control, and 

can significantly reduce possum populations. 

Eason, C. T. (1993). Persistence of 1080. Surveillance 20(2), 7-8. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/persistence in water/1080 

Eason, C. T. (1993). How safe is 1080? Surveillance 20(4), 23-24. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/persistence in water/1080 

Eason, C. T., Henderson, R., Thomas, M. D., and Frampton, C. M. (1994). The advantages and 

disadvantages of sodium monofluoroacetate and alternative toxins for possum control. In 'Proceedings of 

the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and 

C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 159-165. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080/non-target species/brodifacoum 

Abstract: Over-reliance on a single toxin, such as sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is unwise. Current 

possum control strategies should integrate use of cyanide and trapping with 1080-use where appropriate 

and for the future new alternative toxins are needed. Ideally, an alternative toxin for possum control should 

be inexpensive and usable by farmers and it should have an antidote. It should be degradable in soil and 

water. It should be humane and, as far as possible, species specific. It should not persist in livestock and 

should have low risk of primary or secondary poisoning in non-target species. Such and ideal toxin will be 

difficult to identify. We have been testing alternative toxins in pen and field trials, and have re-evaluated 

the susceptibility of the possum to anticoagulants. Brodifacoum is more potent than pindone, but is 

49


Appendix C 

persistent in livestock receiving a sub-lethal dose. Cholecalciferol and gliftor are effective and have a 

number of positive attributes. any alternative toxin will need to be subjected to the same scrutiny that 1080 

has received for its environmental fate and impact on non-target species. In the future, greater effort will 

need to be expended in discussing the risk versus benefit of possum control using 1080 or alternative 

technologies with a wide range of interest groups, as well as with those directly involved with or affected 

by pest control. 

Eason, C. T., Gooneratne, R., Fitzgerald, H., Wright, G., and Frampton, C. (1994). Persistence of sodium 

monofluoroacetate in livestock animals and risk to humans. Human and experimental toxicology 13, 119- 

122. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/non-target species/occupational exposure/metabolism/1080/secondary 

poisoning/sodium monofluoroacetate/kidney/livestock/humans/goats/poisoning/blood/muscle/liver/plasma 

Abstract: 1 Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), a vertebrate pesticide widely used in New Zealand, was 

administered orally to sheep and goats at a dose level of 0.1 mg kg(-1) body weight to assess risk to 

humans of secondary poisoning from meat. Blood, muscle, liver, and kidney were analysed for 1080 

residues. 2 The plasma elimination half-life was 10.8 h in sheep and 5.4 h in goats, Concentrations of 1080 

in muscle (0.042 mu g g(-1)), kidney (0.057 mu g g(-1)), and liver (0.021 mu g g(-1)) were substantially 

lower than those in plasma (0.098 mu g ml(-1)) at 2.5 h after dosing. 3 Only traces of 1080 (


Appendix C 

Public concern about contamination of the waterways has focused our research on the persistence of 1080 

in aquatic ecosystems. This paper concludes that significant contamination of waterways with 1080 or 

fluoride after possum or rabbit control is unlikely, nevertheless further monitoring of water and labotatory 

studies are planned. We will continue to address concerns regarding 1080 and potential risk to humans 

from contaminated water. 

Eason, C. T., Henderson, R. J., Frampton, C. M., and Thomas, M. D. (1994). Alternatives to 1080 for 

possums (September 1993 to July 1994). (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Christchurch.) 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080/brodifacoum 

Abstract: Objectives: To generate data on new toxins to support their registration and use by farmers for 

possum control: to determine the effectiveness of gliftor, cholecalciferol, brodifacoum and pindone; to 

conduct limited research on back-up compounds. 

Conclusions: Cholecalciferol and gliftor continue to show promise as alternatives to 1080; brodifacoum 

and pindone can significantly reduce possum populations, but relatively large amounts of bait are needed; 

cholecalciferol combined with an anticoagulant such as broadifacoum in a cereal bait may improve cost 

effectiveness. 

Eason, C. T. (1995). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) : an update on recent environmental toxicology data 

and community concerns. In 'Proceedings of the 10th Australian Vertebrate Pest Control conference, 

Hobart, Tasmania - May 1995'. pp. 39-43. (Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries: Kings 

Meadows,Tasmania.) 

Keywords: field efficacy/non-target species/persistence in animals/persistence in plants/persistence in 

soil/persistence in water/occupational exposure/1080/possums 

Abstract: Effective and publicly acceptable pest control requires the fulfilment of three essential 

prerequisites: 

i) data on effectiveness 

ii)data on environmental toxicology and non-target impacts 

iii)community involvement or acceptance 

This paper explores the extent to which current use of sodium mono fluoroacetate (1080) in New Zealand 

meets these prerequisites and suggests where we need to focus more effort in the future. 

Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) was patented as a rodenticide in the USA in the late 1930s and has been 

used in New Zealand since 1954 to control introduced animal pests. particularly possums (Trichosurus 

vulpecula). Possums cause damage to native and exotic forests and spread bovine tuberculosis (Tb) to 

cattle (Cowan 1991). Over the last 20 years, an extensive database on the effectiveness of killing possums 

has been collected and some data on environmental toxicology and non-target impacts have been gathered 

(Seawright and Eason 1994). Despite assurances from the scientific community that the benefits of 1080 

use far outweigh the risks, the level of public antagonism to 1080 has become more widespread. This 

suggests that the scientific community and wildlife managers are not adequately meeting the three essential 

prerequisites. 

Eason, C. T., Warburton, B., and Gregory, N. (1995). Assessment of the humaneness of toxins used for 

possum control in New Zealand. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: welfare/possums/acute toxicity/brodifacoum 

Abstract: Objectives: To review the need for toxins in possum control: to determine the effectiveness of 

gliftor, cholecalciferol, brodifacoum and pindone; to review the humaneness of the toxins currently used for 

possum control in New Zealand. Conclusions: Although the mode of action of these toxins is well 

understood and the clinical signs in a range of species have been recorded, good comparative data on the 

relative humaneness of existing toxins are not available for the possum. 

Eason, C. T., Wright, G. R., Meikle, L., and Elder, P. (1996). The persistence and secondary poisoning 

risks of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), brodifacoum, and cholecalciferol in possums. Proceedings of 

the Vertebrate Pest Conference 17, 54-58. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/non-target species/persistence in 

animals/metabolism/1080/brodifacoum/possums/cats 

Abstract: To determine the risk of secondary poisoning for animals preying on sub-lethally poisoned 

brushtail possums, captive possums were treated with near-lethal doses of sodium monofluoroacetate 

51


Appendix C 

(1080) or brodifacoum, and toxicant concentrations in blood and tissue were monitored over time. Sodium 

monofluoroacetate was rapidly eliminated from the blood (within three days). Brodifacoum was retained in 

the liver and, to a lesser extent, the muscle of possums for eight months after dosing. To determine the 

potential risk for animals scavenging on the carcasses of possums poisoned with cholecalciferol, cats were 

fed poisoned carcasses for six days. No changes in behavior, appetite, or body weight were observed. 

Serum calcium concentrations increased slightly, but remained within the normal range for cats. 

Eason, C. T., Warburton, B., and Gregory, N. (1996). Future directions for toxicology and welfare in 

possum control. In 'Improving conventional control of possums : proceedings of a workshop organised by 

the Possum and Bovine Tuberculosis Control National Science Strategy Committee, 25-26 October 1995, 

Wellington'. pp. 24-28. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: welfare/possums/regulatory toxicology/acute toxicity 

Abstract: Non-tariff trade barriers will be imposed on New Zealand if our pest control techniques are 

deemed unacceptable in overseas markets. Finding control methods for possums that are economic, 

effective, and humane is a major ethical and animal welfare issue. The increasing international focus on 

animal welfare issues makes the development of humane trapping and poisoning techniques a high priority. 

The current Animal Protection Act (1960) exempts possum control from the requirements of the Act except 

for one specific section relating to trapping. The pending Animal Welfare Act, however, requires that all 

wild animals must not be subjected to unnecessary or unreasonable pain, suffering, or distress. This, in 

essence, means that any method used to kill possums must be humane in its action and effect. This 

legislation brings New Zealand in line with its major overseas trading partners. For example, the UK 

Control of Pesticides Regulations (1986) requires that pests should be controlled by methods that are 

humane, and a more recent European Union Directive (91/414/EEC) requires that vertebrate pesticides do 

not cause undue suffering. While some data exist for traps, no published quantitative data exsit for toxic 

agents to be able to conform to this legislation and certainly not to the extent that questions relating to their 

humaneness could be thoroughly answered. Furthermore, literature accounts of the humaneness of 

different toxicants are inconsistent, and species difference in response to different xenobiotics need to be 

taken into account. The background to The present situation relating to possum control and The need for a 

welfare scoring system for selection acceptable toxicants and traps are discussed in this paper. 

Eason, C. T. (1997). Sodium monofluoroacetate toxicology in relation to its use in New Zealand. 

Australasian journal of ecotoxicology 3, 57-64. 

Keywords: possums/bait degradation/persistence in animals/persistence in plants/persistence in 

soil/persistence in water/non-target species/mode of action/metabolism/pathology/1080 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is a highly toxic vertebrate pesticide widely used for possum 

control in New Zealand. Fluoroacetate is also a toxic component of poisonous plants found in Australia, 

South Africa, South America, and India. Because of the highly toxic nature of this compound, its 

environmental fate, persistence, and non-target impacts have been extensively studied. Current evidence 

suggests that the risks of using 1080 are outweighed by the benefits achieved from sustained large-scale 

pest control. However, it toxic baits are not prepared and used with extreme care, humans, livestock, and 

non-target wildlife will be put at risk. The risk to dogs from poisoned carcasses must not be 

underestimated. 

Eason, C. T., Wickstrom, M., and Gregory, N. (1997). Product stewardship, animal welfare and regulatory 

toxicology constraints on vertebrate pesticides. Proceedings of the New Zealand Plant Protection 

Conference 50, 206-213. 

Keywords: product chemistry/welfare/regulatory toxicology/teratogenicity 

Abstract: Increasing regulatory and product safety standards along with the enhaanced expectations of 

todays consumers have influenced the manner in which new pesticides and older compounds subject to 

reevaluation, face everrising standards in product efficacy, toxicology and environmental risk assessment. 

Vertebrate pesticides are no exception to this worldiwide phenomenon and in this paper we review, using 

possum control in New Zealand as a casestudy, some of the factors that are likely to influence the future 

use ot toxicants in this field. 

Eason, C. T., Wickstrom, M., and Spurr, E. B. (1998). Review of impacts of large-scale sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) use in New Zealand. In '11th Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Bunbury, 

52


Appendix C 

Western Australia, 3-8 May 1998 : programme and proceedings.'. pp. 105-110. (Agriculture Western 

Australia: Forrestfield.) 

Keywords: non-target species/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/persistence in 

water/1080/mammals/birds/possums/rabbits/secondary poisoning/metabolism/invertebrates 

Abstract: New Zealand had no indigenous terrestrial mammals except 2 species of bats prior to human 

settlement. Introduced mammals have had serve impacts on native flora and fauna, including extinctions of 

birds and the near collapse of indigenous rainforests. Control strategies currently rely on the large-scale 

use of vertebrate pesticides, including aerial distribution of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits to 

control possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Studies of the implications 

of widespread use of 1080 include risks of primary or secondary poisoning to non-target species, 

accumulation in soil, uptake into vegetation, and persistence in surface water. Results indicate that 1080 is 

not environmentally persistent under most conditions. It is water-soluble, readily leaches from baits, and 

does not bind to soil constituents. However, detoxification by soil microorganisms varies with soil 

conditions, and may be prolonged by drought and cold. Surface water monitoring following aerial 1080 

applications revealed no significant contamination. Toxin breakdown in aquaria studies was temperaturedependent, 

but occurred within 1-2 weeks even at 11°C. Uptake and persistence in plants varied with 

different species, with peak concentration ranging from 0.06 to 0.08 ppm, and elimination occurring with 1- 

5 weeks. metabolism and excretion was rapid in sub-lethally dosed mammals (75 

days, increasing the risks of secondary poisoning to scavengers. Some losses of individual native birds 

have been observed, especially with the use of 1080 bait containing excessive small fragments, but no long 

term population-level effect have been reported. Native invertebrates have been observed feeding on toxic 

baits, but adverse effects on invertebrate populations or secondary poisoning of insectivorous birds or bats 

have not been documented to date. 

Eason, C. T., Wickstrom, M. L., and Turck, P. A. Assessment of the developmental toxicity of sodium 

monofluoroactetate (1080) in rats. 11th Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Bunbury, Western 

Australia, 3-8 May 1998 : programme and proceedings. 159-164. 1998. Forrestfield, Agriculture Western 

Australia. 


Keywords: regulatory toxicology/pathology/1080/teratogenicity/reproductive effects/developmental 

toxicity 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) has been used in New Zealand to control vertebrate pests since 

1954, and although a large historical database exists, little is known about the development toxicity of this 

pesticide. This investigation was intended to evaluate the development toxicity and teratogenic potential of 

1080 in SpragueDawley rats following oral intubation. A pilot study was performed to help select doses for 

the subsequent study an consisted of groups of 5 time mated females. Animals received 1080 at 

concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.0mg/kg.day from days 617 of gestation. A 60%mortality rate and 

reductions in maternal body weight and body weight gain as well as decreased litter size and increased 

resorption were observed at 1.0 mg/kg/day. Consequently, the doses selected for the main study were 0.1, 

0.33, and 0.75 mg/kg/day. Groups of 26 timemated females received 1080 from days 617 of gestation. On 

day 20 of gestation, litters were delivered via laparohysterectomy. Significant reductions in maternal body 

weight, body weight gain, and food consumption were noted at 0.75 mg/kg/day. No changes in litter size 

or resorption were observed, but foetal body weight was significantly reduced at 0.75 mg/kg/day. No 

external or visceral foetal abnormalities were noted. There were treatmentrelated effects on skeletal 

development at 0.33 mg/kg/day and higher. Forelimb malformations occurred at 0.75 mg/kg/day, but were 

not observed in controls. An increased incidence of bent/way ribs was observed at 0.33 and 0.75 

mg/kg/day when compared with controls. Available data indicate that 1080 is maternally toxic at 0.75 

mg/kg/day and higher. Embryolethality was noted at 1.0 mg/kg/day, but not at 0.75 mg/kg/day. 

Development toxicity was observed at 0.33 mg/kg/day and higher. Sodium monofluoroacetate was 

considered to be teratogenic at 0.75 mg/kg/day. Reductions in foetal body weight at 0.75 mg/kg/day are 

likely linked to maternal toxicity rather than a direct effect on the foetus. 

Eason, C. T., Wickstrom, M., Turck, P., and Wright, G. R. G. (1999). A review of recent regulatory and 

environmental toxicology studies on 1080: results and implications. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 

129-137. 

53


Appendix C 

Keywords: regulatory toxicology/occupational exposure/pathology/persistence in water/developmental 

toxicity/reproductive effects/teratogenicity/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/rats/humans/baits 

Eason, C. T., Turck, P., and Fountain, J. S. A 90-day oral (gavage) study of compound 1080 (sodium 

monofluoroacetate) with a 56-day recovery period in rats, and its implications for human health. Landcare 

Research Contract Report: LC0001/39, -17. 2000. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. 


Keywords: 1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/rats/testes/heart/sublethal effects/regulatory 

toxicology/treatment/pathology/blood/urine 

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the sub-lethal effects of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) 

exposure in rats, and the No-Observable-Effect-Level (NOEL) for chronic exposure. The objectives of 

conducting toxicology studies of this type are principally: (i) to establish an up-to-date regulatory 

toxicology database on 1080, (ii) to set Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) for human exposure, and (iii) to 

provide data to improve risk assessment for workers involved in the pest control industry. 

Three groups of 10 male and 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats received 1080 dissolved in water at doses of 

0.025, 0.075, and 0.25mg/kg/day by oral gavage once daily for 90days. A group of 10 male and 10 female 

rats served as the control group, and were administered water. The control and 0.25 mg/kg/day groups 

included 10 additional rats of each sex that were treated for 90 days, then maintained without treatment for 

a further 56-day recovery period. 

No 1080-related changes in body weight or food consumption were noted when compared with the control 

group during the treatment or recovery periods. Erythrocyte counts decreased slightly in males at 

0.25mg/kg/day when compared with controls. No other changes in clinical pathology parameters derived 

from blood samples were detected. The only 1080-related findings at necropsy were small testes and 

epididymis in males at 0.25mg/kg/day, and these observations were corroborated by a reduction in the 

weight of the testes. 1080-related increases in heart weight were noted in both males and females at 0.25 

mg/kg/day when compared with controls. No effects were noted in the lower-dose groups. Microscopic 

changes in the testes and the heart were seen only in males at 0.25mg/kg/day when compared with controls 

and included severe hypospermia in the epididymis, severe degeneration of the seminiferous tubules of the 

testes, and cardiomyopathy. The testicular and epididymal effects were also evident from the sperm 

evaluation, which indicated severe decreases in all three sperm parameters evaluated, concentration, % 

motile, and % abnormal, at 0.25 mg/kg/day. There were no microscopic changes or effects on sperm 

parameters at 0.025 and 0.075 mg/kg/day when compared with controls. The effects in males at 0.25 

mg/kg/day were evident following both the treatment and recovery periods. No recovery in sperm 

evaluation parameters was noted, although there appeared to be a slight improvement in the microscopic 

changes, and effects were slightly less severe after the 56-day recovery period. This suggested a slight 

reversal in both the hypospermia and seminiferous tubule degeneration at 0.25 mg/kg/day in the males 

following 56 days with no treatment. 

Based on the results of this study, the NOEL for rats administered 1080 via oral gavage for 90 days was 

0.075 mg/kg/day. Since this study is similar to that derived from an earlier developmental study (0.1 

mg/kg/day) there is no reason to adjust, on the basis of these data, the Ministry of Health guidelines for 

acceptable levels of 1080 in water. Concentrations of 1080 in rats dosed with 0.25 mg/kg/day were 

0.28g/mL one hour after dosing and 0.075 g/mL 12 hours after dosing. Rat urine collected from the same 

animals contained 0.06 g/mL. These 1080 concentrations can be cross-correlated with 1080 concentrations 

determined in blood and urine samples from workers in the pest control industry to enhance the power of 

human risk assessment estimates and assist in defining acceptable and unacceptable levels of exposure. 

Eason, C. T. (2002). Vertebrate pesticides, old and new. What will influence their future development and 

use. The Royal Society of New Zealand 46-50. 

Keywords: possums 

Abstract: Vertebrate pesticides for wild animal control and pesticides in general are coming under steadily 

increasing scrutiny both nationally and internationally. Further research will need to be undertaken if these 

pesticides are to be continued to be used in New Zealand. For example, wildlife management agencies in 

54


Appendix C 

the United States (US) have spent many millions of dollars on upgrading the toxicology databases on old 

toxicants such as cyanide, 1080, and diphacenone to meet current US EPA data requirements. In New 

Zealand we can anticipate that the six toxicants currently registered for possum control will remain under 

similar scrutiny by the community, scientists, and pest managers. Issues such as safety, how they are used, 

humaneness, and how they are perceived in New Zealand and internationally by regulatory authorites and 

overseas markets, will determine their future. The advantages and disadvantages of existing toxicants are 

summarised, and research questions relating to their use are identified. 

Eason, C. T. and Turck, P. (2002). A 90-day toxicological evaluation of compound 1080 (sodium 

monofluoroacetate) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Toxicological Sciences 69, 439-447. 

Keywords: 1080/heart/monofluoroacetate/plasma/rats/regulatory toxicology/reproductive effects/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/testes/treatment/urine/brain 

Abstract: Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats received sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) at 0.025, 

0.075, and 0.25 mg/kg by oral gavage once daily for 90 days and were then euthanased. The control and 

0.25 mg/kg/day groups included additional rats of each sex that were treated for 90 days, then maintained 

without treatment for a further 56-day recovery period. Microscopic changes were restricted to the testes 

and the heart, and were seen only in males dosed with 1080 at 0.25 mg/kg/day and included severe 

hypospermia in the epididymides, severe degeneration of the seminiferous tubules of the testes, and 

cardiomyopathy. Sperm evaluation indicated severe decreases in all three sperm parameters evaluated 

(concentration, % motile, and % abnormal) at 0.25 mg/kg/day. There were no microscopic changes or 

1080-related effects on sperm parameters at 0.025 and 0.075 mg/kg/day. The no observable effects level 

(NOEL) for rats administered 1080 via oral gavage for 90 days was 0.075 mg/kg/day. The lowest 

observable effects level (LOEL) dose was 0.25 mg/kg/day. After dosing with the LOEL dose of 0.25 

mg/kg/day, mean concentrations of 1080 in rat plasma were 0.26 g/ml at 1 h and 0.076 g/ml at 12 h. Rat 

urine collected from the same animals contained 0.059 g/ml. 

Eastland, W. G. and Beasom, S. L. (1986). Effects of ambient temperature on the 1080-LD50 of raccoons. 

Wildlife Society bulletin 14, 234-235. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals 

Eastland, W. G. and Beasom, S. L. (1986). Potential secondary hazards of compound 1080 to three 

mammalian scavengers. Wildlife Society bulletin 14, 232-233. 

Keywords: non-target species/secondary poisoning/mammals/1080/scavenger/predators 

Eastland, W. G. and Beasom, S. L. (1987). Acute toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate to the striped 

skunk. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 38, 934-936. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/non-target species/sodium monofluoroacetate 

Egekeze, J. O. and Oehme, F. W. (1979). Sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA, compound 1080) : a 

literature review. Veterinary and human toxicology 21, 411-416. 

Keywords: product chemistry/acute toxicity/field efficacy/metabolism/mode of 

action/diagnosis/treatment/secondary poisoning/non-target species/pathology/1080 

Abstract: The literature (from 1945 to 1977) relating to 1080 is reviewed. 

Egekeze, J. O. and Oehme, F. W. (1979). Inorganic and organic fluoride concentrations in tissues after the 

oral administration of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) to rats. Toxicology 15, 43-53. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in animals/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/1080/rats/defluorination/blood/liver/kidney/gut/fluoride/monofluoroacetate/plasma/stom 

ach/convulsions/symptoms 

Abstract: Male rats were used to study the inorganic (ionic) and organic fluoride concentrations in plasma, 

liver, kidneys and stomach content after oral doses of 0, 2.2, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 and 7.0 mg sodium 

monofluoroacetate (SMFA, Compound 1080)/ kg bodyweight. Tissue and plasma ionic fluoride 

concentrations were observed to be higher in all rats given SMFA as compared to rats in the control group. 

The observation suggests the in vivo defluorination of SMFA. Homogentaes of liver obtained from SMFApoisoned 

rats showed significant increases in ionic fluoride concentration during a 6-day storage period at 4 

degrees C, with the total fluoride concentration (organic and inorganic) remaining constant. The average 

55


Appendix C 

percentages of distribution of SMFA (organic fluoride) in plasma, liver and kidneys were 7.05, 5.07 and 

1.68 respectively. Plasma and tissue SMFA concentrations were generally lower than the corresponding 

stomach fluid SMFA concentrations for all dosage groups. Lethal concentration of SMFA in the liquid 

stomach content was in the range 84.9 - 189 ug/mL corresponding to the total (ionic and organic) fluoride 

concentrations in the range of 16.1 - 36 ug/mL. 

Egekeze, J. O. and Oehme, F. W. (1979). Determination of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in 

biological tissues using oxygen combustion and a fluoride selective membrane electrode. Toxicology letters 

4, 461-468. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/fluoride/plasma/liver/analysis 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (rodenticide) (SMFA) was quantitated in plasma and liver 

homogenates after total fluoride analysis using an O2 combustion method and fluoride selective electrode. 

The organic content of the samples were estimated by difference between total fluoride and inorganic 

fluoride. Recoveries (%+-SD) of SMFA in aqueous samples (dog and rat), plasma and (bovine and rat) 

liver homogenates were 99.1+- 2.3, 95.2+-3.3 and 95.3+-2.9, respectively. The within-run coefficient of 

variation in the 10.0-0.072 mg/ml (or mg/g) range for all samples was 4.7% or less. The method is suitable 

for quantitation of SMFA in biological materials and as a laboratory diagnostic aid in cases of acute SMFA 

intoxication 

Egyed, M. N. (1971). Experimental acute fluoroacetamide poisoning in sheep. III. Therapy. Refuah 

veterinarith 28, 70-73. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/poisoning/monoacetin/lethal dose/toxicity/treatment 

Abstract: Acetamide at 200 mg/kg given orally one hour after the administration of 20 mg/kg of 

fluoroacetic acid (FAA), failed to save a sheep. Another sheep given the two substances simultaneously 

also died. Repeated doses of 0.4 ml/kg of monoacetin were similarly unable to save a sheep from a lethal 

dose of FAA. Both acetamide and monacetin did nothing to reverse the occurrence of hyperglycaemia, a 

common finding in FAA poisoning. In toxicity trials 200 mg/kg of acetamide had no ill effect on one sheep, 

while in another sheep monoacetin caused depression and pain at the site of injection of the drug 

Egyed, M. N. (1971). Some aspects of fluoroacetate research. Refuah veterinarith 28, 175-177. 


Egyed, M. N. (1973). Clinical, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of fluoroacetate research in 

animals. Fluoride 6, 215-224. 

Keywords: diagnosis/pathology/treatment/fluoroacetate 

Egyed, M. N. and Shlosberg, A. (1973). Diagnosis of field cases of sodium fluoroacetate and 

fluoroacetamide poisoning in animals. Refuah veterinarith 30, 112-115. 

Keywords: diagnosis/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/poisoning/non-target species 

Abstract: Of the 143 cases investigated, guinea-pig kidney citrate levels were normal (less than 50 µg/g) in 

63 cases. In the remaining 80 cases the citrate levels were elevated, ranging from 70 -1200 µg/g. The 

highest values were obtained after the injection of suspect baits. 

Egyed, M. N., Nobel, T. A., Klopfer, U., and Shlosberg, A. (1977). The differential diagnosis of sodium 

fluoroacetate and strychnine poisoning in dogs. Refuah veterinarith 34, 125-130. 

Keywords: diagnosis/pathology/mammals/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/strychnine/poisoning/dogs 

Egyed, M. N. (1978). Mass poisoning in dogs associated with feeding meat contaminated with 

organofluoride (sodium fluoroacetate or fluoroacetamide). Refuah veterinarith 35, 8-11. 

Keywords: poisoning/dogs/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/strychnine 

Abstract: The results of laboratory investigations are reported in a case of mass poisoning in which about 

70 dogs died shortly after consuming purchased poultry meat. Clinical and pathological findings indicated 

either strychnine or sodium fluoroacetate (FAC) or fluoroacetamide (FAA) poisoning. Toxicological 

examination revealed poisoning by FAC or FAA. The toxicological and public health implications of the 

case are discussed 

56


Appendix C 

Egyed, M. N. (1979). Mass poisoning in dogs due to meat contaminated by sodium fluoroacetate or 

fluoroacetamide (special reference to the differential diagnosis). Fluoride 12, 76-84. 

Keywords: non-target species/secondary poisoning/mammals/diagnosis/pathology/poisoning/dogs/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide 

Egyed, M. N. and Shlosberg, A. (1979). Trends in poisoning of domestic animals in Israel. Israel journal of 

veterinary medicine 36, 153-162. 

Keywords: poisoning 

Egyed, M. N., Nobel, T. A., Klopfer, U., and Shlossberg, A. Sodium fluoroacetate and strychnine poisoning 

in dogs as a major toxicological problem in Israel. 45-47. 1980. Tel-Aviv, Association for Buiatrics; Israel. 

20-10-1980. 


Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/strychnine/poisoning/dogs/rodents/poisons/poison/diagnosis 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate and strychnine are by far the most common source of poisoning in Israel. 

The former is used as a rodenticide and the latter is used for destroying stray dogs as possible vectors of 

rabies. Dogs may be victims of poisoning either by eating the bait or poisoned rodents. Both poisons affect 

the central nervous system and at a certain stage of poisoning the clinical signs can be similar. The 

pathological lesions may be absent, or not characteristic or even identical (haemorrhages in the pancreas 

and thymus) and therefore in some cases the diagnosis without chemical-toxicological examinations can be 

difficult. Differential diagnostic methods and toxicological evaluation of these two poisonings are 

discussed 

Eichhold, T. H., Hookfin, E. B., Taiwo, Y. O., De, B., and Wehmeyer, K. R. (1997). Isolation and 

quantification of fluoroacetate in rat tissues, following dosing of Z-Phe-Ala-CH2-F, a peptidyl fluoromethyl 

ketone protease inhibitor. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis 16, 459-467. 


Eisler, R. (1995). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates : a synoptic 

review. (Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior: Washington,D.C.) 

Keywords: non-target species/aquatic 

species/mammals/invertebrates/diagnosis/pathology/metabolism/mode of action/product 

chemistry/treatment/acute toxicity/target species/welfare/birds/secondary poisoning/bait 

degradation/persistence in animals/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/persistence in water/occurrence 

in nature/1080/rabbits/possums/deer/cats/lethal dose 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (CH2FCOONa), also known as 1080 first used in the United States to 

control gophers (Geomys spp) squirrels (Sciurus spp., Spermophilus spp), prairie dogs (Cynomys spp), other 

rodents (Rodentia) and coyotes (Canis latrans); domestic use is currently restricted to livestockprotection 

collars on sheep and goats to selectively kill depredating coyotes. However, Australia, New Zealand, and 

some other nations continue to use 1080 to control rabbits, possums, deer, foxes, feral pigs and cats, wild 

dogs, wallabies, rodents and other mammals. The chemical is readily absorbed by ingestion or inhalation. 

At lethal doses, metabolic conversion of fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate results in the accumulation of citrate 

in the tissues and death within 24 hr from ventricular fibrillation of from respiratory failure; no antidote is 

available. At sublethal doses, the toxic effects of 1080 are reversible. Primary and secondary poisoning of 

nontarget vertebrates may accompany the use of 1080. Sensitive mammals including representative species 

of livestock, marsupials, felids, rodents, and canids died after a single dose of 13 mg/kg BW. High residues 

were measured in some poisoned target mammals, and this contributed to secondary poisoning of 

carnivores that ingested poisoned prey. Sublethal effects occurred in sensitive mammals at greater than 2.2 

mg 1080/L in drinking water or at 0.8 1.1 mg 1080/kg in the diet. Sensitive species of birds died after a 

single 1080 dose of 0.62.5 mg/kg BW, after daily doses of 0.5 mg/kg BW for 30 days after 47 mg/kg in 

diets for 5 days, or after 18 mg/L in drinking water for 5 days. Adverse effects occurred in birds at dietary 

loadings as low as 1013 mg 1080/kg ration. Amphibians and reptiles were more resistant to 1080 than 

birds and mammals. LD50 values were greater than 44 mg/kg BW in tested amphibians and greater than 

54 mg/kg BW in tested reptiles, resistance 10 1080 was attributed to their reduced ability to convert 

fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate and their increased ability to detoxify fluoroacetate by defluorination. 

Mosquito larvae reportedly died at 0.0250.05 mg 1080/L, but fishes seemed unaffected at 13 mg/L; 

57


Appendix C 

however, data on 1080 in aquatic ecosystems are incomplete. Acute LD50 values in terrestrial insects 

ranged from 1.13.9 mg/kg BW to 130.0 mg/kg BW in larvae feeding on fluoroacetatebearing vegetation. 

Residues of 1080 in exposed insects were usually low (>4mg 1080/kg fresh weight) or negligible and were 

usually eliminated completely within 6 days, suggesting low risk to insectivorous birds. Loss of 1080 from 

baits occurs primarily from microbial defluorination and secondarily from leaching by rainfall and 

consumption by insect larvae, leachates from 1080 baits are probably held in the upper soil layers. The use 

of 1080 seems warranted in the absence of suitable alternative control methods. 

Eldridge, S. R., Berman, D. M., and Walsh, B. (2000). Field evaluation of four 1080 baits for dingo control. 

Wildlife research 27, 495-500. 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/1080 

Elgie, H. J. (1961). Wallaby eradication by aerial poisoning. New Zealand journal of agriculture 102, 26- 

31. 

Keywords: poisoning/field efficacy 

Ellenhorn, M. J. and Barceloux, D. G. (1988). Sodium Monofluoroacetate ("1080"). In 'Medical 

Toxicology. Diagnosis and treatment of human poisoning'. (Elsevier: New York/Amsterdam/London.) 

Keywords: humans/sodium fluoroacetate/treatment/analysis/diagnosis/poisoning 

Ellis, D. A., Martin, J. W., Muir, D. C. G., and Mabury, S. A. (2000). Development of an 19F NMR 

Method for the Analysis of Fluorinated Acids in Environmental Water Samples. Anal.Chem. 72, 726-731. 

Keywords: NMR/analysis 

Abstract: This investigation was carried out to evaluate 19F NMR as an anal. tool for the measurement of 

trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and other fluorinated acids in the aquatic environment. A method based upon 

strong anionic exchange (SAX) chromatog. was also optimized for the concn. of the fluoro acids prior to 

NMR anal. Extn. of the analyte from the SAX column was carried out directly in the NMR solvent in the 

presence of the strong org. base, DBU. The method allowed the anal. of the acid without any prior cleanup 

steps being involved. Optimal NMR sensitivity based upon T1 relaxation times was investigated for seven 

fluorinated compds. in four different NMR solvents. The use of the relaxation agent chromium 

acetylacetonate, Cr(acac)3, within these solvent systems was also evaluated. Results show that the optimal 

NMR solvent differs for each fluorinated analyte. Cr(acac)3 was shown to have pronounced effects on the 

limits of detection of the analyte. Generally, the optimal sensitivity condition appears to be methanold4/2M 

DBU in the presence of 4 mg/mL of Cr(acac)3. The method was validated through spike and 

recovery for five fluoro acids from environmentally relevant waters. Results are presented for the anal. of 

TFA in Toronto rainwater, which ranged from


Appendix C 

either citrate synthetase or acetate thiokinase from D. cymosum had different affinities for the fluoronated 

derivative and the 'normal' metabolite. The addition of fluoropyruvate to leaf discs caused a decrease in 

oxygen uptake and no change in the citrate concentration. From this it was deduced that fluoropyruvate 

inhibited pyruvate oxidase in both plants. It was concluded that the tolerance of D. cymosum to such high 

concentrations of fluoroacetate may be ascribed to the fact that the 'lethal synthesis' of fluorocitrate does 

not take place in the plant most probably because citrate synthetase has different affinities for 

fluoroacytlycoenzyme A and acetylconenzyme A. 

Eloff, J. N. (1972). Evidence for the occurance of a Krebs Cycle in the fluoroacetate containing plant 

Dichapetalum cymosum (Gifbaar). Zeitschrift für Pflanzenphysiologie 67, 207-211. 

Keywords: Krebs cycle/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The evidence obtained by respiration studies in the presence of malonate and by tracer 

experiments indicates that Dichapetalum cymosum has an active Krebs cycle. The label pattern found 

among the amino acids after feeding pyruvate-1- 14 C, pyruvate-2- 14 C, pyruvate-3- 14 C, citrate 1,5- 14 C and 

acetate-2- 14 C indicates that the plant does contain an active Krebs cycle. The results indicate that the 

Krebs cycle may play a more important role in young leaves than in old leaves. 

Eloff, J. N. and Grobbelaar, N. (1972). A preliminary evaluation of the metabolic fate of fluoroacetate and 

acetate in Dichapetalum cymosum and Parinari capensis. Joernaal van die Suid-Afrikaanse Chemiese 

Instituut 25, 109-114. 


Abstract: Fluoroacetate-2- 14 C and acetate-2- 14 C were fed to intact leaves of D. cymosum and P. capensis. 

In comparison wih acetate, fluoroacetate was found to be relatively inactive metabolically, both in regard to 

the rate at which it was metabolized and the diversity of labelled compounds that originated from it. The 

results indicate that fluoroacetate is not initially primarily defluorinated to acetate since the labelled 

products arising from fluoroacetate differed qualitatively in important respects from those which arose from 

acetate. The present results are in line with the hypothesis that the relative insensitivity of D. cymosum to 

fluoroacetate should be ascribed to the fact that this plant does not readily convert fluoroacetate to 

fluorocitrate. 

Elsden, S. R. and Ormerod, J. G (1956). The effect of monofluoroacetate on the metabolism of 

Rhodospirillum rubrum. The Biochemical Journal 63, 691-701. 

Keywords: metabolism/bacteria/fluoroacetate/toxicity 

Emlen, J. T. and Stokes, A. W. (1947). Effectiveness of various rodenticides on populations of brown rats 

in Baltimore, Maryland. American Journal of Hygiene 45, 254-257. 

Keywords: rats/1080/efficacy 

Abstract: Five poisons (ANTU, thallium sulfate, 1080, zinc phosphide and arsenic trioxide) gave good or 

moderately good kills when presented in standard corn bait to groups of wild brown rats in a large indoor 

pen; two (strychine sulfate and fortified red squill) gave poor kills. Of 3 poison selected as reasonably safe 

for field work in residential communities and exposed in various bait preparations to free-living populations 

in city-block test units, only one (ANTU) gave good kills. 

Emlen, J. T. and Strecker, R. L. (1951). The effect of laboratory confinement on survival of poisoned house 

mice. Ecology 32, 331-332. 

Keywords: mice 

Emptage, M. Mechanistic studies of a fluoroacetate dehalogenase. Enzyme Mechanisms Conference III , 

A1197-Abstract 839. 1973. 


Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/enzyme/degradation 

Abstract: We have isolated from activated sewage sludge a psuedomonad which has the ability to grow on 

the toxic fluoroacetate as its sole carbon and energy source. From this organism we have purifed to 

homogeneity a haloacid dehalogenase that converts fluoroacetate to glycolate. The enzyme has a monomer 

molecular weight of about 35 000 and contains no detectable metals or cofactors. The thermodynamically 

difficult reaction of breaking a methyl carbon-fluorine bond is catalyzed at reasonable rates (kcat= 20 sec-1, 

59


Appendix C 

Km=1 mM). The pH profiles of kcat and kcat/Km suggest a single catalytic base (pKa=7), presumably 

involved in deprotonating water. The enzymic reaction occurs via an SN2 mechanism as evidenced by 1) 

conversion of (S)-2-chloroproprionate to (R)-lactate, 2) conversion of only the (S)-isomer of racemic αfluorophenylacetate 

to (R)-mandelate, and 3) slow tight-binding inhibition by vanadate. Vanadate is known 

to form pentacoordinate structures which apparently mimic the the SN2 transition site. 

Emptage, M., Tabinowski, J., and Odom, J. M. (1997). Effect of fluoroacetates on methanogenesis in 

samples from selected methanogenic environments. Environ Sci Technol 31, 732-734. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/degradation/bacteria/persistence in soil/inhibition/toxicity 

Abstract: Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is an atmospheric decomposition product of a new generation of 

refrigerants that will replace current ozone-depleting CFCs. The effect of TFA on microbial 

methanogenesis was assessed using environmental samples from four distinct methanogenic systems; the 

anaerobic digestor, the rumen, freshwater sediments and marine sediments. TFA exhibited no toxicity, as 

evidenced by the rate of methanogenesis, at concentrations up to 10 mM. [1-14C]TFA was used to test for 

biodegradation (release of 14CO2) in methanogenic marine sediments. No significant release of 14CO2 

was observed. As a control, the toxic monofluoroacetate (MFA) which is not an atmospheric degradation 

product of CFC replacements, was found to inhibit methanogenesis in freshwater and anaerobic digestor 

samples at or above concentrations of 0.1 mM. We conclude that TFA is inert in these methanogenic 

systems and there is no evident toxicity to either the methanogenic or fermentative populations. 

Emsley, J. Plants that can do what chemists can't. New scientist 29 November, 15. 1992. 


Keywords: occurrence in nature/biosynthesis/fluoroacetate 

Environmental Health Service. Code of Practice on the safe use and management of 1080. July 2000. 2000. 

Shenton Park, West Australia, Environmental Health Service. 


Keywords: 1080 

Environmental Risk Management Authority. User guide to the HSNO Thresholds and Classifications. 

2001. Wellington, New Zealand, Environmental Risk Management Authority. 


Keywords: regulatory toxicology/lethal concentration/legislation/1080 

Erlichman, J. S., Li, A., and Nattie, E. E. (1998). Ventilatory effects of glial dysfunction in a rat brain stem 

chemoreceptor region. Journal of applied physiology 85, 1599-1604. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology/treatment/brain/fluorocitrate/analysis 

Abstract: Glia are thought to be important in brain extracellular fluid ion and pH regulation, but their role in 

brain stem sites that sense pH and stimulate breathing is unknown. Using a diffusion pipette, we 

administered the glial toxin, fluorocitrate (FC; 1 mM) into one such brain stem region, the retrotrapezoid 

nucleus (RTN) for 45-60 min. This dose and time period were chosen so that the effects of FC would be 

largely reversible. Within minutes, tissue pH decreased, and respiratory output increased. Both recovered 

almost completely after cessation of FC administration. The response to systemic CO2 stimulation was 

unaffected by FC treatment compared with that following control diffusion. Anatomic analysis showed, at 

the center of FC administration, some small (mean diameter = 5.1 mu m) cells that stained for DEAD Red, 

a marker for altered cell membrane permeability, and some fragmented glia (glial fibrillary acidic protein 

immunohistochemistry). The average RTN tissue volume that contained such DEAD Red-positive cells 

was 271 nl, similar to 23% of the volume of one RTN region. Reversible disruption of glia in the RTN, a 

region known to contain central chemoreception, results in an acidic local pH and in stimulation of 

respiratory output. 

Evans, B. and Soulsby, R. (1993). The impact of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) rabbit poisoning 

operations on California quail populations. (Otago Fish and Game Council: Dunedin.) 

Keywords: non-target species/rabbits/birds/1080/poisoning 

60


Appendix C 

Everard, C. O. R. and Everard, J. D. (1992). Mongoose rabies in the Caribbean. Annals of the New York 

Academy of Sciences 653, 356-366. 

Keywords: strychnine/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/baits/poisoning/serum 

Abstract: Mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) have been introduced into most of the larger Caribbean 

islands, some notable exceptions being Dominica, Tobago and Montserrat. Rabies in Caribbean mongooses 

is present in Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic (and presumably Haiti), and Grenada. Bat rabies 

is known on Cuba, Grenada and Trinidad, although mongooses found on Trinidad are free of the disease. 

None of the other islands is known to have rabies, although it could be present in sequestered bat 

populations. All reported case numbers of mongoose rabies in the Caribbean are underestimates, and 

available information is at best incomplete and at times fragmentary. Nevertheless, data are presented from 

the 4 affected islands. Mongoose reduction campaigns have been undertaken on Cuba and Grenada. In 

Cuba strychnine sulfate inoculated into labelled eggs is used, whereas in Grenada sodium fluoroacetate 

(1080) has been used in boiled cowhide baits. Mongoose poisoning is unsatisfactory and ineffective in the 

long-term. Because many mongooses naturally exposed to rabies virus develop serum neutralizing 

antibodies and are considered to be immunized possibly for life, vaccination in the wild has been under 

consideration since the mid-1970s. Early attempts to produce a pill coated with ERA vaccine for enteric 

absorption in mongooses were not very successful, but new modified vaccines and recombinant techniques 

hold considerable promise 

Fagerstone, K. A., Savarie, P. J., Elias, D. J., and Schaffer Jr., E. W. (1994). Recent regulatory 

requirements for pesticide registration and the status of Compound 1080 studies conducted to meet EPA 

requirements. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New 

Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 33-38. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/acute toxicity/aquatic species/dermal/non-target species/product chemistry/regulatory 

toxicology 

Abstract: In the U.S., pesticides are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, adn Rodenticide Act (FiFRA). This act was ammended in 1998 to require 

that each pesticide registered before 1984 be regiseted within a 9 year period. The registration process has 

increased data requirements and costs and has caused cancellation of many mior use pesticides that do not 

genrate sufficient profit to justify data generation costs. 

In 1998, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified registrants of its intent to cancel the 

registration for the only Compound 1080 technical product (held by Tull Chemical Co) and all Compound 

1080 rodenticide use registrations. These notifications occurred because the registrants had not submitted 

required data to maintain the registrations. All rodenticide uses were subsequently cancelled in 1990. This 

resulted in the loss of a chemical critical to managing vertebrate pests. However, EPA allowed the Animal 

and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to maintain a technical Compound 1080 registration for use 

only in the APHIS Livestock Protection Collar (LPC). APHIS is currently providing data to reregister the 

COMPOUND 1080 technical product. Prior to 1992, six product chemistry and three toxicology studies 

(acute dermal rabbit, eye irritation rabbit, and skin irritation rabbit) were submitted to the EPA, along with 

some non-target hazard studies. In a Data Call-In issued on September 30, 1992, EPA required only a 

minimal amount of additional data for the APHIS technical product. To date, APHIS has supplied 11 

studies to the EPA under the 1993 Data Call-In: eight product chemistry studies, bluegill sunfish and 

rainbow trout toxicity studies, and an aquatic invertebrate toxicity study. Avian dietary toxicity studies on 

bobwhite quail and mallard duck are scheduled to be completed in April 1994. 

Fairhurst, A. S., Smith, R. E., and Gal, E. M. (1958). The effects of fluorocompounds on oxidative 

phosphorylation II. Effects on the breakdown of nucleotides by liver mitochondria. Biochemical 

Pharmacology 1, 280-287. 

Keywords: liver/inhibition/biochemistry/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The fluorocompounds generally increased the dephosphorylation of adenine and pyridine 

nucleotides. A definite quantitative and qualitative difference, however, existed with respect to the pattern 

of breakdown produced by the fluorocompounds from those resulting throught he action of DNP. 

Fairhurst, A. S., Smith, R. E., and Gal, E. M. (1958). The effects of fluorocompounds on oxidative 

phosphorylation I. Effects on P/O ratios with fumarate and with reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide. 

Biochemical Pharmacology 1, 273-279. 

61


Appendix C 

Keywords: liver/inhibition/biochemistry/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The effect of fluoroinhibitors on the oxidative phosphorylation of rat liver mitochondria has been 

studied. Fluoroacetate per se had no effect, while synthetic fluorocitrate and fluoropyruvate directly 

interfered with phosphorylation. 

Fall, M. W. and Jackson, W. B. (1998). A new era of vertebrate pest control? An introduction. 

International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 42, 85-91. 

Keywords: regulatory toxicology 

Abstract: Vertebrate pest control has made substantial progress, worldwide, in the past century - moving 

from what were uncoordinated private efforts to trap, shoot, or poison animal pests to organized IPM 

approaches employing a variety pf pest control tactics. Some of the tools of the past are still critically 

important in these programs, but as new pest problems and new constraints arise, these tools are often 

found wanting. This paper briefly examines developments in vertebrate pest control in the past 100 years 

and summarizes some of the current lines of research that will carry us into the future. 

Fanshier, D. W., Gottwald, L. K., and Kun, E. (1962). Enzymatic synthesis of monofluorocitrate from bfluoro-oxaloacetate. 

The Journal of Biological Chemistry 237, 3588-3596. 

Keywords: biochemistry/enzyme/fluorocitrate 

Fanshier, D. W., Gottwald, L. K., and Kun, E. (1964). Studies on specific enzyme inhibitors. VI. 

Characterization and mechanism of action of the enzyme-inhibitory isomer of monofluorocitrate. The 

Journal of Biological Chemistry 239, 425-434. 

Keywords: enzyme/fluorocitrate/inhibition/mode of action 

Abstract: As an approach to the study of controlling mechanisms of enzyme activity in complex systems, 

we are in the process of determining the influence of relatively minor chemical alterations (e.g. exchange of 

one or more hydrogen by fluorine atoms) in well known enzyme substrate molecules on their reactivity 

with purified enzymes. The immediate purpose of these experiments is to obtain specific inhibitors for 

certain key enzymes, which then are further studied in complex biochemical systems with the aid of these 

specific inhibitors (1-5). In the course of this work an unexpected observation was made: the enzymatic 

condensation of acetyl coenzyme A with B-monofluoro-oxaloacetate yielded in isomer of monfluorocitrate 

which did not inhibit aconitase (4). It seemed likely that this enzymatic reaction produced only of the four 

isomers of monofluorocitrate. The elucidation of stereochemical and enzyme inhibitory relationships of the 

remaining three isomers to this enzymatically synthesized fluorocitrate has been the subject of further 

experiments. It will be shown in this paper that the aconitase-inhibitory effect of synthetic 

monofluorocitrate is actually due to one isomer, synthesized enzymatically from fluoroacetyl coenzyme A 

and oxaloacetate. The separation of diastereoisomers of synthetic monofluorocitrate acid and the 

comparison of chemical and enzyme-inhibitory properties of these with enzymatically formed isomers 

considerably diminished uncertainties regarding the true structure and mode of action of the inhibitory 

species of monofluorocitric acid. 

Fawcett, J., Blakeley, T., and Woodward, A. A scoping study regarding the health of workers in the pest 

control industry - report to the Animal Health Board. R-80567- report sourced electronically via P. 

Fairbrother, AHB, -32. 2002. 


Keywords: 1080/toxicity/humans/poisoning/occupational exposure/heart 

Abstract: The safety of 1080 (sodium monoflouroacetate) is an important issue in New Zealand because the 

chemical is biologically active in a wide range of animal species, and is widely used as a pest control agent. 

Each year the amount of 1080 applied in New Zealand is estimated to exceed its total use in all other 

countries combined. To date, knowledge of 1080 toxicity in humans largely relies on case reports from 

acute poisonings and extrapolation from animal experiments. If humans in New Zealand are exposed to 

1080, this is most likely to occur amongst workers who are manufacturing and distributing 1080 products, 

and health effects will should also be first evident in this group. 

This report examines the availability, completeness, access to and quality of information needed to conduct 

a study of chemical exposures and the health of workers in the pest control industry. 

62


Appendix C 

We have found that the population at risk of occupational exposure to 1080 can be readily defined from 

lists of licence-holders. A full historical cohort based on all 1080 licensees would have enough power to 

detect an increased risk of heart disease, provided a high level of follow-up was achieved. However, we 

advise against attempting to carry out such a study. In our view, the historical data are not adequate to 

develop a robust measure of personal exposures to 1080. Moreover, there is insufficient information in the 

historical employment records to confidently link license holders with records of subsequent hospitalisation 

and mortality. Employment records since 1989 are likely to be more complete but the fragmentation of the 

workforce in recent years would increase the complexity of any study and add a degree of variability to any 

measures based on employment histories. 

A cross-sectional study of the current workforce would be achievable provided all (or most) contractors 

could be identified and agreed to participate. However the demographic profile of this occupational group 

suggests that recruitment to and retention in such a study would be challenging. Follow-up of a crosssectional 

study of the current workforce could be achieved. Such a study would provide the most robust 

exposure measurements and enable assessment of potential confounders. A cross-sectional survey would 

also provide a sampling frame for further more intensive health assessment studies with greater sensitivity 

to detect impaired function. Finally, a cross-sectional study of the current workforce, or the could form the 

baseline data for a prospective cohort study. 

We recommend that the Animal Health Board: 

• Does not carry out a retrospective cohort study 

• But does investigate further the possibility of conducting a cross-sectional survey. 

If a cross-sectional study is carried out, we recommend it is implemented in such a way that 

• it can be converted to a prospective cohort study at a later date 

• it may be used as a sampling frame for more intensive health studies of workers with different 

exposure profiles 

Feldwick, M. G., Mead, R. J., and Kostyniak, P. J. (1993). Biochemical effects of fluoroacetate and related 

pesticides: The potential of 4-methylpyrazole as an antidote. Proceedings of the science workshop on 1080, 

Royal Soc.of NZ Miscellaneous series 28. 28 , 1-10. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/antidote/sodium 

fluoroacetate/citrate/metabolism/enzyme/treatment/aconitase/fluorocitrate/1,3-difluoro-2-propanol/4methylpyrazole 

Abstract: Administration to rats of sodium fluoroacetate (1.5 mg kg-1 body wt) resulted in a three fold 

increase in kidney citrate levels within 1 h of dosing. Administration to rats of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol 

(DFP) (100 mg kg-1 body wt), the major ingredient of the pesticide gliftor, also resulted in citrate 

accumulation in the kidney but only after a 2 h lag phase. Inhibition of aconitate hydratase activity and 

elevation of kidney citrate levels in the DFP-treated animals was a consequence of the metabolism of DFP 

to (-)erythrofluorocitrate. A standard curve relating aconitate hydratase inhibition to concentration of 

fluorocitrate was employed to determine the pattern of kidney fluorocitrate accumulation for each 

treatment. Kidney fluorocitrate accumulation patterns for both sodium fluoroacetate and DFP-treated 

animals were found to correspond closely with their respective citrate accumulation profiles. Intraperitoneal 

injection of 4-methylpyrazole (90 mg kg-1 body wt), 2 h prior to sodium fluoroacetate administration had 

no effect on the accumulation of either kidney citrate or fluorocitrate. In contrast, kidney citrate 

accumulation was significantly reduced when 4-methylpyrazole was administered to rats 2 h prior to DFP. 

Kidney fluorocitrate levels were also found to be significantly reduced in these animals and they displayed 

no signs of intoxication. The antidotal effects of 4-methylpyrazole were found to be due to its inhibition of 

an NAD+ - dependent alcohol dehydrogenase involved in the conversion of DFP to difluoroacetone, an 

intermediate in the pathway of (-)erythrofluorocitrate synthesis. 

Feldwick, M. G., Noakes, P. S., Prause, U., Mead, R. J., and Kostyniak, P. J. (1998). The biochemical 

toxicology of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol, the major ingredient of the pesticide gliftor: the potential of 4methylpyrazole 

as an antidote. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology 12, 41-52. 

Keywords: 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol/4methylpyrazole/antidote/rats/citrate/kidney/aconitate/fluoride/defluorination/poisoning/fluoroacetate/1080/f 

63


Appendix C 

luoroacetamide 

Abstract: Administration to rats of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol (100 mg kg-1 body weight), the major 

ingredient of the pesticide gliftor, resulted in accumulation of citrate in the kidney after a 3 hour lag phase. 

1,3-Difluoro-2-propanol was found to be metabolized to 1,3-difluoroacetone and ultimately to the aconitate 

hydratase inhibitor (-) erythrofluorocitrate and free fluoride. The conversion of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol to 

1,3-difluoroacetone was found to be catalyzed by an NAD(+)-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, while the 

defluorination was attributed to microsomal monooxygenase activity induced by phenobarbitone and 

inhibited by piperonyl butoxide. 4-Methylpyrazole was found to inhibit both of these processes in vitro and 

when administered (90 mg kg-1 body weight) to rats, 2 hours prior to 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol, eliminated 

signs of poisoning, prevented (-) erythrofluorocitrate synthesis, and markedly decreased citrate and fluoride 

accumulation in vivo. 4-Methylpyrazole also appeared to diminish (-) erythrofluorocitrate synthesis from 

fluoroacetate in vivo, and this was attributed to its capacity to inhibit malate dehydrogenase activity. The 

antidotal potential of 4-methylpyrazole and the potential for 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol to replace 

fluoroacetate (compound 1080) as a vertebrate pesticide is discussed 

Filip, J., Novak, L., Sikulova, J., and Kolacny, I (1970). Body temperature during fluoroacetate poisoning 

in rats. Physiologia bohemoslovaca 19, 123-127. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/fluoroacetate/poisoning/rats/rodents/temperature/lethal dose 

Findley, G. M. Use of 1080 poison for agricultural pest control. 1-36. 1980. Wellington, Agricultural Pests 

Destruction Council. 


Keywords: 1080/dogs/poison/poisons/rabbits/strychnine 

Abstract: Opossum control for animal health reasons cannot be effectively carried out without the use of 

1080. It is an impossible task to cover effectively with other poisons large tracts of indigenous forest, gorse 

and scrub, which are usually ideal opossum habitat, to obtain the level required for animal health purposes. 

Furthermore, the topography is such that manpower alone cannot cover the ground successfully and 

thoroughly. Even where possible the cost of using manpower alone with the less efficient methods would 

at least double or treble the cost with a lot lower percentage kill which in the long-term would force 

continuing operations. 

Rabbit control without 1080, particularly in the high country of both islands, would force the use of less 

effective poisons and methods. It is impossible to control rabbits in the rough inaccessible areas without 

the use of an efficient poison. 

If the agricultural pests destruction movement was forced once again to resort to the use of arsenic and 

strychnine the cost would increase. 

Rabbit control without poison would be impossible in rough areas. While it could be possible to control 

some areas of New Zealand with the less effective methods (e.g. dogs, traps, night shooting) the cost would 

double or treble what it is today. This would be brought about by the immediate need for large increases in 

staff and equipment. 

1080 is the most efficient poison for the control of animal pests that affect agricultural production. 

Unless a suitable replacement is made available before the use of 1080 is curtailed, the pest destruction 

movement cannot guarantee the protection it now offers. 

Fine, A. (1989). The effects of fluorocitrate on renal glutamine, lactate, alanine, and oxygen metabolism in 

the dog. Can.J.Physiol.Pharmacol. 67, 641-644. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/metabolism/dogs/citrate/inhibition/kidney 

Abstract: Acid-base status is considered the major factor controlling renal NH4 + production from glutamine, 

with maximal values found in chronic acidosis. However, metabolic inhibitors have been shown to 

increase NH4 + production without acid-base change; the mechanism for this increase is unclear. 

Fluorocitrate was administered to dogs with chronic metabolic alkalosis. Following fluorocitrate total renal 

NH4 + production rose from 32 + 5 to 104 + 15 µmol/(min . 100 mL glomerular filtration rate (GFR)) 

(p


Appendix C 

remained unchanged following fluorocitrate, 584 + 29 vs. 549 + 29 µmol/(min . 100 mL GFR). These 

results demonstrate that in the presence of metabolic inhibition in the kidney, ATP production remains 

constant. This is achieved by increased utilization of one substrate, glutamine, when the ATP production 

from other substrates is reduced. Thus the necessity to maintain constant ATP production appears to 

modulate renal NH4 + production. 

Fisher, P., O'Connor, C. E., and Eason, C. T. Monitoring workers in the pest control industry against a 

Biological Exposure Index (BEI) for 1080. LCR0102/087, -10. 2002. Landcare Research Lincoln. 


Keywords: 1080/baits/carrot/humans/occupational exposure 

Abstract: • The workers involved in the two aerial cereal bait operations and one ground paste bait 

operation that were monitored appeared protected from above-BEI exposure to 1080. 

• Some workers monitored during the manufacture of 1080 baits, and during three aerial carrot bait 

operations, had instances of above-BEI exposure to 1080. 

• The exact source(s) or route(s) of exposure to 1080 during the factory manufacture of 1080 baits 

or carrot 1080 bait distribution processes cannot be identified from these results. 

• Continuation of worker monitoring against the BEI provides a means to ensure that 1080 handling 

practices and protective equipment minimise worker exposure to acceptable levels. 

Fisher, P., O'Connor, C. E., and Eason, C. T. Monitoring pest control factory workers against a biological 

exposure index (BEI) for 1080. LCR0102/135, -15. 2002. Landcare Research Lincoln. 


Keywords: 1080/analysis/baits/brodifacoum/cyanide/humans/occupational exposure/urine 

Abstract: • Present procedures appear adequate to protect most workers from exposure to 1080 

exceeding the BEI, on most occasions. However, ACP should confirm the identity of the workers against 

the numbered samples submitted to Landcare Research for analysis from April 2002, as some of these were 

above the BEI. 

• Two factory workers have had exposure to 1080 over the limit set by the BEI, which occurred 

during successive monitoring occasions, and in successive urine samples taken over a number of days each 

time. Protective procedures and equipment used by these individuals in 1080-handling tasks should be 

reviewed. 

• The comparatively high concentrations measured in samples from one worker in 2001 and 2002 

appear to be the result of contamination during sampling. Follow-up monitoring of this individual is 

recommended. 

• The exact point(s) or route(s) of exposure to 1080 during the factory manufacture of 1080 baits 

cannot be identified from these results. 

• No conclusions can be made regarding effects on the health of workers who had exposure levels 

over the BEI, from these results. The BEI is a measure of acceptable exposure to 1080 only. 

Recommendations 

• Monitoring of urine for concentrations of 1080 indicative of exposure should be continued in the 

long term for ACP factory workers. Especial emphasis should be given to the two workers who have been 

exposed to 1080, i.e. more frequent monitoring until they return samples consistently below the BEI 

following all procedures involving the handling of 1080. 

• ACP should consult Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for advice regarding the 

implementation of an appropriate schedule for routine monitoring of workers for exposure to 1080, and 

appropriate responses when individual workers return samples that exceed the BEI. 

• All sample collection carried out on-site at the factories must adhere to strict clean-up protocols to 

avoid the risk of sample contamination. This should include removal of all protective clothing and 

showering before providing a sample into an appropriate clean container. Samples should be given in an 

area well away from the areas of the factory where 1080 is stored and handled. 

• Sample collection in future should be carried out within a 2-hour 'end of shift' period to enable a 

65


Appendix C 

strict comparison with the BEI. 

• Based on these results, consideration should be given to monitoring of pest control industry 

workers involved in production and/or use of other vertebrate pesticides, e.g. brodifacoum and cyanide. 

Fisher, P., Wright, G., and Eason, C. Water monitoring for contamination after aerial 1080 pest control 

operations. Water and wastes in NZ September 2003[20], 21. 2003. 


Keywords: persistence in water/residues/aerial control/analysis 

Abstract: Debate about the risks and benefits of using the vertebrate pesticide 1080 to control possums in 

New Zealand continues. In particular, the potential of aerially applied 1080 carrot or cereal pellet baits to 

contaminate water is a concern, especially the risk of 1080 contaminating water catchments used for human 

drinking supplies. The Pest Control and Wildlife Toxicology team at Landcare Research analyses water 

samples collected after aerial 1080 operations to check for any contamination by the pesticide. The 

Landcare Research Toxicology Laboratory maintains a database of water samples they have analysed, 

which includes the results from over 1550 water samples collected from streams on days immediately 

following 1080 baiting operations in an area. So far, water samples taken following 210 possum control 

operations, conducted in different areas throughout New Zealand during 1990 to 2003, have been analysed 

for 1080 concentrations. It is important to note that these samples have been taken predominantly from 

within or adjacent to baited areas, where there would be the greatest chance of detecting contamination 

were it to occur. 

Residues of 1080 can be detected in water at concentrations as low as 0.1 part per billion (ppb), which is 

equivalent to 0.1 microgram of 1080 per litre of water. Of the samples analysed to date, most (96.3%) 

contained no detectable residues of 1080. Residues were found in 3.7% (58) of all samples, but in most of 

these (51) the 1080 measured was less than 1 ppb (Figure). Where positive results were found in water 

samples, these have been mostly in small streams and associated with the observation of bait in the water. 

Of the 1550 samples, 107 were taken from reticulated town water supplies (drinking water), but none of 

these contained detectable 1080 residues. 

In the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand, issued in 2000 by the Ministry of Health, the 

Provisional Maximum Acceptable Value (PMAV) for 1080 in water is 3.5 ppb. The PMAV value is one 

that, on the basis of present knowledge, is not considered to cause any significant risk to the health of the 

consumer over a lifetime of consumption of the water. However, the Ministry of Health also recommends 

that water taken from catchments sown with 1080 baits should not be used for human supply until tests 

show that the concentration of 1080 is below 2 ppb. The figure of 2 ppb is an approximation of 50% of the 

PMAV value, and is applied to testing water for 1080 as a conservative measure. 

In the few instances where the 1080 concentration in water samples exceeded the 2 ppb threshold, this was 

limited to a single sample taken at a particular site. For example, a water sample collected 2 hours after an 

aerial operation at Te Kopia Scenic Reserve, Rotorua, in 1999 was 4 ppb, and a further sample taken from 

the same location 24 hours later was 1 ppb. These individual samples did not represent any hazard to 

human drinking water supplies. 

These ongoing results suggest that significant or prolonged contamination of waterways after 1080 baiting 

operations is unlikely if due care is taken by pest control operators in planning and running 1080 baiting 

operations. Regulations stipulate that poison baits must not be laid in any catchment that provides water for 

human consumption, except where approved by local authorities such as the Medical Officer of Health. 

Continued water sampling and testing following 1080 baiting operations are prudent actions to ensure 

minimal risk to the public of contaminated water, and more information about testing water for 1080 can be 

found at http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/services/laboratories/toxlab/protocol_water.asp. 

Fisher, P., O'Connor, C., Radford, C., and Beasley, M. Occupational exposure of pest control industry 

workers to 1080: continued monitoring against a biological exposure index. Landcare Research Contract 

Report LC03/04/008, -14. 2003. Lincoln, Landcare Research. 


Keywords: occupational exposure/1080/carrot/baits/dermal/urine/humans/aerial control 

Abstract: Conclusions 

66


Appendix C 

• As indicated by previous monitoring efforts, workers with duties preparing toxic carrot baits in the 

field appear to be those with the highest potential for unacceptable exposure to 1080. 

• Review and modification of personal protective equipment used by workers in aerial carrot-baiting 

operations appeared to reduce the incidence of unacceptable (above-BEI) exposure, however individual 

worker practice is likely to have contributed to continuing detectable exposure to 1080. 

• A formal industry standard operating procedure for carrot baiting operations, including 

specifications for protective equipment and compliance monitoring would provide a consistent standard 

from which to determine whether the exposure of workers is being minimised in future. 


• Establishment of an industry standard operating procedure for aerial carrot baiting operations 

should be considered in conjunction with worker training in the use of personal protective equipment, 

including correct procedures for selection, fit testing, cleaning/maintenance and storage. 

• Workers handling 1080 cereal pellet baits should further minimise their risk of dermal exposure by 

wearing gloves and washing frequently with clean water. 

• Worker compliance in the use of protective equipment when preparing or handling toxic baits or 

solutions should be obligatory during future operations. This includes proper use of face shields, masks and 

gloves at all times, and regular washing-off of dye stains from bare skin using clean water. 

• In conjunction with this, regular worker monitoring during aerial carrot-baiting operations should 

continue, in order to ensure that 1080 handling practices and protective equipment continue to minimise 

worker exposure risk. 

• Where individual workers show detectable concentrations of 1080 in urine samples at the end of 

an operation, clearance should be confirmed by monitoring for up to five days afterwards. 

• When interpreting the results of worker monitoring against the BEI, employers should consult 

Occupational Safety and Health, New Zealand, for advice on appropriate actions to minimise worker 

exposure. 

Fisher, P. and Eason, C. AHB Project No. R-10544 Review of the Regulatory Toxicology of Sodium 

Fluoroacetate (1080). Landcare Research Contract Report: LC0203/086, -11. 2003. Lincoln. New Zealand, 

Landcare Research. 


Keywords: regulatory toxicology/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/risk assessment/acute 

toxicity/toxicity/inhalation/testes/target organ/degradation/fish/invertebrates/algae 

Abstract: • There has been ongoing research to address concerns about the potential risks of using 

1080, resulting in a considerable literature and knowledge base about the compound. In particular, the last 

decade has seen an increasing focus on regulatory toxicology of 1080 and on field-based studies 

investigating the long-term effects of 1080 on non-target populations in New Zealand. 

• 1080 has high acute toxicity through the oral and inhalation routes. 

• 1080 is mildly irritating to the skin, and irritating to the eye. 

• 1080 is not mutagenic and is therefore not anticipated to be a carcinogen. 

• 1080 is a developmental toxicant, and can have teratogenic effects, effects on growth, and effects 

on reproductive tissue (testes) at particular doses and frequencies of exposure. 

• Heart and testes are especially recognised as target organs of 1080, although effects on other 

organs have been described. 

• 1080 is degraded in natural aquatic environments, due to both dilution and/or dispersion and biotic 

degradation. Acute toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates appears to be relatively low, although some 

algae and aquatic plants are sensitive to 1080. 

Fleming, P. J. S. and Parker, R. W. (1991). Temporal decline of 1080 within meat baits used for control of 

wild dogs in New South Wales. Wildlife research 18, 729-740. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/dogs 

67


Appendix C 

Fleming, P. J. S., Thompson, J. A., and Nicol, H. I. (1996). Indices for measuring the efficacy of aerial 

baiting for wild dog control in north-eastern New South Wales. Wildlife research 23, 665-674. 

Keywords: efficacy/1080/poison/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/dogs/treatment 

Abstract: The efficacy of aerial baiting with 1080 poison (sodium fluoroacetate) for the control of wild 

dogs (Canis familiaris familiaris and C. familiaris dingo) in the temperate rangelands of north-eastern New 

South Wales was studied. In each year from 1991 to 1993, 2 indices of the abundance of dogs, one a raw 

count of sets of footprints per km of transect (SF) and the other an ln-transformed frequency corrected for 

sightability of signs (CI), were used to quantify the changes in abundance caused by aerial baiting. 

Abundance of dogs at a nil-treatment site was estimated concurrently. The SF index found the 1991 baiting 

to be efficacious. Both measures of abundance showed baiting to be efficacious in 1992 and 1993. 

Reductions of 66.3-84.5% in the abundance of dogs at the treatment site were found for the CI measure. 

The SF measure displayed abundance changes of 76.1-91.1%. The indices of abundance measured prior to 

the annual baiting in 1992 and 1993 were similar, indicating that populations returned to their initial 

abundance within 1 year 

Forsberg, C. W., Egbosimba, E. E., and Maclellan, S. (1999). Recent advances in biotechnology of rumen 

bacteria: Review. Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 12, 93-103. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/enzyme/GMO 

Abstract: Recent advances in the biotechnology of ruminal bacteria have been made in the characterization 

of enzymes involved in plant cell wall digestion, the exploration of mechanisms of gene transfer in ruminal 

bacteria, and the development of vectors. These studies have culminated in the introduction and expression 

of heterologous glucanase and xylanase genes and a fluoroacetate dehalogenase gene in ruminal bacteria. 

These recent studies show the strategy of gene and vector construction necessary for the production of 

genetically engineered bacteria for introduction into ruminants. Molecular research on proteolytic turnover 

of protein in the rumen is in its infancy, but a novel protein high in essential amino acids designed for 

intracellular expression in nominal organisms provides an interesting approach for improving the amino 

acid profile of ruminal organisms 

Foss, G. L. (1948). The toxicology and pharmacology of methylfluoroacetate (MFA) in animals, with some 

notes on experimental therapy. Brit.J.Pharmacol. 3, 118-127. 

Keywords: treatment/mode of action/acute toxicity/pathology/humans 

Fowles, C. R. and Williams, J. R. (1997). Water quality monitoring in relation to a possum control 

operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont. New Zealand Natural Sciences 23, 93-99. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080/possums/fluoride 

Abstract: Public concerns about a possum control operation on Mount Taranaki/Egmont in 1993 and 1994 

included issues realting to potential effects of the use of 1080 poison on water quality and water usage; in 

particular domestic water supplies from catchment draining areas within the aerial poison application 

zones. A comprehensive water monitoring program was undertaken in response to these concerns. Natural 

surface waters within and outside the operational zones, major water supplies (raw and treated) and 

groundwaters were sampled and analyses for residues of 1080 and fluoride were performed. Sampling 

commenced in advance of the first aerial operation of 1080 and extended throughout the operational 

periods with two sites sampled more intensively to monitor any immediate impacts of the initial aerial 

poisoning operations within the National Park. The result showed no measurable impact of the possum 

control operation on 1080 and fluoride concentrations measured in any of the natural waters draining both 

the National Park and the buffer zones within the operational poisoning area or in the raw and treated 

doemstic supplies, or groundwaters monitored. The results of this intensive monitoring may provide 

guidelines for the assessment and establishment of appropriate moniotring of any future possum control 

operations of this nature. 

Frampton, C. M., Warburton, B., Henderson, R., and Morgan, D. R. (1999). Optimising bait size and 1080 

concentration (sodium monofluoroacetate) for the control of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). 

Wildlife research 26, 53-59. 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/ground control/1080/lethal dose 

Abstract: A method is presented for quantitatively assessing the likely effectiveness of specific bait size and 

1080 concentration for controlling brushtail possums with a known weight distribution. Data from aerial 

68


Appendix C 

1080 operations for the control of brushtail possums in New Zealand show that estimates of the bait size 

and toxic concentration required derived fi om the mean parameters [pest weight, bait size, and lethal dose 

(LD95)] will not be accurate. This inaccuracy is most likely to lead to an underestimate of the amount of 

toxin presented to each animal, so that many operations currently run the risk of sub-lethally dosing 

possums and thereby possibly inducing some degree of poison shyness. On the basis of more accurate 

quantitative assessments of bait effectiveness we recommend that the 1080 concentration be increased to 

0.15% and that baits less than 5 g be excluded to ensure that when mean possum weights are less than 3 kg 

more than 95% of possums are lethally dosed by a single bait. 

Fraser, K. W., Spurr, E., and Eason, C. Non target kills of deer and other animals from aerial 1080 

operations. Rod and Rifle 16[5], 20-22. 1995. 


Keywords: deer/1080/non-target species 

Abstract: Editorials and letters in recent issues of hunting magazines express concerns about the effects of 

aerial 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) poisoning operations for possum control on deer populations, other 

non target species and the environment. This article summarises the most recent available information on 

non-target kills and environmental effects of 1080. It is not usual in this magazine to cite references, but we 

have provided these details here for those readers who wish to examine the evidence more closely. 

Fraser, K. W. and Sweetapple, P. J. A comparison of the effectiveness of two toxic loadings (0.08% and 

0.15%) for control of deer during aerial 1080 poisoning using carrot baits. [LC9900/084], -22. 2000. 

Lincoln, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract report. 


Keywords: field efficacy/aerial control/deer/1080/treatment/possums 

Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether higher deer kills can be achieved by using a toxic loading of 

0.15% 1080 rather than 0.08% 1080 in a routine aerial poisoning operation using carrot baits, by comparing 

the reductions in red deer density achieved with the two treatments on Mt Titiraupenga in winter 1997. 

Conclusions: the reductions in red deer densities in our two treatment blocks (92.8% and 91.6%) were 

considerable higher than those recorded in similar studies (between c.30% and c.65%). We have been 

unable to demonstrate whether the higher toxic loading (0.15% 1080) was more effective in killing deer. 

Several other factors including the variation in pre-control densities of both red deer and possums between 

the two treatment blocks, the overall considerably lower possum densities throughout the study area, and 

the difference in predominant aspect (and possibly other habitat-related variables) are likely to have 

affected our comparison. Our post-control pellet-group density estimates suggest that residual red deer 

densities are greater than or equal to 0.3 deer/km 2 in each of the blocks. In the absence of recreational 

hunting and immigration from adjacent (controlled) areas, red deer numbers will take about 10 years to 

recover to their pre-control levels in each of the treatment blocks. Despite the considerable differences in 

pre-control possum densities and the present kills between two treatment blocks, residual possum numbers 

are now very low throughout the control area. It appears that the higher toxic loading did not adversely 

affect the possum kill in the 0.15% 1080 treatment block, although this result should be tested further under 

conditions where both treatment blocks used for the comparison are more similar in terms of possum 

densities, aspect, and other potential variables than was the case in the present study. Possum populations 

could take up to 10-13 years to recover to pre-control levels in the 0.15% 1080 block but are likely to 

recover quicker in the 0.08% block because of higher post-control densities. 

Fraser, W. Introduced Wildlife in New Zealand: A Survey of General Public Views. Bezar, C. 23, 1-45. 

2001. Manaaki Whenua Press, Landcare Research. Landcare Research Science Series. 


Keywords: legislation/wildlife 

Abstract: Issues involving introduced wildlife and their management are often controversial subjects, 

reflecting the diverse range of views held, particularly on environmental issues. Previously there has been 

little original research on public perceptions in relation to introduced wild animals and their management in 

New Zealand. Since public attitudes ultimately play some part in determining official policy and can affect 

the success of some conservation and management programmes, there is a need for better understanding of 

how people perceive introduced wildlife and related issues. Indeed, recent changes in environmental 

legislation make specific provision for some public consultation in areas such as national and regional pest 

69


Appendix C 

management strategies and the application of pesticides. 

One of the challenges facing the agencies responsible both for the conservation of New Zealand's native 

flora and fauna and for the control of introduced wild animals (either for conservation or economic reasons) 

is to reflect public sentiments in their policies and practices. I surveyed public attitudes on introduced 

wildlife and related issues in 1994 to document the range of views held, quantify the levels of support for 

various issues, and to provide a baseline for more detailed research. The results presented here illustrate 

the divergence of views that exist within contemporary New Zealand society. 

Freeman, A. B., Hickling, G. J., and Bannock, C. A. (1996). Response of the skink Oligosoma maccanni 

(Reptilia:Lacertilia) to two vertebrate pest control baits. Wildlife research 23, 511-516. 

Keywords: baits/lethal dose/reptiles/pindone 

Abstract: The attractiveness of two vertebrate pest-control baits (non-toxic RS5 and pindone-impregnated 

AgTech) to captive skinks (Oligosoma maccannii) was assessed with timelapse video and feeding trials in 

New Zealand. O. maccannii were attracted to both bait types. When dry, pindone baits were more palatable 

than RS5 baits. However, when wet the palatability of both baits increased and was similar. Bait size had 

no signficant effect on palatability. Lizards ate an average of 0.01 g of RS5 baits or 0.02 g of AgTech 

Pindone bait, over two days. On the basis of published susceptibility data, it is unlikely that this level of 

consumption would expose skinks to lethal doses of these vertebrate pest toxins. Potential sublethal effects 

of such doses require further study. 

Frick, E. J. and Boebel, F. W. (1946). Clinical observation of "1080" poisoning. Veterinary medicine 41, 

196-198. 

Keywords: diagnosis/welfare/secondary 

poisoning/poisoning/1080/livestock/dogs/heart/mammals/symptoms/time to death 

Abstract: From this experiment one may say that "1080" poisoning; 1. seems to exert its action primarliy on 

teh heart 2. it is a slow-acting poison as far as solipeds are concerned 3. it is a very toxic chemical as 

indicated by the small amount that proved lethal - the lethal dose was 5 mg per kilogram bodyweight. 4. 

heart muscle from poisoned animals transmits the poison to other animals that may consume it. Apparently 

the poison has an affinity for cardiac tissue 5. there was rpactically no struggling or violence showed by 

any of the animals used in the test 

Frost, R. L., Parker, R. W., and Hanna, J. V. (1989). Detection of the pesticide Compound 1080 (sodium 

monofluoroacetate) using fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Analyst 114, 1245-1248. 

Keywords: NMR/1080 

Abstract: Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance (19F NMR) spectroscopic measurement were used to 

determine the chemical nature and amounts of organofluorine in dosed meat baits. Earlier work implied that 

sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in meat baits was broken down into other organofluorine 

compounds such as fluorocitrate. No chemical evidence was found for such compounds. Only 

monofluoroacetate was detected in the prepared 1080 bait samples. Once the baits have aged, aqueous 

extraction fails to recover all the added 1080. Analysis using 19F NMR confirmed that the 1080 present in 

the aqueous extracts of the bait is recovered by Kramer's liquid chromatography method. It was shown here 

that the aqueous extracts do not recover all the 1080 in the meat bait. 

Fry, D. M., Santolo, G., and Grau, C. R. Final report for interagency agreement: effects of compound 1080 

poison on turkey vultures. Department of Avian Sciences, University of California, davis, 44 pp. 1986. 


Keywords: birds/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/lethal 

dose/poisoning/temperature/sublethal effects/mammals/symptoms/resistance/secondary poisoning/rodents 

Abstract: A study of the effects of Compound 1080, sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA) was conducted 

with captive Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura). Fifteen birds were dosed individually with SMFA in meat 

baits at levels of 20-100mg/kg body wt. The behavioural responses of dosed birds were monitored with 

video recordings and dose responses to sublethal and lethal doses were obtained. The sensitivity of Turkey 

Vultures to SMFA poisoning was temperature dependent over the range of 7.6-28.6 o C. Severe sublethal 

effects including ataxia (inability to perform voluntary muscular movements) and intention tremors of the 

head were observed at 75% of the lethal dose at both high and low temperatures. The debilitating effects of 

high sublethal doses would probably result in death of dosed birds in the wild. The lethal dose at 8-9 o C 

70


Appendix C 

was 100mg/kg. The high lethal dose levels indicate that Turkey Vultures are more resistant to the effects of 

SMFA than most species of mammals and birds. Emesis (vomiting) within 2-5 hr of exposure was a 

characteristic symptom of poisoned vultures, but the amount of SMFA regurgitated by dosed birds was not 

determined. Increasing clinical symptoms were observed with increasing doses of SMFA at each 

temperature studied. Clinical symptoms at 50% of the lethal dose included lethargy, wing and head droop, 

and difficulty of arousal from sleep. The onset of intention tremors occured 40-65 hr after a sublethal dose 

and tremors persisted 3 days at low doses and persisted undiminished for 11 days (until euthanasia) in 

severe cases. The high resistance of Turkey Vultures to SMFA indicates that birds are probably at low risk 

of lethal doses from secondary poisoning after consuming poisoned rodents, but the extent of permanence 

of the nervous system damage exemplified by intention tremors following sublethal doses is unknown. 

Fukuhara, R. and Nishikawa, Y. (1973). Effect of metabolic inhibitors on respiration, glycolysis and 

motility of goat spermatozoa under aerobic conditions. Unknown. 

Abstract: It was found that fluoride, mono-iodoacetate and fluoroacetate inhibited sperm motility, while 

2,4-dinitrophenol and arsenite stimulated initial vigorous motility which was not, however, maintained. 

With 10-4 and 10-3M cyanide, initial motility was good and well maintained 

Gajdusek, D. C. and Luther, G. (1960). Fluoroacetate poisoning : a review and report of a case. American 

Journal of Diseases of Children 79, 310-320. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/mammals/non-target species/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate, commonly called "1080" has obtained wide-spread use since the war as a 

potent rodenticide. Because of its varied pharamacologic properties and biochemical interest, it has 

become increasinly important in laboratory studies. Experimentaol poisoning in laboratory animals was 

studied during and since the war by many workers, but no previous report of a case of human poisioning is 

know to us. 

A case of poisoining with what was probably relatively pure sodium fluorocetate in a 2 year old Negor 

cheild is reported. Cardic and central nervous system symptoms perdominates, as in experimental animals, 

but the chold recovered completely without sequelae. 

This clinical picture presented by this case is briefly compared with that seen in experimental poisoning , 

and the literature on fluoroacetate poisoning is briefly reviewed. 

Gal, E. M., Peters, R A., and Wakelin, R. W. (1956). Some effects of synthetic fluoro compounds in the 

metabolism of acetate and citrate. Biochemistry 64, 161-168. 

Keywords: metabolism/citrate/biochemistry/fluoroacetate/rats 

Abstract: Injections into rats of some fluorocompounds followed by [2- 14 C]acetate led to reduction in the 

14 CO2 expired as follows; fluoroacetate 40%, fluorocitrate 30% and fluoropyruvate 50%. The carcasses of 

the poisoned animals contained more radioactivity than the other tissues examined. In male rats, whereas 

generally flurooacetate induced no rise in citric acid content of the liver, fluorocitrate injections caused an 

immediate rise in the citric acid level. 

Gal, E. M. and Smith, R. E. (1960). Conditions affecting inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by 

fluoroacetate in rat liver mitochondria. P.S.E.B.M. 103, 401-404. 

Keywords: inhibition/fluoroacetate/liver/citrate/poisoning/fluorocitrate/rats/metabolism 

Abstract: In presence of fumarate, rat liver mitochondria responds with citrate acumulation to fluoroacetate 

poisoning. This response is not sex-dependent. There is a time lag to inhibitory effect of fluorocompounds 

on respiration. Rates of respiration of fluoroacetate and control system of starved and fed animals were in 

close agreement. Testosterone did not abolish the effect of fluoroacetate on fluorocitrate accumulation, 

wherease progesterone significantly reversed it only on liver mitochondria of male rats. Progesterone, like 

DNP, when in combination with fluoroacetate, inhibited respiration. In normal nutritional states, irradiation 

does not significantly increase citrate accumulation in the liver mitochondria of male rats. 

Gal, E. M., Drewes, P. A., and Taylor, N. F. (1961). Metabolism of fluoroacetic acid-2-C 14 in the intact rat. 

Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 93, 1-14. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in 

animals/fluoroacetate/excretion/kidney/liver/fluorocitrate/heart/brain/urine 

Abstract: Syntheses and purification of fluoroacetate 2-c14 is described. During a 4 day period following 

71


Appendix C 

injection of fluoroacetate into intact rats, 3% of the label appeared in the respiratory CO2 and 32% was 

excreted in the urine. Radioautography of the urinary ether extracts revealed at least seven radioactive 

components. The appearance of urinary fluoroacetate sharply decreased by 48 hr. While that of the 

fluorocitrate reached maximum in 24 hr. Fluorocitrate in the urine represented only 3% of the total 

radioactivity administered. The major radioactive component was not inhibitory to aconitase. 

Concentration of the label was very high in heart, kidneys, liver and brain. Percentage of radioactivity of 

the homogenates of liver and kidney distributed equally within the subcellular fractions, but the 

concentration of activity was about four times greater in the mitochrondrial fraction of the kidney than in 

the liver. Fifteen times as much labeled fluorocitrate was found in the kidney as in the liver. Analysis of 

liver constituents revealed incorporation of activity into fatty acids and small amounts of label in 

cholesterol. The results indicate the existence of several pathways of fluoroacetate metabolism hitherto not 

extensively investigated. 

Gal, E. M. (1972). Effect of fluoro compounds on metabolic control in brain mitochondria. In 'Carbon- 

Fluorine Compounds. Chemistry, Biochemistry & Biological Activities.'. pp. 77-93. (Associated Scientific 

Publishers: Amsterdam.) 

Keywords: brain/chemistry/biochemistry/liver/fluoroacetate/metabolism/enzyme/inhibition 

Abstract: Since the discovery of 'lethal synthesis' by Peters great effort has been expended on understanding 

the details of this mechanism and the total effect of the fluoroinhibitors in biological systems. Here we 

present data from our in vivo and in vitro experiments with radio-active fluoroinhibitors. Major points 

discussed are 1) comparison of the subcellular distribution of fluoroinhibitors in the rat liver and barin at 

convulsive and non-convulsive doses 2) recovery of fluoroinhibitors from brain mitochondria by densitygradient 

sedimentation 3) effect of DL-erythro-fluorocitarte on the ability of brain mitochondria to 

accumulate calcium in vitro and changes in the respiration-dependent mitochondrial calcium after 

administration of fluoroacetate 4) penetration of fluoro compounds into cerebral mitochondria and 5) 

changes in the metabolism and membrane transport of cerebral mitochondria as a function of enzyme 

inhibition by fluoro compounds 

Gallon, J. R., Ul-Haque, M. I., and Chaplin, A. E. (1978). Fluoroacetate metabolism in Gloeocapsa sp. 

LB795 and its relationship to acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation). Journal of general microbiology 106, 

329-336. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in plants/fluoroacetate/algae 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (1mM) caused an accumulation of citrate and altered the lipid composition 

in cells of Gloeocapsa sp. LB795. It also inhibited acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) by the alga - 

markedly under aerobic conditions, but much less so in the absence of oxygen. This inhibition is largely 

the result of the conversion of fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate which, by inhibiting aconitate hydratase 

(EC4.2.1.3.), interrupts the synthesis of the 2-oxoglutarate required for the assimulation of NH4 + . The 

consequent accumulation of NH4 + within the cells of Gloeocapsa sp. inhibits nitrogenase synthesis and, 

since oxygen rapidly inactivates pre-existing nitrogenase, nitrogen fixation by Gloeocapsa sp. decreases 

under aerobic conditions. 

Gammie, J. (1980). Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in a cat. Canadian Veterinary Journal 21, 64. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/symptoms/treatment/1080 

Abstract: Clinical symptoms and treatment are described for a domestic cat which had consumed, and then 

vomited up within 1 hour, a dead chipmunk killed after eating 1080 treated bran laid for rodent control. 

Survival of the cat considered largely due to it having initially vomited up most of the dead chipmunk 

Gardner, P. R., Nguyen, D-D. H., and White, C. W. (1994). Aconitase is a sensitive and critical target of 

oxygen poisoning in cultured mammalian cells and in rat lungs. Proceedings of the National Academy of 

Sciences of the United States of America 91, 12248-12252. 

Keywords: aconitase/poisoning/enzyme/inhibition/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/poison/rats/citric acid 

Abstract: The effect of hyperoxia on activity of the superoxide-sensitive citric acid cycle enzyme aconitase 

was measured in cultured human epithelial-like A549 cells and in rat lungs. Rapid and progressive loss of 

>80% of the aconitase activity in A549 cells was seen during a 24-hr exposure to a PO2 of 600 mmHg (1 

mmHg = 133 Pa). Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory capacity correlated with loss of aconitase activity 

in A549 cells exposed to hyperoxia, and this effect could be mimicked by fluoroacetate (or fluorocitrate), a 

72


Appendix C 

metabolic poison of aconitase. Exposure of rats to an atmospheric PO2 of 760 mmHg or 635 mmHg for 24 

hr caused respective 73% and 61% decreases in total lung aconitase activity. We propose that early 

inactivation of aconitase and inhibition of the energy-producing and biosynthetic reactions of the citric acid 

cycle contribute to the sequelae of lung damage and edema seen during exposure to hyperoxia. 

Garre, V. and Torres Martinez, S. (1996). Mutants of Phycomyces blakesleeanus defective in acetyl-CoA 

synthetase. Fungal Genetics and Biology 20, 70-73. 

Keywords: resistance/fluoroacetate/acetate/analysis/bacteria 

Abstract: Mutants (9) of P. blakesleeanus were isolated based on their resistance to fluoroacetate. None of 

the isolates used acetate as their sole carbon source. Genetic complementation experiments revealed that all 

the mutants belonged to the same complementation group. Biochemical analysis indicated that acetateinduced 

acetyl-CoA synthetase activity was abolished in all mutants. This suggested that they were affected 

in the gene coding for acetyl-CoA synthetase (facA) 

Gillies, C. A. and Pierce, R. J. (1999). Secondary poisoning of mammalian predators during possum and 

rodent control operations at Trounson Kauri Park, Northland, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of 

ecology 23, 183-192. 

Keywords: field efficacy/secondary poisoning/non-target species/target 

species/possums/poisoning/predators/1080/brodifacoum/rodents/mammals/cats/carnivores/analysis 

Gillies, C. A. Managing Rodents on the New Zealand mainland--what options are currently available? 

Summary of a workshop session at the Department of Conservation 'mainland island' hui, Omapere, 20-23 

August 2001. Department of Conservation Internal Science Series No. 47, -20. 2002. Wellington, 

Department of Conservation. 


Keywords: brodifacoum/warfarin/pindone/cholecalciferol/1080/field efficacy/rodent/rats/mice 

Abstract: Since late 1998, staff at most Department of Conservation 'mainlan island' sites have been 

investigating alternatives to brodifacoum-laced baits laid in bait stations for controlling rodents. A 

workshop session was held as part of the 2001 annual 'mainland island' hui (meeting) to discuss and review 

the different rodent control techniques tried by managers on the New Zealand mainland since 1998, and to 

make recommendations regarding the issues surrounding the different techniques. The consensus was that 

currently there are two main options (other than brodifacoum) available for rodent control on the New 

Zealand mainland: kill-trapping and a range of other toxins (1080, cholecalciferol, warfarin and pindone). 

The main reported advantage of trapping was that the technique has a much greater public acceptance than 

toxins. Toxins, however, were reported to be less labour-intensive than trapping and can be used over 

relatively large areas. The most commonly expressed concern was that very little is understood about the 

impacts of mice and what techniques are available to control them. 

Gitter, S (1956). The influence of acetimide on citrate accumulation after fluoroacetate poisoning. 

Unknown 63, 182-187. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/treatment/citrate/mode of action/poisoning 

Glusker, J. P. (1968). Mechanism of aconitase action deduced from crystallographic studies of its 

substrates. Journal of Molecular Biology 38, 149-162. 

Keywords: aconitase/biochemistry/citrate/enzyme 

Abstract: A mechanism for the interconversion of citrate, isocitrate and cis-aconitate ions by the enzyme 

aconitase is suggested. 

Glusker, J. P. (1992). Structural aspects of citrate biochemistry. Current Topics in Cellular Regulation 33, 

169-184. 

Keywords: citrate/biochemistry/enzyme 

Abstract: Analogs of citrate provide excellent probes of mechanism in citrate-utilizing enzymes. The basic 

principles listed here must hold, but now that the detailed structures of large proteins with bound substrate 

can be determined by X-ray diffraction techniques, the stereochemical significance of citrate can be furtehr 

investigated. 

73


Appendix C 

Godoy, H. M. and Villarruel, M. C. (1974). Myocardial adenine nucleotides, hexose phosphates and 

inorganic phosphate, and the regulation of phosphofructokinase activity during fluoroacetate poisoning in 

the rat. Biochemical Pharmacology 23, 3179-3189. 

Keywords: mode of action/fluoroacetate/biochemistry/heart/rodents/poisoning/serum/citrate/citric 

acid/inhibition 

Abstract: Myocardial levels of adenine nucleotides, inorganic phopshate (Pi) and hexose phosphates were 

measured as a function of the time after fluoroacetate (FAc) administration (6 mg/kg ip) to the rat. ATP 

content was progressively depleted, reaching at 6 hr 60% and at 18 hr, 45% of the control values. AMP and 

ADP levels increased during the initial 2 hr and later declined. Intracellular Pi accumulated in great 

amounts, with a maximum at 4 hr, while serum Pi increased continusously throughout the experiment. 

Citrate levels reached a maximum at 6 hr and remained nearly constant thereafter. These results suggest 

that the energy reserves of the tissues are progressively exhausted during the intoxication and the the 

reactivation of the citric acid cycle by the accumulated citrate, postulated by previous authors, does not 

occur under the present conditions. Fructose diphopshate (FDP) levels were unlatered during the 

intoxication, while fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) and glucose-6-phopshate only showed transient initial 

increases. The FDP/F6P ration, which is indicative of intracellular phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity, was 

not significanlty altered, in spite of the striking changes produced in the levels of PFK effectors. This 

suggests that the PFK activation usually occurred with a depletion if high-energy phosphates and Pi 

accumulation is blocked in the poisoned tissue. In vitro experiments were perdormed in which PFK activity 

was evaluated in the presence of concentrations of substrates and metabolites simulating those found in 

vivo. It was observed that in the physiological pH range (6.9 -7.1), PFK is stikingly activated in the assays 

corresponding to intoxicated hearts, regardless of the high citrate levels. The suggests that the activation 

assocaited with the fall of ATP is quantitatively more important than the citrate inhibition. However, at 

lower pH values this activation is not produced, irrespective of the levels of ATP, AMP, Pi or citrate. It is 

suggested that intracellular acidification, possibly assocaited with the accumulation of citric acid, might be 

the main factor responsible for the blockade of PFK activation observed in intoxicated hearts in vivo. 

Goldman, P. (1965). The enzymatic cleavage of the carbon-fluorine bond in fluoroacetate. Journal of 

biological chemistry 240, 3434-3438. 

Keywords: product chemistry/fluorine/chemistry/analysis/fluoroacetate/soil/bacteria/enzyme/biochemistry 

Goldman, P. and Milne, G. W. (1966). Carbon-fluorine bond cleavage II. Studies on the mechanism of the 

defluorination of fluoroacetate. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 23, 5557-5559. 

Keywords: defluorination/fluoroacetate/chemistry/enzyme/biochemistry 

Abstract: Studies on the mechanism of the reaction XCH2COO 

- + OH- >> X- + HOCH2COO- (where X= F, Cl and I) catalyzed by 

the enzyme haloacetate halidohydrolase indicate that the hydroxyl group of glycolate is derived from water. No evidence can be obtained for the reversibility of the 

dehalogenation. In addition the exchanges between glycolate and H218O and between chloroacetate and 36Cl- are not catalyzed by the enzyme. 

Goldman, P. Enzymology of carbon-halogen bonds. 147-165. 12-6-1971. Degradation of synthetic orgnaic 

molecules in the biosphere : natural pesticidal and various other man-made compounds. Proceedings of a 

conference held in San Francisco, June 12-13 1971. 


Keywords: degradation/chemistry/fluorine/enzyme 

Goodwin, R. M. and Ten Houten, A. (1991). Poisoning of honey bees (Apis mellifera) by sodium 

fluoroacetate (1080) in baits. New Zealand journal of zoology 18, 45-51. 

Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/possums/poisoning/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/baits/bees/honey/humans 

Gooneratne, R., Dickson, C., Wallace, D., Eason, C. T., Fitzgerald, H., and Wright, G. (1994). Plasma and 

tissue 1080 in rabbits after lethal and sub-lethal doses. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 

12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 67-73. 

(Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: metabolism/rabbits/persistence in animals/1080/non-target species/lethal dose 

Abstract: The persistence of 1080 in plasma, liver, kidney, and muscle was studied in rabbits administered 

sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) at two dose levels (sub-lethal and lethal) with a view to assessing risk 

74


Appendix C 

from consumption of meat from lethally or sub-lethally poisoned rabbits by non-target species. The plasma 

elimination half-life in rabbits receiving a sub-lethal dose was 1.1 h. The tissue retention of 1080 was 

greater in rabbits dosed with lethal dose than those which received a sub-lethal dose. Irrespective of dose 

of 1080 given, the concentration of 1080 in muscles, kidney and liver was substantially lower than in 

plasma. 

The plasma fluoride (F) concentration in sub-lethally poisoned animals increased initially but returned to 

normal within 3 h. Elevation of plasma F in lethally dosed animals was higher (at least x3) and was the 

highest in animals which died early. In contrast the tissue F concentration in these animal was variable. In 

sub-lethally poisoned animals only muscle citrate was elevated. In contract, the tissue citrate 

concentrations in lethally dosed animals were variable but the plasma citrate levels were elevated in 

animals which died later. Abnormal electrocardiographs were recorded from 13% of rabbits given the sublethal 

dose. 

Gooneratne, S. R., Eason, C. T., Dickson, C. J., Fitzgerald, H., and Wright, G. (1995). Persistence of 

sodium monofluoroacetate in rabbits and risk to non-target species. Human and experimental toxicology 

14, 212-216. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/non-target species/rabbits/1080/lethal 

dose/birds/blood/liver/kidney/muscle/secondary poisoning 

Gordon, E. E. (1961). The metabolism of citrate-C 14 in normal and in fluoroinhibitor-poisoned rats. 

J.Clin.Invest. 40, 1719-1726. 

Keywords: metabolism/rats/blood/citrate/kidney/liver/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/excretion 

Abstract: The turnover of the blood citrate is extremely rapid as measured by the conversion of 

intravenously administered citrate-C14 to respiratory C14O2. Approximately 85% of the radioactive carbon 

of the labeled citrate that is retained in the rat is converted to C14O2 in 3 hours. Approximately 1% of the 

administered radioactivity was recovered in protein and lipid in the kidneys and liver. The incorporation of 

C14 into the kidney tissue fractions was greater than that into the corresponding liver fractions. In vivo and 

in vitro experiments demonstrated a divergent action of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate as inhibitors of 

metabolism. In the intact animal fluoroacetate treatment inhibited the urinary excretion of administered 

citrate-C14 and enhanced its conversion to respiratory C14O2, fluorocitrate treatment resulted in an 

augmentation of the urinary excreation of the citrate-C14 and depressed its conversion to respiratory 

C14O2. Studies of the metabolism of liver and the kidney slices in the presence of fluoroacetate and 

fluorocitrate indicated a difference in the mechanism of action of these inhibitors. Although the distribution 

of citrate in the subcellular fractions of liver differed from that found in kidney after fluoroinhibitor 

administration, the localization in each of the tissues was the same, regardless of whether the rat received 

fluoroacetate or fluorocitrate. 

Gorniak, S. L., Palermo-Neto, J, and Spinosa, H. S. (1994). Effects of acetamide on experimentally-induced 

Palcourea marcgravii (St Hill) poisoning in rats. Veterinary and human toxicology 36, 101-102. 

Keywords: poisoning/rats/antidote/convulsions/treatment/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: High indices of mortality in cattle have been reported in Brazil as a consequence of Palicourea 

marcgravii (Pm) acute intoxications. It has been established that Pm leaves contain monofluoroacetic acid 

(MFA), the active toxic principle of the plant. Rational therapy for MFA poisoning involves the use of a 

substance that might prevent fluorocitric acid formation. The present work was undertaken to verify if 

acetamide, a MFA antidote and an acetate donor, protects rats against both Pm and MFA intoxications. It 

was verified that acetamide protected rats from both convulsions and death. Future experiments should be 

carried out on cattle to examine the efficacy of acetamide, and particularly under field conditions. 

Grant, W. E., Fraser, S. O., and Isakson, K. G. (1984). Effect of vertebrate pesticides on nontarget wildlife 

populations: Evaluation through modelling. Ecological Modelling 21, 85-108. 

Keywords: wildlife/1080 

Abstract: A general modeling methodology to evaluate the potential effects of pesticides on non-target 

wildlife populations is described, and its use within a resource management framework is demonstrated. 

Attention is focused on interfacing relatively simple numerical and analytical procedures with available 

data to specify initial baseline population parameters, representing density-dependent relationships 

affecting non-target natality and survival rates, and interpreting simulated non-target population responses 

75


Appendix C 

to different pesticide-use schemes within a management framework. The methodology involves use of a 

Leslie matrix model with variable age-specific natality and survival rates. Natality and survival rates can 

vary as a function of non-target population density, the density of competitor, predator, and/or prey 

populations, and/or abiotic environmental factors. Required model input includes estimates of initial 

density of the non-target population, age-specific natality rates, the relative magnitudes of age-specific 

survival rates, the relationship of natality and survival rates to the appropriate population densities and/or 

abiotic environmental factors, and the magnitude of pesticide-induced mortality. Model output includes 

estimates of the density of the non-target population over time, the mean lowest density reached, the mean 

recovery time, and the probability of extinction resulting from a specified scheme of pesticide use. Use of 

the model within a management framework is demonstrated by evaluating the effects of 4 hypothetical 

coyote control schemes, using Compound 1080, on great horned owl populations in the United States 

Green, W. (2004). The use of 1080 for pest control - a discussion document. (Animal Health Board and the 

Department of Conservation: Wellington, New Zealand.) 

Greene, T. G. The effect of compound 1080 on populations of specific non-target species, Waihaha 

Ecological Area, Pureora Forest Park, winter 1994. 1995. Department of Conservation. 


Keywords: 1080/non-target species/birds 

Greentree, C., Saunders, G., McLeod, L., and Hone, J. (2000). Lamb predation and fox control in southeastern 

Australia. Journal of applied ecology 37, 935-943. 

Keywords: ground control/1080/treatment 

Gregg, K., Cooper, C. L., Schafer, D. J., Sharpe, H., Beard, C. E., Allen, G., and Xu, J. (1994). 

Detoxification of the plant toxin fluoroacetate by a genetically modified rumen bacterium. Bio/technology 

12, 1361-1365. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/degradation/GMO/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: The construction of rumen bacteria that are able to detoxify an important natural poison supports 

the feasibility of using genetically modified rumen bacteria to aid animal production. 

Gregg, K. (1995). Engineering gut flora of ruminant livestock to reduce forage toxicity: progress and 

problems. Tibtech 13, 418-421. 

Keywords: gut/livestock/bacteria/degradation/fluoroacetate/poisoning 

Abstract: The rumen bacterium Butyvibrio fibriosolvens has been genetically modified to detoxify 

fluoroacetate (a poisonous component of trees and shrubs in Australia, Africa and Central America) and has 

been shown to persist when it is returned to the rumen. Such bacteria may save animals from poisoning, 

thereby reducing economic losses for livestock industries in those countries. The ability to make genetic 

changes to rumen bacteria raises important questions about their practicality, and about the environmental 

factors that must be considered befire releasing modified strains. The fluoroacetate-detoxifying bacterium 

provides an important model by which these issues can be examined. 

Gregg, K., Hamdorf, B., Henderson, K., Kopecny, J., and Wong, C. (1998). Genetically modified ruminal 

bacteria protect sheep from fluoroacetate poisoning. Applied and environmental microbiology 64, 3496- 

3498. 

Keywords: metabolism/pathology/fluoroacetate/symptoms/poisoning 

Abstract: Four strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, transformed with a gene encoding fluoroacetate 

dehalogenase, maintained a combined population of 10(6) to 10(7) cells ml(-1) in the rumens of test sheep. 

Five inoculated sheep showed markedly reduced toxicological symptoms after fluoroacetate poisoning 

when behavioral, physiological, and histological effects were compared with those of five uninoculated 

control sheep. 

Gregory, G. Perception of pain associated with 1080 poisoning. 300-302. 1991. Adelaide. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/welfare/symptoms 

76


Appendix C 

Greksak, M., Lopes-Cardozo, M., and van den Bergh, S. G. (1982). Citrate synthesis in intact rat-liver 

mitochondria is irreversible. European Journal of Biochemistry 122, 423-427. 

Keywords: citrate 

Abstract: Rat-liver mitochondria were incubated with [1,5- 14 C]citrate in the presence of fluorocitrate to 

block oxidation in the Krebs cycle. The reaction products were analysed enzymatically and by anionexchange 

chromatography. Incorporation of 14 C into acetyl-L-carnitine or ketone bodies via a backward 

action of citrate synthase was not observed. The optimal rate of citrate synthesis from pyruvate and malate 

in the presence of fluorocitrate was 15 nmol . mg -1 . min -1 . In the absence of fluorocitrate, but in the 

presence of malonate, citrate was oxidized to succinate at a rate of 4 nmol . mg -1 . min -1 . 

We conclude that the synthesis of citrate by intact rat liver mitochondria is an irreversible process. The 

possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon and the consequence for metabolic regulation are 

discussed 

Gribble, G. W. (1973). Fluoroacetate toxicity. Journal of chemical education 50, 460-462. 

Keywords: mode of action/acute toxicity/fluoroacetate 

Gribble, G. W. (2002). Naturally occurring organofluorines. Organofluorines 3, 121-136. 


Griffiths, M. E. (1959). The effect of weathering on the toxicity of baits treated with sodium fluoroacetate. 

CSIRO wildlife research 4, 93-95. 

Keywords: bait degradation/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Grobbelaar, N. and Meyer, J. J. M. (1990). Fluoroacetate production by Dichapetalum cymosum. Journal of 

plant physiology 135, 550-553. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature/biosynthesis/bacteria/fluoride 

Abstract: Field-grown Dichapetalum cymosum plants which appeared normal were invariably found to be 

infested with bacteria. It has not yet been ascertained whether the bacteria can synthesise fluoroacetate but 

seedlings of D. cymosum, when grown from surface sterilised seed in an aseptic environment, appear to 

synthesise fluoroacetate. A callus culture of D. cymosum was established which appears to be internally 

devoid of microorganisms. The culture grows well in the absence of fluoride and then does not contain 

fluoroacetate. Fluoride (0.78 to 6.24 mM) does not affect the growth of the callus but results in the 

production of up to 1227 mg fluoroacetate per kg fresh callus. 

Groenvald, A. H. C. and Berends, A. G. A comparison of the toxicity of sodium trifluoroacetate, 

difluoroacetic acid salt, sodium monofluoroacetate and sodium fluoride to the alga Selenastrum 

capricornatum . 56835/44/94. 1994. Washington DC USA, AFAES. Alternative Fluorocarbons 

Environmental Acceptability Study Final Report. 


Keywords: algae/toxicity/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/fluoride 

Guan, F., Wu, H., and Luo, Y. (1996). Sensitive and selective method for the determination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate by capillary zone electrophoresis. Journal of chromatography A 719, 421-426. 

Keywords: bait degradation 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA) is a highly toxic substance and its determination is needed in 

several areas. Its chromatographic (GC or HPLC) determination is difficult because of its ionic and 

hydrophilic properties. A simple, sensitive and selective capillary zone electrophoretic method is described 

for the determination of SMFA. It is well separated from structurally related compounds (formate, acetate, 

chloroacetate, bromoacetate, etc) in an acidic electrolyte buffer containing 5 mmol/1 phthalate (pH 4.61) 

and 0.3 mmol/1 cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or in a basic electrolyte solution containing 5 

mmol/14hydroxy benzoate 0.3 mmol/1 CTAB and 10 mmol/1 ammonium (pH 9.49). Good resolution was 

achieved at relatively low electric field (200250) kV/cm) and CTAB concentration (0.3 mmol/1). The 

separation selectivity was improved in acidic phthalate buffer. Using bromoacetate as internal standard, the 

calibration graph for SMFA was linear over the concentration range 110 jug/ml. The detection limit was 

0.4 jg/ml. The method was applied to the determination of SMFA in rodenticide baits 

77


Appendix C 

Guan, F. Y., Miao, Z. C., and Luo, Y. (1994). A new method for detection and identification of sodium 

fluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide by NMR spectroscopy. Chinese science bulletin 39, 154-157. 

Keywords: NMR/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/fluoroacetate/analysis 

Guarriera-Bobyleva, V and Buffa, P. Changes in rat liver glycolytic reactions during fluoroacetate 

poisoning. Ananchenko, S. N. Frontiers of bioorganic chemistry and molecular biology : proeecings of the 

International Symposium, Moscow and Tashkent, USSR, 25 September - 2 October 1978. 185-191. 1980. 

Oxford, New York, Pergamon Press. 


Keywords: liver/fluoroacetate/poisoning/metabolism/chemistry 

Guarriera-Bobyleva, V., Hughes, P. E., and Lardy, H. A. (1984). Effect of fluoroacetate on hepatic 

gluconeogenesis. Fluoride 17, 94-104. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/liver/birds 

Abstract: Studies on the effect of fluoroacetate on chicken liver gluconeogenesis revealed that fluoroacetate 

intoxication blocked the tricarboxylic acid cycle in fed or fasted birds; this decreased the generation of ATP 

required for gluconeogenesis A decrease of glucose synthesis with reduced substrates. Lactate was 

especially observed in isolated hepatocytes incubated with fluoroacetate which was explained by decreased 

amount of available energy for glucose synthesis, decreased activity of the malate shuttle and decreased 

activity of lactate dehydrogenase 

Guarriero-Bobyleva, V and Buffa, P. (1969). The inhibition of fluorocitrate of rat liver mitochondrial and 

extramitochondrial aconitate hydratase. Biochemistry Journal 113, 853-860. 

Keywords: inhibition/fluorocitrate/liver/enzyme/aconitase/biochemistry 

Abstract: The effects of synthetic fluorocitrate were studied on a) the oxidation of citrate and cis-aconitate 

by rat liver mitochondria b) the activity of the aconitate hydratse found in the liver cell sap c) the activity of 

the aconitate hydratase solubilized from liver mitochondria. Fluorocitrate was found to be a potent inhibitor 

of oxidation of citrate but only a weak inhibitor of oxidation of cis-aconitate: 6-7 uM-fluorocitrate 

(conatinign 4% of the inhibitory isomer) caused 94% inhibition of the oxidation of citrate (2mM) whereas 

1mM-fluorocitrate was necessary to provoke the same inhibition when cis-aconitate (2mM) was the 

substrate. The degree of inhibition varied in relation to the respiratory state of mitochondria when 

fluorocitrate was added. The inhibition could be partially reversed by cis-aconitate. The aconitate hydratase 

extracted from the mitochondria was much less inhibited by fluorocitrate than was the mitochondria-bound 

enzyme, and the aconitate hydratase found in the cell sap was even less sensitive. 0.3 mM fluorocitrate was 

required to cause 50% inhibition of the reaction citrate > cis-aconitate, catalysed by the aconitate hydratase 

extracted from the mitochondria, and 1.2 M-fluorocitrate for the extramitochondrial enzyme. For both 

enzymes the reaction citrate > cis-aconitate was 2-3 times more sensitive to fluorocitrate than was the 

reaction isocitrate > cis-aconitate. The inhibition was of the competitive type for both reactions. 

Gulati, P., Singh, V., Gupta, M. K., Vaidya, V., Dass, S., and Prakash, S. (1993). Studies on the leaching of 

fluoride in tea infusions. The Science of the Total Environment 138 , 213-222. 

Keywords: fluoride/persistence in plants 

Abstract: In order to assess the levels of fluoride ingestion through intake of tea, studies were conducted 

with four different brands of tea leaves commonly available in the Indian market. Four most prevalent 

methods for the preparation of tea with various contact times (2,4,6,8 and 10 min) of tea leaves with water 

show that: (a) leaching of fluoride is least in case of leaf tea as compared to powdered tea (F levels 

increasing with decreasing grain size); (b) leaching of fluoride reached a maximum after a contact of about 

6 min; (c) there is no difference between levels of fluoride with or without addition of milk in the English 

style where tea leaves are not boiled, while for the Indian style, addition of milk and subsequent boiling 

resulted in reduction of fluoride levels and (d) ingestion of fluoride per cup of tea ranged from 1.55 mg/l to 

3.21 mg/l amounting to an intake per day per person of fluoride between 0.3 to 1.9 mg. 

Gwag, B. J., Kemmerer, K., Robin, V., Lehmann, J., Sessler, F. M., and Springer, J. E. (1993). 

Fluorocitrate, a metabolic inhibitor of glial function, induces NGF and BDNF mRNA in the rat 

hippocampal formation. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 19, 257. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/metabolism/inhibition/brain 

78


Appendix C 

Abstract: Several studies have supported the involvement of glutamatergic-mediated neuronal events in 

regulating neurotrophin mRNA expression in the central nervous system. The effects of glutamate are 

mediated through ionotrophic or metabotrophic glutamate receptors. Glutamate levels at the synaptic cleft 

are regulated by an equilibrium between calcium-dependent glutamate release into the synaptic cleft and 

glutamate uptake primarily into glial cells. In the present study, we used in vivo microdialysis and in situ 

hybridization to investigate whether blockade of glial cell metabolism will influence glutamate levels in the 

extracellular space and mRNA levels of two neurotrophins, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived 

neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal formation. Female Long Evans rats were anesthetized 

with pentobarbital and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus. A total of 1-2nmoles of fluorocitrate, an 

inhibitor of glial cell metabolism, was injected into the hippocampal formation. Over a 4 hour time period, 

fluorocitrate treatment resulted in a significant increase (3-5 fold) in glutamate levels over time, while 

glutamine levels significantly decreased. These data support the decreased metabolic activity of glial cells 

as assessed by the selective effect of fluorocitrate on glutamate and glutamine levels. In situ hybridization 

histochemistry revealed that fluorocitrate injections into the hippocampal formation increases the 

expression of NGF and BDNF mRNA in dentate granule cells. The fluorocitrate-induced increase in NGF 

and BDNF mRNA was blocked by pretreatment with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 

antagonist, AP5. The present results provide evidence that mRNA expression of neurotrophins in the 

hippocampal formation can be modified by glial activity, as well as neuronal activity regulating levels of 

synaptically-released glutamate through NMDA receptors. 

Hagan, E. C., Ramsey, L. L., and Woodard, G. (1950). Absorption, distribution, and excretion of sodium 

fluoroacetate (1080) in rats. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 99, 432-434. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in animals/1080/excretion/rodents/analysis 

Abstract: Data are presented which indicate that the rat possesses the capacity for metabolizing sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). Distribution of the 1080 is rather uniform throughout the animal with the 

exception of a lower liver content usually found. 

Hagan, E. C., Ramsey, L. L., and Angel, R. (1950). unknown. Journal of pharmacology and experimental 

therapeutics 98, 234. 

Keywords: liver/fluoroacetate/citrate 

Hall, R. J. and Cain, R. B. (1972). Organic fluorine in tropical soils. New Phytologist 71, 839-853. 

Keywords: fluorine/soil/occurrence in nature/persistence in soil/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: A number of tropical soils growing toxic plant species which contain organically combined 

fluorine have been studied with a view to establishing the relationship between plant and soil in terms of 

fluorine. The analyses of the soils for total fluorine and water-soluble fluoride showed that there was no 

correlation with the levels of total and organically-combined fluorine in the leaves of the plant species. 

Some of the most toxic plants grew in soils having low levels of mineral fluorine. Examination by 

electrodialysis, gas-liquid chromatography and infa-red spectroscopy, supported by chemical analysis, has 

revealed the presence in significant amounts of what appears to be fluoroacetate in several of the soils 

supporting species known to contain toxic fluorinated fatty acids. The origin of the naturally-occurring 

fluoroacetate in these soils is discussed. 

Hall, R. J. (1972). The distribution of organic fluorine in some toxic tropical plants. New Phytologist 71, 

855-871. 

Keywords: fluorine/fluoroacetate/soil/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: 1. The tissues of a number of toxic plants, including Acacia georginae, from Africa, Australia and 

South America, were analysed for the presence of organic and inorganic F. The presence of organically 

combined F was established in most of the species but the concentration of such F was very variable. A 

waxy exudate on the surface of the toxic leaves of A. georginae contained significant quantities of F and is 

believed to be part of an excretory mechanism. Only a small proportion of the exudate was identified as 

fluoroacetate, and other fluorinated organic compounds appear to be present. 2. Tissues of 15 toxic species 

from Africa, Australia and South America were analysed for organic and inorganic F. Organicallycombined 

F was found in most of the species, but varied in concentration. In African Dichapetalaceae the F 

content was generally higher in stems and roots than in leaves; in Australian Gastrolobium and Oxylobium 

spp. and Brazilian Palicourea marcgravii the reverse situation was found. Large amounts of organic F were 

79


Appendix C 

found in most seeds but not in those of Acacia georginae. None of the toxic species examined grew in high- 

F soils, but some grew in soils with very low F content. A waxy exudate on the outside of the toxic leaves 

of A. georginae contained significant amounts of organic F and appeared to be part of an excretory 

mechanism. Only a small proportion of the exudate was fluoroacetate and other fluorinated organic 

compounds seemed to be present. Crystals which appeared to be a complex mixture containing calcium 

oxalate, chloride, F, Mn and Si were found on the outer surface of roots and stems of Dichapetalaceae, and 

were also thought to be associated with a detoxication process 

Hall, R. J. (1974). The metabolism of ammonium fluoride and sodium monofluoroacetate by experimental 

Acacia georginae. Environ.Pollut. 6, 267-280. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoride/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Plants of Acacia georginae (one of numerous toxic tropical species now known to contain 

monofluoroacetate) were cultivated in nutrient-washed quartz, and in soil. Attempts were made to induce 

the formation of organic fluorine by treatment of the roots with a solution of ammonium fluoride. Only 

small amounts of carbon-fluorine material were measured in the leaves and roots, and examinations by 

physico-chemical methods failed to detect any evidence of the presence of monofluoroacetate in any of the 

plants. Similar plants were treated with sodium monofluoroacetate which underwent considerable 

degradation to an acid-labile form of fluorine (probably inorganic fluoride). The results of the analysis of 

the roots and leaves for fluorine revealed that the difference between acid-labile (diffusible) fluoride and 

total fluorine cannot be taken as a measure of the organic fluorine. 

Hamilton, D. J. and Eason, C. T. (1994). Monitoring for 1080 residues in waterways after a rabbitpoisoning 

operation in Central Otago. New Zealand journal of agricultural research 37, 195-198. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080/rabbits 

Hamilton, D. J., Murphy, C. D., Amin, M. R., O'Hagan, D., and Harper, D. B. (1998). Exploring the 

biosynthetic origin of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in Streptomyces cattleya. Journal of the 

Chemical Society.Perkin Transaction 1, 759-767. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/biosynthesis/enzyme 

Abstract: The striking similarity between the labelling patterns within the two fluorometabolites recorded in 

every experiment demonstrates that there is a single fluorination enzyme in S. cattleya. 

Hamilton, J. T. G., Amin, M. R., Harper, D. B., and O'Hagan, D. (1997). Biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 

4-fluorothreonine by Streptomyces cattleya. Glycine and pyruvate as precursors. Chemical 

Communications 797-798. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Using 19 F NMR spectroscopy, 13 C-labelled glycines and pyruvates are shown to be incorporated 

at high levels into fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine by resting cells of Streptomyces cattleya; the 

labelling patterns illustrate a coversion of glycine via serine to pyruvate, where the C-2 and C-3 carbon 

atoms of pyruvate contribute both carbon atoms of fluoroacetate and C-3 and C-4 of 4-fluorothreonine 

respectively. 

Hamilton, J. T. G. Biosynthesis of organofluorine compounds in plants and bacteria. 1997. Queen's 

University of Belfast (Northern Ireland)Editor. 

Ref Type: Thesis/Dissertation 

Keywords: biosynthesis/bacteria/fluorine/fluoroacetate/NMR/metabolism/enzyme 

Abstract: Organofluorine compounds are relatively rare in nature compared with other organohalogens. 

Notwithstanding the obvious biochemical interest and potential biotechnological significance, the 

mechanism by which fluorine is inserted into these compounds has yet to be elucidated. This investigation 

re-examined the organofluorine compounds in the seeds of the West African plant Dichapetalum 

toxicarium and further probed the biochemical processes involved in fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine 

formation in the actinomycete Streptomyces cattleya. An unidentified fluorinated natural product 

previously isolated from seed oils of D. toxicarium was identified as threo-18-fluoro-9,10-dihydroxystearic 

acid. Using GC/MS the presence of $omega$-fluoro-palmitoleic, -stearic, -linoleic, -arachidic and - 

eicosenoic acids was established from this source. To facilitate studies with S. cattleya GC/MS and HPLC 

procedures for the quantitative determination of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in culture supernatant 

80


Appendix C 

were developed, and GC/MS and $sp{19}$F NMR methodologies established for the measurement of 

stable isotope label in both fluorometabolites. Using these techniques glycine has been shown to be a 

highly effective precursor of both fluorometabolites. The $alpha$-carbon atom of glycine is incorporated 

efficiently into both C-1 and C-2 of fluoroacetate and also C-3 and C-4 of 4-fluorothreonine but the 

carboxyl carbon of the precursor is not retained in either metabolite. This pattern of labelling is consistent 

with the metabolism of glycine via serine to pyruvate and the utilisation of pyruvate or a closely related 

metabolite as the substrate for the fluorinating enzyme. Studies with $sp{13}$C-labelled pyruvates provide 

strong support of the postulated pathway. The extent to which labelling in C-1 and C-2 of fluoroacetate 

parallels that in C-3 and C-4 of 4-fluorothreonine in experiments using $sp{13}$C-labelled precursors 

suggests that both fluorometabolites arise from a common intermediate, a conclusion implying that a single 

fluorinating enzyme exists in S. cattleya. 4-Fluorothreonine biosynthesis does not appear to proceed via a 

direct condensation of glycine and fluoroacetaldehyde as originally postulated, but instead may involve 

fluoroacetaldehyde and 2-aminomalonate 

Hansford, D. 1080: The Facts. New Zealand Wilderness [September], 36-38. 2002. 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in animals 

Abstract: What is 1080? 

It's a tasteless, odourless white powder named sodium monofluoracete, or C2H2FNaO. It's been used for 

possum and rabbit control in New Zealand since the 1950s. 

Fluoroacetate (the active ingredient of 1080) is a natural compound found in plants from South America, 

South Africa and Australia. The most toxic species is found in South Africa, which can carry 8mg/g of 

fluoracetate in its seeds. You'll also find very low amounts of fluoroacetate in tea and in guar gum, a 

common ingredient in foodstuffs. 

The toxin prevents animals from browsing on the plant's leaves. Scientists can replicate this natural 

compound in the lab, and it's this that is used in 1080 baits. 

There is very little actual poison in a 1080 pellet. Only 0.15% of a bait, at most, is fluoroacetate. The rest 

is a matrix of cereal or carrot, which acts as a lure. Carrot baits are fiddly, expensive and degrade quickly 

in wet weather, and are used less nowadays, particularly in aerial drops. 

Harper, D. B., O'Hagan, D., and Murphy, C. D. (2003). Fluorinated natural products: Occurrence and 

biosynthesis. Natural Production of Organohalogen Compounds 3, 141-169. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/biosynthesis 

Harris, R. J. and Rees, J. S. Aerial poisoning of wasps. 162, 1-50. 2000. Wellington, Department of 

Conservation. Science for Conservation. 


Keywords: poisoning/wasps/baits/non-target species/1080/efficacy 

Abstract: The feasability of the aerial application of bait to kill wasps was investigated as a technique for 

large-scale poisoning of wasps in areas of 1000-5000 ha. Methods of bait dehydration and pelletisation 

into a form suitable for aerial delivery were tested. Bait attractiveness to wasps was determined and 

interest in baits by non-target species recorded. A simulated aerial application was used to test the efficacy 

of a toxic freeze-dried formulation for wasp control. Baits were produced that were sufficiently robust for 

aerial application, but processing reduced attractiveness to wasps. Aerial baiting of wasps is technically 

feasible, but reduced attractiveness of pelletised baits, non-target issues, and successes with current groundbased 

operations mean further improvements are needed before it would be worth adopting. 

Harris, W. (1964). Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical 

Association 145, 1001. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/dogs/convulsions/cats/cardiac/treatment 

Abstract: Clinical signs usually occur between 15 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion and may involve 

either the cardiovascular system or the nervous system or both. Dogs ordinarily have convulsions whereas 

in cats there may be a combination of convulsions and cardiac disorder. 

81


Appendix C 

Harris, W. F. (1975). Clinical toxicities of dogs. The Veterinary Clinics of North America 5, 605-622. 

Keywords: dogs/symptoms/poisoning 

Harrison, B. L., Bransford, A. V., and McNamara, B. P. (1951). Deterioration of sodium monofluoroacetate 

in water and saline solutions. Federation proceedings 10, 306-307. 

Keywords: persistence in water/sodium monofluoroacetate 

Harrison, H. C. and Harrison, H. E. (1959). Cortisol and citrate metabolism. American journal of 

physiology 196, 943-945. 

Keywords: citrate/metabolism/serum/rodents/gut/kidney/blood 

Abstract: Determinations of citrate concentrations in serum and tissues were made in fluoroacetate-injected 

rats given cortisol. The increment of serum citrate is less in the cortiosl treated rats than in the controls 

injected with fluoroacetate, but the accumulation of citrate in the heart and small intestine following 

fluoroacetate is equally great in both groups. Lower concentrations of citrate in the kidneys of cortisoltreated 

rats are probably due to difference in citrate of tubular urine. In the adrenalectomized rat 

fluoroacetate causes a greater rise of serum citrate than in the intact rat but there is no greater increase of 

tissue citrate. Calculation of citrate distribution ratios i.e. the ration of the concentration of citrate in 

intracellular water to that of extracellular fluid, indicates that the distribution ratio following fluoroacetate 

is increased by cortisol and decreased by adrenalectomy. Cortisol does not apparently influence the 

intracellular accumulation of citrate but alters the distribution of citrate between cells and extracellular 

fluid, possibly due to an effect upon the efflux of citrate from cells. 

Harrison, J. W. E., Ambrus, J. L., Ambrus, C. M., Rees, E. W., Peters, R. H., and Reese, L. C. (1952). 

Acute poisoning with sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080). Journal of the American Medical 

Association Aug 23, 1520-1522. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/sodium fluoroacetate/1080/humans 

Abstract: 1. A case history of fluoroacetate poisoning has been described together with postmortem 

examination and chemical analysis of the fluoroacetate content of organs and body fluids. 

2. It appears that there is no important difference between postmortem findings of sodium fluoroacetate and 

sodium fluoride poisoning. The additional biochemical effects of sodium fluoroacetate thus seem to have 

no pathological manifestation of diagnostic significance. 

3. Because of indications of gastrointestinal excretion and reabsorption of fluoride compounds, repeated 

gastric lavages seem to be advisable 

4. Other therapeutic aspects are briefly discussed. 

Harrison, M. (1978). 1080. Wildlife : a review 9, 48-53. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080 

Abstract: Application of principles involving bait size and type should much reduce the incidence of bird 

poisoning in the course of 1080 campaigns against forest and pasture pests. 

Harrisson, J. W. E., Ambrus, J. L., and Ambrus, C. M. (1952). Fluoroacetate (1080) poisoning. Industrial 

medicine and surgery 21, 440-442. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning 

Hashimoto, Y., Makita, T., Miyata, H., Noguchi, T., and Ohta, G. (1968). Acute and subchronic toxicity of 

a new fluorine pesticide, N-Methyl-N-(I-Naphthyl) Fluoroacetamide. Toxicology and Applied 

Pharmacology 12, 536-547. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/fluoroacetamide/1081/fluorine 

Hashimoto, Y., Makita, T., Mori, T, Nishibe, T., and Noguchi, T (1970). Toxicologic and pharmacologic 

studies on acetamide, as an antidote against monofluoroacetamide poisoning; Studies on the selective 

toxicity. XVII. Pharmacometrics 4, 451-462. 

Keywords: poisoning/antidote/treatment/rabbits/acute toxicity 

Abstract: Acetimide, an antidote to monofluoroacetamide derivatives, has received toxicologic and 

pharmacologic investigations. The acute toxicity of acetamide for several species by different routes of 

administration was very slight, there being an about 10g/kg in mice or rats by the intravenous injection of 

82


Appendix C 

acetamide. By subacute toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, there was neither marked effect on body weight 

gain, nor any gross signs of toxicity. During the studies of repeated application in rats and rabbits, clinical 

observations, hematologic data, organ function values, urinalysis, and terminal gross and microscopic 

examinations of tissues were obtained. No evidence of drug effect was observed in rats or rabbits that 

received daily injection of 1,000 mg/kg or less for 90 consecutive days. 

Acetamide did not exhibit significant activity in any of the pharmacologic tests such as its actions on the 

central nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, peripheral systems, and blood. 

Hassan, S. S., Amer, M. M., Abdelfatah, S. A., and Elkosasy, A. M. (1998). Membrane sensors for the 

selective determination of fluorouracil. Analytica chimica acta 363, 81-87. 


Hassel, B., Paulsen, R. E., Johnsen, A., and Fonnum, F. (1992). Selective inhibition of glial cell metabolism 

in vivo by fluorocitrate. Brain research 576, 120-124. 

Keywords: inhibition/metabolism/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The effect of fluorocitrate on glial and neuronal amino acid metabolism was studied. One nmol 

of fluorocitrate administered intrastriatally in the rat caused a 95% reduction in glutamine formation from 

[ 14 C]acetate, a substrate which enters the glial cells selectively. The metabolism of [ 14 C]glucose which 

enters neurons, was unaffected by fluorocitrate treatment except for the glutamine formation. This is 

evidence that fluorocitrate is a selective inhibitor of the glial Krebs' cycle. [ 14 C]Citrate and 2-oxoglutarate 

labelled amino acids in a manner similar to [ 14 C]acetate, which shows that these substrates are taken up and 

metabolized by glial cells. Differences in the labelling of y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from [ 14 C]acetate 

and citrate suggest that astrocytes associated with GABAergic and glutamatergic nerve terminals may 

differ in their preference for amino acid precursors. 

Hassel, B., Sonnewald, U., Unsgard, G., and Fonnum, F. (1994). NMR spectroscopy of cultured astrocytes 

- effects of glutamine and the gliotoxin fluorocitrate. Journal of neurochemistry 62, 2187-2194. 

Keywords: mode of action/NMR 

Hassel, B., Westergaard, N., Schousboe, A., and Fonnum, F. (1995). Metabolic differences between 

primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons from cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Effects of fluorocitrate. 

Neuroscience research 20, 413-420. 


Hassel, B., Bachelard, H., Jones, P., Fonnum, F., and Sonnewald, U. (1997). Trafficking of amino acids 

between neurons and glia in vivo : effects of inhibition of glial metabolism by fluoroacetate. Journal of 

cerebral blood flow and metabolism 17, 1230-1238. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/brain/fluoroacetate/citrate 

Abstract: Glial-neuronal interchange of amino acids was studied by C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance 

spectroscopy of brain extracts from fluoroacetate-treated mice that received [1,2-C-13]acetate and [1-C- 

13]glucose simultaneously. [C-13]Acetate was found to be a specific marker for glial metabolism even with 

the large doses necessary for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fluoroacetate, 100 mg/kg, blocked 

the glial, but not the neuronal tricarboxylic acid cycles as seen from the C-13 labeling of glutamine, 

glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Glutamine, but not citrate, was the only glial metabolite that 

could account for the transfer of C-13 from glia to neurons. Massive glial uptake of transmitter glutamate 

was indicated by the labeling of glutamine from [1-C-13]glucose in fluoroacetate-treated mice. The C-3/C- 

4 enrichment ratio, which indicates the degree of cycling of label, was higher in glutamine than in 

glutamate in the presence of fluoroacetate, suggesting that transmitter glutamate (which was converted to 

glutamine after release) is associated with a tricarboxylic acid cycle that turns more rapidly than the overall 

cerebral tricarboxylic acid cycle. [References: 47] 

Hattori, Y. and Hino, S. (1981). Inactivation by oxygen and stabilization by fluorocitrate of aconitase from 

Escherichia coli. J.Gen.Appl.Microbiol. 27, 33-41. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/aconitase/treatment/enzyme 

Abstract: More than 50% of the total aconitase activity in Escherichia coli was lost when cell-free extracts 

were prepared under air by a French press, by osmotic rupture of spheroplasts or by sonic treatment, as 

83


Appendix C 

shown by the fact that the enzyme activity of the extracts prepared by sonic treatment under N2 was more 

than twice that of the extracts prepared by the other methods. When the extracts prepared by sonic 

treatment under N2 were gently shaken under air at 25º, about 70 to 80% of the original activity was lost 

over 30 min, but a constant level of the enzyme activity remained even after prolonged incubation. The 

remaining aconitase activity after a long aerobic incubation was the same whether the extracts were 

prepared by sonic treatment under air or N2. Aconitase was stable when cell-free extracts were incubated 

under anaerobic conditions or when fluorocitrate, in concentration less than 1µM, was added during aerobic 

incubation. Citrate was less effective than fluorocitrate in preventing enzyme inactivation. Aconitase in 

the extracts, which had been incubated under air with fluorocitrate, was stable against oxygen inactivation 

and showed different Vmax and Km values from those of the aconitase in the extracts that had been 

incubated under air without the addition of fluorocitrate. 

Hayes, F. D., Short, R. D., and Gibson, J. E. (1973). Differential toxicity of monochloroacetate, 

monofluoroacetate and monoiodoacetate in rats. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 26, 93-102. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/mode of action/rats 

Hegdal, P. L., Gatz, T. A., and Fite, E. C. (1981). Secondary effects of rodenticides on mammalian 

predators. In 'Worldwide Furbearer Conference proceedings, August 3-11, 1980, Frostburg, Maryland 

USA'. (J. A. Chapman and D. PursleyEds. ) pp. 1781-1793. ([The Conference]: [Frostburg].) 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/mammals/non-target species/predators/USA 

Hegdal, P. L., Fagerstone, K. A., Gatz, T. A., Glahn, J. F., and Matschke, G. H. (1986). Hazards to wildlife 

associated with 1080 baiting for California ground squirrels. Wildlife Society bulletin 14, 11-21. 

Keywords: mammals/birds/non-target species/secondary poisoning/1080/strychnine/rabbits 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetic acid was first prepared in Belgium in 1896 (Atzert 1971), but was not seriously 

investigated as a pesticide in the United States until World War II eliminated major sources of raw 

materials for red squill, thallium, and strychnine. Studies by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed 

that sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) was an effective rodenticide, predacide, and insecticide, and resulted 

in it widespread use from the late 1940s through the 1960s. 

Although laboratory studies have repeatedly shown that 1080 theoretically poses hazards to nontarget 

wildlife through both primary poisoning (the toxic bait is ingested directly) and secondary poisoning (the 

result of consuming and animal killed by primary poisoning), few field data are available to assess the 

effect of 1080 on nontarget populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the primary and 

secondary effects on nontarget wildlife of an operational program using 1080 treated gain bait to control 

ground squirrels. Specific objectives were to determine efficacy of 1080 for control of California ground 

squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi); primary hazards to other rodents, rabbits, and seed eating birds; and 

secondary hazards to raptors and mammalian predators. 

Henderson, R. J., Frampton, C. M., Morgan, D. R., and Hickling, G. J. (1999). The efficacy of baits 

containing 1080 for control of brushtail possums. Journal of wildlife management 63, 1138-1151. 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/1080/acute toxicity 

Abstract: A significant proportion of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand survive 

pest control operations using sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits. To be effective, bait needs to contain 

an appropriate concentration of 1080 and be eaten in amounts lethal to all possums, In our trials, the acute 

toxicity of 1080 to captive possums was estimated when the toxicant was included in different bait types, 

and results compared with published data for 1080 administered in aqueous solutions by oral gavage, The 

effectiveness of baits containing different 1080 concentrations, and of different palatabilities, was also 

assessed. Captive possums that fed on baits in this trial were less susceptible to 1080 (LD50 = 1.5 mg/kg) 

than in previously reported trials where the toxicant was administered to caged possums by oral gavage 

(LD50 = 0.8 mg/kg; P < 0.001). The differences in the acute toxicity of 1080 in water and in baits are 

attributed mainly to the reduced bioavailability of 1080 in baits. Also in our trial, captive animals feeding 

voluntarily on baits more closely approximated the status of animals in the wild than when acute toxicity 

was estimated by anaesthetizing possums and intubating solutions by oral gavage. Genetic polymorphisms 

caused some animals to be much more susceptible to 1080 toxicosis than others. Body mass differences 

cause females and young possums to ingest a higher toxic dose (mg/kg) than adult males, and the 

concentrations of toxicant affected the amounts of bait eaten and the resultant mortality. For the range of 

84


Appendix C 

baits tested, the palatability of bait was a more important determinant of amounts eaten, and the percentage 

of possums sublethally poisoned, than was toxicant concentration. Possums that ate baits of low palatability 

and inappropriate 1080 concentration ingested small doses of 1080 and either endured a protracted time to 

death or survived. The size and quality of bait have implications for the management of wild populations of 

possums in different climatic areas where aerial and land-based methods of control are used. 

Henry, S. J. Biodegradation of sodium monofluoroacetate ("Compound 1080"). -45. 1984. Botany Dept, 

University of Canterbury, New Zealand. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/soil/degradation/enzyme/analysis/bacteria 

Abstract: A species of Penicillium capable of degrading "Compound 1080" (sodium fluoroacetate, SFA) 

was isolated from leaves of Griselinia littoralis. The growth of Penicillium sp on a "1080" gel infers that 

the SFA component of this gel, when applied to leaves, may be degraded before being leached into the soil. 

The optimal conditions for growth and SFA degradation by this Penicillium sp were investigated, and 

subsequent attempts were made to induce vigorous SFA degrading ability for a crude enzyme extract. This 

enzyme was studies for qualitative analysis of SFA residues by enzymic assay. The constitutive nature of 

this enzyme was observed as SFA could be broken down by enzyme extracts not previously adapted to 

SFA. 

Herrmann, D. B. J., Herz, R., and Fröhlich, J. (1985). Role of gastrointestinal tract and liver in acetate 

metabolism in rat and man. European Journal of Clinical Investigation 15, 221-226. 

Keywords: liver/metabolism/acetate 

Abstract: Nte acetate uptake/release by various tissues was studied in vivo in fed, starved and 

Paromomycin-treated rats and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. In humans the portal vein, hepatic vein 

and hepatic arterial blood flow rates were determined simultaneously. In rats acetate is only intestinally 

produced and released into the portal vein. Intestinal production is decreased by 33% in starved and 

Paromomycin-treated rats compared to fed animals. Portal vein-hepatic vein acetate differences are 

linearly related to the portal vein acetate concentration (r = 0.92). Acetate uptake from the portal vein by 

the liver was found when the portal venous concentration exceeded 180 µmol 1 -1 . In humans the hepatic 

net acetate uptake from the portal vein/net acetate release into the hepatic vein, measured as µmol min -1 , is 

linearly related to the portal vein acetate concentration (r = 0.97). Furthermore, portal vein-hepatic vein 

differences are correlated to the arterial concentration (r = 0.96). The data indicate that the liver may 

homeostatically regulate the systemic acetate concentration in rat and man. 

Heyward, R. P. and Norbury, G. L. (1999). Secondary poisoning of ferrets and cats after 1080 rabbit 

poisoning. Wildlife research 26, 75-80. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/non-target species/mammals/cats/1080/treatment/rabbits/persistence in 

animals 

Abstract: The incidence of secondary poisoning was determined by using radio-telemetry to assess the 

survival of 68 ferrets and 21 cats on two treatment sites and one control site in the dry tussock grasslands of 

New Zealand. The treatment sites were aerially poisoned with 1080-coated carrot baits (0.02% wt/wt) to 

control rabbits. The control site was not poisoned. Ferrets and cats were monitored at two-weekly intervals 

for at least 1 month before, and 2 months after the poison operations. Muscle samples from ferrets and cats 

that died within 50 days of poisoning on the treatment sites were assayed for 1080. In all, 7-11% (n = 28) of 

ferrets on one site and 8-15% (n = 26) of ferrets at the other site apparently died of secondary 1080 

poisoning. Natural mortality rates of ferrets were 46-81% per annum. While we have evidence that 

secondary poisoning of cats does occur, we monitored insufficient numbers of cats to reliably estimate 

mortality rates. Declines in predator numbers are commonly observed after rabbit poisoning. This study 

indicates that secondary poisoning contributes to these declines. 

Hickling, G. J. (1994). Behavioural resistance by vertebrate pests to 1080 toxin: implications for 

sustainable pest management in New Zealand. In 'Proceedings of the science workshop on 1080.'. (A. A. 

Seawright and C. EasonEds. ) pp. 151-158. (The Royal Society of New Zealand: 

Keywords: resistance/1080/bait shyness/possums 

85


Appendix C 

Hickling, G. J., Henderson, R. J., and Thomas, M. C. C. (1999). Poisoning mammalian pests can have 

unintended consequences for future control: Two case studies. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 267- 

273. 

Keywords: poisoning/baits/non-target 

species/behaviour/aversion/possums/rabbits/cyanide/efficacy/1080/cholecalciferol 

Abstract: Vertebrate pest control operations using toxic baits can have unintended consequences for nontarget 

species, some of which may themselves be pests. Learned avoidance behaviour (termed 'aversion') 

can be induced by sublethal dosing, which can arise when species with high and low susceptibilities to a 

toxin co-exist in the same area. In such cases the less-susceptible species (e.g., possums Trichosurus 

vulpecula) may be sublethally poisoned by control work targeting the more-susceptible species (e.g., 

rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus). A case study of rabbit control on North Canterbury farmland is presented to 

demonstrate this effect. When control is being repeated at frequent intervals, it is prudent to vary the 

control methods used. Nevertheless, aversion induced by the use of one toxic bait (e.g., cyanide paste) can 

in some situations 'generalise' so that the efficacy of control using other toxins (e.g., 1080 and 

cholecalciferol in cereal baits) is also compromised. A case study of initial and follow-up possum control in 

four discrete areas of Canterbury forest provides an example of this problem. The implications of these 

findings for future pest management in New Zealand are discussed 

Hicks, S. P. (1952). Some effects of ionizing radiation and metabolic inhibition on the developing 

mammalian nervous system. Journal of Pediatrics 40, 489-513. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/developmental toxicity/regulatory toxicology/brain/inhibition/heart/reproductive 

effects/metabolism/rats/teratogenicity 

Abstract: The developing nervous system in vivo, specifically its neuroblasts, has been found to be 

unusually susceptible to acute metabolic injury by ionising radiation, certain sulfhydryl reagents, other 

inhibitors and antimetabolites. It has been foudn to be relatively insensitive to acute interference with 

glucose and oxygen metabolism except late in development. In the first third of gestation the neural tube is 

resistant to radiation and possibly other agents but this period is in need of more investigation. Injuries in 

the latter two thirds of gestation cause the development of progressive malformations of the nervious 

system during growth that carry over into adult life. The most important mechanisms that determine the 

form of the malformation are the actula destruction of building blocks (neurobalsts) and the time during 

gestation (critical period) at which the injury occurs. These experiments carried out on experimental 

animals, chiefly rats and mice invite attention to the possibility that a variety of agents mat act during 

nervous system development to produce malformations. 

Hill, E. F., Heath, R. G., Spann, J. W., and Williams, J. D. Lethal dietary toxicities of environmental 

pollutants to birds. 191, 1-8. 1975. Washington, D.C., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Special Scientific 

Report - Wildlife No. 191. 


Keywords: lethal dose/acute toxicity/birds 

Abstract: This report is a compilation and analysis of the results of nearly 10 years of testing the lethal 

dietary toxicities of pesticidal and industrial chemicals to young bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), Japanese 

quail (Coturnix c. japonica), ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and mallards (Anas 

platyrhynchos). 

A total of 131 compounds were tested. Toxicities are expressed as median lethal dietary concentrations 

(LC50) and are based on 5 days of dietary exposure to the test compound followed by 3 days of untreated 

feed. From these data statistical comparisons between toxicities are possible for a given species. 

Certain classes of pesticides - organochlorine compounds, organophosphates and organometallic 

compounds - contained most of the compounds judged "highly toxic". The most frequent order of species 

response was bobwhite > Japanese quail > ring-necked pheasant > mallard. This order correlates with their 

body sizes at the ages tested. 

Hilton, H. W., Yuen, Q. H., and Nomura, N. S. (1969). Absorption of monofluoroacetate-2- 14 C ion and its 

translocation in sugarcane. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 17, 131-134. 

Keywords: persistence in plants/cellulose 

86


Appendix C 

Hone, J. and Mulligan, H. (1982). Vertebrate pesticides. (Department of Agriculture, New South Wales: 

Sydney.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/lethal dose 

Abstract: The literature is reviewed on 38 pesticides used against vertebrate pests. Each pesticide is dealt 

with separately and information given on physical and chemical properties, mode of action, known 

antidote, current usage and legal status. Chronic and acute toxicity information is listed according to 

species, sex, lethal dose and mode of administration. A glossary of relevant terms and abbreviations and an 

index of common, alternative and trade names is also included. 

Hone, J. and Kleba, R. (1984). The toxicity and acceptability of warfarin and 1080 poison to penned feral 

pigs. Australian wildlife research 11, 103-111. 

Keywords: 1080/pigs/acute toxicity/efficacy 

Abstract: Experiments were conducted which examined the toxicity and acceptability of warfarin and 1080 

poison to penned feral pigs. Warfarin was very toxic and highly acceptable. Maximum mortality was 11 of 

12 at 0.08% concentration for 2 or 3 days, or 0.1% concentration for 2 days. 1080 toxicity was 2 of 19 at 

0.05% for 1 day. Bait intake declined significantly when bait was poisoned with 1080. 

Hoogenboom, J. J. L. (1987). Determination of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in tissues and 

baits as its benzyl ester by reaction-capillary gas chromatography. Journal of Analytical Toxicology 11, 

140-143. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/1080/baits/monofluoroacetate/analysis 

Abstract: A reaction-capillary gas chromatographic procedure using photo-ionization (PID) or flameionization 

(FID) detcetion was developed for the determination of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 

1080), a pesticide, in tissues and baits. Fluoroacetic acid from tissue (1 g) and bait (10 g) extracts was first 

partitioned into ethyl acetate and then into 0.5 M benzyldimethylphenylammonium hydroxide. Benzylation 

was acheived by pyrolysis of the quaternary ammonium salt in the injection port. Chloroacetic acid was 

used as the internal standard. A linear relationship (r= 0.999) was observed between the peak area ratio of 

the substrate/internal standard and the fluoroacetic acid concentration. The detection limit for compound 

1080 using the described analytical procedure was 15 µg/kg with PID and 100 µg/kg with FID. 

Hopper, S. Poison peas: Deadly protectors. Landscope Winter 1991, 45-50. 1991. 


Keywords: poison 

Abstract: Poison plants were a major deterrent to ealy settlers in parts of Western Aust.- and thereby helped 

to preserve some areas of high conservation value. Now, ironically, plants that were for more than a 

century thought of as pests are endangered. In this companion piece to King and Kinnear's '1080: The 

Toxic Paradox' in the present issue of Landscope, CALM research scientist Steve Hopper tells the story of 

some of Western Australia's killer fauna. 

Horiuchi, N. (1961). The C-F bond rupture of monofluoroacetate by soil microbes I. Isolation of bacteria 

and ability of their rupture. Nippon Nogeikagaka Kaishi 35, 870-873. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/soil/bacteria/metabolism 

Abstract: Chem Abstr 60: 9630d 1964 

Horiuchi, N. (1962). Breakage of the C-F bond in monofluoroacetate by soil microbes. Seikagagu 

(Biochemistry) 34, 92-98. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/soil/fluoroacetate/enzyme/bacteria/temperature/resistance/degradation 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetate is currently in extensive use as an agricultural insecticide and rodenticide. 

However, thsi fluoroacetate compound differs from other halo-carboxylic acids in having an extremely 

strong C-F bond which, for example, does not break even on on distillation with concentrated sulphuric 

acid at 170 degrees celcius and is only 50% broken after 20 hours of boiling with 20% caustic potash. For 

this reason there is a doubt as to whether fluoroacetates decompose when released into the environment. In 

South Africa a toxic plant known locally as Gifblaar has been found to be a fluoroacetate, and the 

concentration of the toxic compound is known to fluctuate on a seasonal basis. The problem of the enzymes 

associated with the formation and decomposition of these compounds in nature has therefore arisen, after 

being hitherto unknown. The author has previously determined the levels of monofluoroacetamide residues 

87


Appendix C 

dispersed in various plants, and discovered that soil contains a bacterium which breaks the C-F bond in 

monofluoroacetamide. This paper reports on the bacterium, which has been isolated and provisionally 

termed the C-F bacterium, and gives the results of research into the properties on the C-F bacterium and the 

enzymes which break the C-F bond. The properties of the C-F bacterium isolated from soil, which has the 

ability to break the C-F bond in monofluoroacetate, were studied, and some reaesrch was done into the 

character of the C-F bond-breaking enzyme extracted from that bacterium; 

1. The bacterium is a gram-negative bacillus with polar flagella, and measures 0.3-0.7 by 0.5 to 2µ. 

2. The bacterium can be cultured at a pH ranging from 5.0 to 9.0, at an optimum temperature of 25-30 

degrees 

3. Its temperature resistance is low, the bacterium being killed by one minute at 60 degrees 

4. Study of its physiological properties showed that this bacterium strongly resembles Psuedomonas 

indoloxidans, but it is regarded as a separate species lacking the ability to oxidise indole. 

5. This bacterium breaks the C-F bond in monofluoroacetate, but has no effect on difluoroacetate 

6. The enzyme which breaks the C-F bond occurs only inside the bacterium and is not excreted from it 

7. The enzyme extract solution was comparatively stable at low temperatures but unstable at high 

temperatures, and was found to be completely deactivated after 2 days at 35 degrees Celcius or 3 minutes at 

100 degrees Celcius 

8. The optimum temperature of the enzyme was 28 degrees celcius after testing for 3 hours, and 24 degrees 

after 4 hours 

9. The ezyme showed little dependence on pH, but the optimum pH range was from 7.5 to 8.0 

10. Salting out the ezymes with ammonium sulphate gave almost complete precipitation at an Osbourne 

saturation of 0.395 

11. The enzyme had an effect only on the FCH2CO- radical in the experiment 

12. The enzyme is believed to participate in the following reaction: 

FCH2COONa + H2O = HOCH2COONa + HF 

Horn, C. and Kilvington, M. Mäori and 1080. Landcare Research website . 2002. 

Ref Type: Internet Communication 

Keywords: humans/1080/poison 

Abstract: The toxin 1080 is used in New Zealand for the control of the introduced marsupial the brushtailed 

possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) for conservation purposes and for controlling the effects of Bovine 

Tuberculosis. The use of this poison is controversial. This report outlines a research project aimed at 

understanding how the quality of consultation processes affects the way that Mäori communities deal with 

the use of 1080 in their local areas. 

Mäori differ little to Päkehä in their range of views on the use of toxins in their local environments. On the 

whole, few people whether Mäori or Päkehä, are comfortable when toxins such as 1080 are aerially 

dropped in their local area, particularly when they take water from that area. For the community groups 

involved, it appears the issue is not purely about the use of 1080. Rather it is about the level of control local 

people feel they have over their own local environment. 

Authorities or people representing them must involve iwi and try to increase their sense of control. This 

means that they must work on their relationships with iwi and see these interactions as part of an ongoing 

process. Public controversy is less likely to constrain pest control operations if agencies manage pests in 

partnership with the appropriate iwi group. In a true partnership situation, agency representatives must 

respond honestly to the requests of the community and the community need to feel that the agency hears 

and responds to their concerns. Overall, it appears many agency representatives may need assistance with 

the communication processes involved in developing partnerships with iwi (or indeed any other community 

group). In particular it is important that representatives distinguish between informing groups and working 

with them in a partnership situation. 

Hornfeldt, C. S. and Larson, A. A. (1990). Seizures induced by fluoroacetic acid and fluorocitric acid may 

involve chelationof divalent ions in the spinal cord. European Journal of Pharmacology 179, 307-313. 

Keywords: brain/fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/citrate/poisoning/citric acid/strychnine/convulsions 

Abstract: Fluoroacetic and fluorocitric acid toxicity is often characterised by seizures, however the 

mechanism of this activity is unknown. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of fluorocitrate in mice resutled in 

seizures after an average latency of 15 seconds, while intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection produced 

seizures after 36.5 minutes and required higher dosages to acheive this effect. This indicates that the 

88


Appendix C 

probably site of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate neurotoxicity is the spinal cord. To mimic citrate 

accumulation characteristic of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate poisoning, citric acid was injected i.t. and also 

found to produce seizures. The structurally unrelated compounds EDTA, EGTA, glutamic acid and lactic 

acid also produced seizures identical to fluorocitrate. The ability of these compounds to chelate Ca2+ 

correlates well with their ability to cause seizures when adminsitered i.t. and coadministration of calcium 

greatly attenuated the neurotoxicity of these compounds as well as fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate. In 

contrast, Ca2+ was unable to inhibit seizures elicited by strychnine, suggesting calcium's ability to inhibit 

chelators of divalent cations is not due to a general anticonvulsant effect. These results suggest that changes 

in Ca2+ concentration in the spinal cord may be responsible for some forms of seizure activity. 

Hornshaw, T. C. Development of dietary LC(,50) and reproduction test protocols using mink and ferrets as 

representative mammalian carnivores. 228. 1984. Michigan State UniversityEditor. 


Keywords: ferrets/carnivores/wildlife/reproductive effects/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/acute toxicity/toxicity 

Abstract: Representative mammalian wildlife species have not been designated as toxicological models for 

testing substances of environmental concern. The mink (Mustela vison) and the European ferret (M. 

putorius furo) have been suggested as representative mammalian species since they are among the most 

sensitive mammalian species to the toxic and reproductive effects of several substances. Also, as 

carnivores, these species are subject to the effects of bioaccumulation of lipophilic compounds. Therefore, 

dietary LC(,50) and reproduction tests were initiated with these species, using sodium monofluoroacetate 

(Compound 1080), o-cresol, tetramethylthiuram disulfide (thiram), and a polychlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 

1254) as test substances to develop protocols for these tests. The results of the various tests demonstrate 

that mink and ferrets may be used in subacute and reproduction tests with a wide range of test substances, 

since the test substances used represented a wide range of solubilities, volatilities, acute toxicities, modes of 

action, and chemical classes. Since the tests were conducted indoors under controlled conditions, it is 

expected that the results should be reproducible in similarly equipped laboratories. Factors demonstrated in 

these tests that may affect the determination of toxicity of a substance include the age of the animal at the 

beginning of a test and the carrier used to introduce the substance into the diet, while the diet's composition 

(as long as it meets the nutrient requirements of the test species) and the season of the year may have little 

or no effect on the results of the test. Dietary LC(,50) tests may be conducted with as few as 32 animals (3 

test concentrations plus control, 8 animals per concentration) if an accurate acute oral LD(,50) is available, 

while reproduction tests may require 64 animals (3 test concentrations plus control, 16 animals per 

concentration) if unproven breeders are used 

Hornshaw, T. C., Ringer, R. K., Aulerich, R. J., and Casper, H. H. (1986). Toxicity of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) to mink and European ferrets. Environmental toxicology and 

chemistry 5, 213-223. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/pathology/1080/ferrets/blood/testes/reproductive effects 

Abstract: The toxicity of sodium monolfluoroacetate (Compound 1080) to mink (Mustela vison) and 

European ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) was evaluated through LC50 and reproduction tests. Subacute 

dietary exposure to Compound 10890 resulted in dose dependent decreases in body weights and feed 

consumption in both species. The mink were more sensitive to Compound 1080 than were the ferrets. The 

28d dietary LC50 for mink and for ferrets was calculated to be 3.2 and 9.4ppm respectively. Dietary 

exposure to 0.80 ppm Compound 1080 for 2 months prior to breeding severely impaired reproduction in the 

mink, which was presumed to be due to oligoor aspermia. In young, rapidly growing ferrets, red and white 

blood cell counts were adversely affected by dietary concentrations of Compound 1080 as low as 1.08 ppm. 

The 28d LC50 test, however, revealed that young, rapidly growing animals may be unsuitable for tests of 

this duration unless precautions are taken to assure that they do not "outgrow" potentially lethal 

concentrations of the test chemical. 

Hosek, B., Novak, L., and Misustova, J. (1970). Mathematical evaluation of the course of body temperature 

in mice after the administration of sodium fluoroacetate. Physiol.Bohemoslov. 19, 129-133. 

Keywords: temperature/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The authors carried out a theoretical evaulation of body temperature changes in mice after the 

administration of 5 mg FAc/kg at environmental temperatures of 30º, 23º and 17ºC. A differential equation 

89


Appendix C 

for the course of the body temperature, based on the recipricoal relationship of hear production and hear 

output, was formed and an analogue computer study was done. Changes in effective heat conductivity 

during several hours' exposure to FAc did not signficantly influence the course of the body temperature. 

The effectiveness of their influence and the significance of the environmental temperature for adjustment of 

the body temperature in the presence of limited heat production is discussed. 

Howard, W. E. (1965). Control of introduced mammals in New Zealand. New Zealand Department of 

Scientific and Industrial Research Information Series 45, 1-96. 

Keywords: deer/goats/mammals/pigs/predators/rabbits/resistance/soil 

Abstract: New Zealand has a multiplicity of important ecologically challenging, animal control 

problems that must be seen to be believed. They are the consequence of intentionally introducing a number 

of mammals for sport, food, fur, or mistakenly, as predators of the introduced rabbits. These introduced 

mammals have upset the natural stability of the habitats over large areas by destroying vegetation, thus also 

causing extensive erosion. The principal reasons for the destructiveness of the exotic big game animals, fur 

bearers, and wild pigs and goats to certain habitats in New Zealand are (1) some of the soils are highly 

susceptible to erosion, (2) the mountainous country often gets high intensity rainfall, and (3) many of the 

endemic plants have little innate resistance to heavy, selective, grazing or browsing. As a result of these 

introductions, an irreversible change in the composition of the vegetation has occurred throughout many of 

the mountain ranges. However, where enough soil has remained, and where browse-resistant and 

unpalatable plants have replaced adequately those destroyed by the browsing mammals, a new and stable 

equilibrium of the animal-vegetation-soil complex has developed. But on some mountains both the A and 

B soil horizons have been lost. 

It appears that the problem species of introduced mammals cannot be eradicated from New Zealand. 

Consequently, it would seem to be more prudent from a long term viewpoint to accept the concomitant 

vegetational changes, especially where they do not adversely affect watershed conservation. Therefore, a 

logical long-term objective toward the noxious animal problem is to strive for habitat stability, whether by 

reseeding, shooting by private hunters, or, wherever the exotic animals have upset seriously the soilvegetation 

stability of the original communities, by intensive animal control by government personnel. 

Better means of either repelling troublesome mammals or of achieving more effective reduction of their 

numbers with chemicals and other means are urgently required now to protect critical areas and localised 

sites where the introduced mammals are still depleting the land or are maintaining it in an unstable 

condition. In the future we must learn to tolerate deer in some areas while at the same time controlling 

them more effectively in other. 

Howard, W. E., Marsh, R. E., and Palmateer, S. D. (1973). Selective breeding of rats for resistance to 

sodium monofluoroacetate. Journal of applied ecology 10, 731-736. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/rats/resistance/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/lethal dose 

Abstract: There is little evidence in the literature indicating that pest vertebrates have developed genetic 

resistance to rodenticides. This study ahs confirmed that Long-Evans rats, thus rpesumably also wild rats, 

have the propensity of developing considerable genetic resistance to the rodenticide sodium 

monofluoroacetate (commonly called compound 1080). After five generations of nonintensive selective 

breeding, the approximate LD50 changed from 2 mg/kg of 1080 for the parents to 3.5 mg/kg for the F4 

generation. The percentage survival of F4 rats stomach-tubed with 5 mg/kg of 1080 was 3.75 times as great 

as occurred with the parental stock and 4.75 at 6 mg/kg. 

Howard, W. E., Marsh, R. E., and Cole, R. E. (1977). Duration of associative memory to toxic bait in deer 

mice. Journal of wildlife management 41, 484-486. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/bait shyness/baits/rodents/behaviour/mice 

Abstract: Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) conditioned by sublethal doses to avoid eating oat kernels 

dipped in sodium fluoracetate (1080) were held for 1,2,4 and 8 months without access to any oats. When 

tested for aversion, no mouse tested directly with poisoned oats, at all 4 kernels offered each day, although 

9% ate fatal amounts. Of 32 mice prebaited with clean oats for 2 days, only 72% consumed lethal amounts. 

Deer mouse control should not employ the same poison at intervals shorter than 8 months. 

Huang, T. Y. (1980). The toxicity of fluoroacetic acid derivatives as antischistosomal agents in rabbits. 

National Medical Journal of China 60, 340. 

90


Appendix C 

Keywords: toxicity/rabbits/antidote/metabolism/citric acid 

Abstract: All rabbits given fluoroacetyl glycine (1.5 mg/kg body-weight) without antidote died from 

ventricular fibrillation within 2 to 6 h. More than half of those given reserpine and oxytocin as antidote 

survived and all of those given acetamide before and together with fluoroacetyl glycine survived. None of 

those given acetamide 1.5 h after fluoroacetyl glycine survived. It is suggested that fluoroacetic acid 

derivatives may cause a blockage of the metabolism of citric acid in rabbits 

Huang, T. Y. (1980). The energy metabolism of Schistosoma japonicum. International Journal of 

Biochemistry 12, 457-464. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/invertebrates 

Abstract: Work carried out by the author since 1959 on the energy metabolism of Schistosoma japonicum is 

summarized under the headings: influence of the composition of the medium on respiration and glycolysis; 

identification of a functional tricarboxylic acid cycle; effects of fluoroacetate and its derivatives on the 

tricarboxylic acid cycle; effects of fluoroacetamide on glycolysis. Findings are compared with those of 

other workers, particularly with regard to S. mansoni 

Hudick, J. P. (1972). Studies on the toxic isomer of fluorocitrate. Biochemistry 2931-B-2932-B. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Preliminary enzymatic studies with R and S tritated fluoroacetate have been performed, and the 

amount of enzymatically synthesized T2O and tritated fluorocitrate has been quantitated after 

chromatagraphic resolution. The results show a dilution of counts in fluorocitrate (as compared to T2O) 

with time. 

These studies are presently being investigated in depth as a possible means of determining the absolute 

configuration of the inhibitory isomer of fluorocitrate. 

Hudson, R. H., Tucker, R. K., and Haegele, M. A. (1972). Effect of age on sensitivity: acute oral toxicity of 

14 pesticides to mallard ducks of several ages. Toxicology and applied phamacology 22, 556-561. 

Keywords: lethal dose/birds 

Abstract: Acute po LD50 values for 14 common pesticides (4 central nervous system stimulants and 10 

anticholinesterases) were determined on mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) aged 36 hr, 7 days, 30 days 

and 6 mo. The youngest mallards were more sensitive than the oldest to 6 compounds and less sensitive to 

8. the extremes in susceptability to a compound between age groups were generally less than 3-fold. The 4 

central nervous system stimulants produced LD50 values that decreased from 36 hr to 7 or 30 day old 

animals, and increased from animals aged 7 or 30 day old animals, and decreased from animals aged 7 or 

30 days to 6 mo. the results indicate that young animals are not always more susceptible to pesticides than 

adults of a species. It is recommended that age-susceptability factors be considered in the development of 

standardized toxicological protocols. 

Hudson, R. H., Tucker, R. K., and Haegele, M. A. (1984). Sodium Monofluoroacetate. In 'Handbook of 

Toxicity of Pesticides to Wildlife'. pp. 73-74. (United States Department of the Interior: Washington, D.C.) 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/wildlife/birds/ferrets/deer 

Abstract: LD50's for birds and ferrets and mule deer. 

Hugghins, E. J., Casper, H. H., and Ward, C. D. (1988). Tissue fluoroacetate residues in prairie dogs dosed 

with low-level sodium monofluoroacetate. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 71, 

579-581. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/fluoroacetate/sodium monofluoroacetate/ferrets/mammals/persistence in 

animals 

Hughes, G. M. K. and Saunders, B. C. (1954). Enzymatic rupture of a C-F bond. Chemistry in Britain 

[1954], 1265. 


Hulsmann, S., Oku, Y., Zhang, W. Q., and Richter, D. W. (2000). Metabotropic glutamate receptors and 

blockade of glial Krebs cycle depress glycinergic synaptic currents of mouse hypoglossal motoneurons. 

91


Appendix C 

European journal of neuroscience 12, 239-246. 


Hulsmann, S., Oku, Y., Zhang, W. Q., and Richter, D. W. (2000). Metabolic coupling between glia and 

neurons is necessary for maintaining respiratory activity in transverse medullary slices of neonatal mouse. 

European journal of neuroscience 12, 856-862. 


Hutchens, J. O., Wagner, H., Podolsky, B, and McMahon, T. M. (1949). The effect of ethanol and various 

metabolites on fluoroacetate poisoning. J.Pharmacology & Exp.Therapy 95, 62-70. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/treatment/mode of action/rabbits/dogs/fluoroacetate/poisoning 

Hutcheson, J. A. Impact of 1080 on weta populations. Forest Research Institute Unpublished Report, -6. 

27-4-1990. 


Keywords: 1080/baits/poisoning/invertebrates/sublethal effects 

Abstract: Caged weta (Hemideina thoracica) were offered 1080 poison impregnated grain based pellets in 

the laboratory. 50% of the weta offered the toxic baits died, while the other 50% suffered sublethal 

poisoning which altered their behavioural patterns. This did not occur with the control group of those 

offered non-toxic baits. 

Igamberdiev, A. U., Popov, V. N., and Falaleeva, M. I. (1995). Succinate metabolization in fat-storing 

tissues of germinating cereal seeds. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 42, 100-105. 

Keywords: metabolism/treatment/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/aconitase/biosynthesis/persistence in plants 

Abstract: Succinate metabolism was investigated in scutella of germinating wheat cv. Severdonskaya and 

maize cv. Voronezhskaya 76 seeds, Ricinus communis endosperm, and sunflower cv. Trudovik and 

soyabean cv. Amurskaya cotyledons. In scutella, succinate oxidation via the conventional mitochondrial 

succinate dehydrogenase coexisted with a tenoyltrifluoroacetone- and malonate-insensitive succinate 

oxidase system, which was strictly confined to the glyoxysomal membranes. Malate and H2O2 were 

identified as products of this glyoxysomal succinate oxidase complex. The complex was most active during 

enhanced operation of the glyoxylate cycle, with a pH optimum at 7.5-8 and an apparent Km value for 

succinate of 18 ± 4 mM, which is much higher than that known for succinate dehydrogenase. Neither 

sunflower or soyabean cotyledons, nor R. communis endosperm demonstrated glyoxysomal succinate 

oxidase activity. Treatment of [1.4-14C]-succinate-fed maize scutella with tenoyltrifluoroacetone, an 

inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, dramatically reduced label incorporation into the sugar fraction, 

increased 14CO2 evolution, and did not significantly affect the amino acid labelling pattern. Fluoroacetate, 

which is known to convert to fluorocitrate, an inhibitor of aconitase, suppressed both the tricarboxylic acid 

and the glyoxylate cycles, decreased the label incorporation from succinate to organic acids and potentiated 

the biosynthesis of labelled amino acids, notably alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, valine, and 

lysine. Thus, succinate oxidation by the glyoxysomal succinate oxidase complex was associated with its 

conversion to amino acids, organic acids, and CO2. It was concluded that succinate oxidation in cereal 

scutellum glyoxysomes, which bypassed a control pressure from the tricarboxylic acid cycle and respiratory 

chain, enables rapid succinate mobilization during large-scale synthesis through the glyoxylate cycle 

Imesch, E. and Rous, S. (1984). Partial purification of rat liver cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA synthetase; 

characterization of some properties. Int.J.Biochem. 16, 875-881. 

Keywords: liver 

Abstract: 1. Rat liver cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA synthetase was partially purified (purification factor = 23, 

yield = 30%). 

2. The apparent Kms for acetate, coenzyme A, ATP and MgCl2 were determined and found to be 52.5 µM, 

50.5 µM, 570 µM and 1.5 mM, respectively. 

3. The partially-purified enzyme showed a low affinity for short-chain carbon substrates other than acetate. 

4. The properties of the partially-purified enzyme were compared with those of enzymes from other 

sources. 

92


Appendix C 

Innes, J., Warburton, B., Williams, D., Speed, H., and Bradfield, P. (1995). Large-scale poisoning of ship 

rats (Rattus rattus) in indigenous forests of the North Island, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 

19, 5-17. 

Keywords: poisoning/rats/1080/brodifacoum/birds/baits/field efficacy 

Abstract: This paper describedthe impact of nine poison operations on ship rats in four areas (35 ha to 3200 

ha) of North Island forest. Poisoning with 1080, brodifacoum, or pindone killed 87-100% of rats, based on 

trapping and tracking-tunnel indices. Rat populatiosn took 4-5 months to recover. Operations to protect 

nesting birds should therefore coincide with the onset of nesting and be repeated each year, although not 

necessarily with the same methods. Population reduction declined each year at Mapara, King Country 

during three annual 1080 operations which used the same lures and baits, but remained high at Kaharoa, 

Bay of Plenty, where poison toxicity was higher, non-toxic bait was pre-fed, and poisoning methods varied 

each year. Mouse tracking rates increased in poisoned forests 3-6 months fater poisoning if the initial kill of 

rats exceeded 90%, peaked 7-9 months after poisoning then declined to pre-poison levels. 

Innes, J. and Barker, G. (1999). Ecological consequences of toxin use for mammalian pest control in New 

Zealand : an overview. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 111-127. 

Keywords: field efficacy/target species/non-target species/persistence in animals/persistence in 

plants/persistence in soil/persistence in water/1080/brodifacoum/mammals 

Abstract: Toxins, especially sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and brodifacoum, are widely used 

throughout New Zealand for control of introduced mammals that are considered pests. This level of toxin 

use (not necessarily with these toxins) is unlikely to decline for at least 5-10 years. Ecological 

consequences derive both from mammal population reduction or eradication, and from using toxins as the 

control method. Scientists have not examined the net ecological outcomes of these consequences at the 

community level due to their daunting complexity, although managers usually manipulate whole 

communities and key conservation legislation demands that they do so. A food web could be a useful 

conceptual framework to generate hypotheses about toxin movement through communities, and to explore 

net outcomes of pest control at the community level. It could also sharpen objectives for ecosystem 

restoration on the New Zealand mainland, and help to find common ground between different participants 

in ecosystem management. We interpret present evidence to suggest that the ecological costs of using 

toxins are much less than the damage costs if they are not used, due to the magnitude of known impacts of 

introduced pest mammals. This suggestion deserves exploration; it may not be true when persistent toxins 

such as brodifacoum are used repeatedly. Research on toxin use should continue on its present broad front, 

but we suggest that priorities are to measure net ecological outcomes at the community level, to reduce 

toxin use, and to improve pest control strategies and techniques in the maintenance phase of control 

operations. Finally, we suggest that an annual ecosystem management conference in New Zealand, which 

explicitly brings together managers, policymakers, landowners, and scientists from the many disciplines 

now relevant to the complex field of pest mammal control, would enhance progress and co-operation. 

Janero, D. R. and Hreniuk, D. (1996). Suppression of TCA cycle activity in the cardiac muscle cell by 

hydroperoxide-induced oxidant stress. American journal of physiology 270, C1735-C1742. 

Keywords: cardiac/muscle 

Abstract: Excess H2O2 contributes to myocardial reperfusion injury. We detail the effect of H2O2-induced 

oxidant stress on the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in isolated heart muscle cells. Cardiomyocyte 

exposure to bolus H2O2 (>50 µM) acutely suppressed TCA cycle activity. Loss of cardiomyocyte TCA 

cycle function on cellular H2O2 exposure was supported by the rapid in situ inactivation of aconitase along 

with cardiomyocyte membrane peroxidation. Without peroxidation, the loss of aconitase catalysis was 

itself sufficient to jeopardize TCA cycle activity. Only H2O2 dismutation completely preserved both 

cardiomyocyte aconitase activity and TCA cycle flux during H2O2 overload. Restoration of aconitase 

catalsis after alleviation of the oxidant insult was prohibited by cell-permeable metal chelators, and TCA 

cycle flux could not be reestablished in peroxidized cells, even if aconitase activity had recovered. The 

characteristics of aconitase inactivation-reactivation observed are consistent with adverse redox changes to 

the enzyme's (Fe-S) cluster. These data demonstrate that specific aspects of the TCA cycle in heart muscle 

are sensitive to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and identify a peroxidative component of the injury process. 

Jarrett, I. G. and Packham, A. (1956). Response of sheep to sublethal doses of fluoroacetate. Nature 4508, 

580-581. 

93


Appendix C 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/citrate/blood/convulsions/mammals/symptoms 

Abstract: The effect of continued administration of sublethal doses of fluoroacetate to sheep was 

investigated. 

Jensen, R., Tobiska, J. W., and Ward, J. C. (1948). Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) poisoning in 

sheep. American Journal of Veterinary Research 9, 370-372. 


fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning/symptoms/convulsions/heart/livestock/mammals/lethal dose 

Abstract: Under conditions of the experiment, the m.l.d. of sodium fluoroacetate for sheep was between 

0.25 and 0.50 mg per kilogram of body weight. The m.l.d. was also the minimal dose producing symptoms. 

The time interval between administration and manifestation of symptoms varied inversely with the size of 

the dose. Symptoms of poisoning were motor irritation, excitation, rapid pulse becoming weak, general 

weakness, convulsions and death; heart action ceased before respiration. All animals showing symptoms 

died. The 2 survivors received the lowest dosage and appeared normal at all times. A modified field rodent 

bait prepared with steam rolled oats, containg 1 mg sodium fluoroacetate per gram of gram was used in this 

experiment. 

Jeong, J. M., Lee, D. S., Chung, J. K., Lee, M. C., Koh, C. S., and Kang, S. S. (1997). Synthesis of nocarrier-added 

[ 18 F] fluoroacetate. Journal of labelled compounds and radiopharmaceuticals 39, 395-399. 


Johannsen, F. R. and Knowles, C. O. (1972). Citrate accumulation in twospotted spider mites, house flies, 

and mice following treatment with the acaricide 2-fluoro-N-methyl-N-(1-naphthyl) acetamide. Journal of 

economic entomology 65, 1754-1756. 

Keywords: citrate/treatment/mammals/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/aconitase/Krebs cycle/mode of 

action/citric acid/liver/brain/symptoms/poisoning/inhibition/invertebrates 

Abstract: Nissol (2-fluoro-N-methyl-N-1-naphthylacetamide), which is selectively toxic to several species 

of insects and mites but not very toxic to mammals, is hydrolysed to the substituted naphthylamine and 

fluoroacetate in all three types of organism. Such hydrolysis is common to the N-containing derivatives of 

fluoroacetic acid, all of which cause accumulation of citrate in treated organisms through (it is thought) 

conversion of the fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate, a known inhibitor of the activity of aconitase on citrate in 

the Krebs cycle. To find whether this is the likely mode of action of Nissol, the amounts of citric acid in 

mice, house-flies (Musca domestica L.) and two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) were 

determined before and up to 12 h after they had been treated with half the respective LD50's and LC50 of 

the compound. Preliminary tests, in which mortalities were recorded 24 h after treatment, showed the LD50 

for mice to be 200 mg/kg body weight by intraperitoneal injection, those for house-flies to be 14 mg/kg by 

injection and 525 mg/kg by topical application, and the LC50 for mites to be 250 p.p.m. [cf. RAE/A 61, 

274] by the slide-dip technique [cf. 52, p.103]. In the main tests, the amounts of citric acid found 12 h after 

treatment with Nissol were in mg/g, 0.30 in mice (as compared with 0.13 in untreated examples), 0.68 in 

house-flies (0.48) and 0.60 in mites (0.36). The amounts in mouse tissues varied from 81.1 mg/kg in liver 

to 512.5 mg/kg in brain, compared with 41.0 and 166.0 in untreated examples. These rises, together with 

the fact that typical symptoms of organofluorine poisoning were observed, suggest that Nissol acts by 

inhibition of aconitase in all three test species 

Jones, L. M. (1948). 1080 poisoning in dogs. N.Amer.Vet 29, 725-726. 

Keywords: 1080/poisoning/dogs 

Kailis, S. G. and Morgan, E. H. (1977). Iron uptake by immature erythroid cells. Mechanism of dependence 

on metabolic energy. Biochem.Biophys.Acta. 464, 389-398. 

Keywords: metabolism/bone/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/blood 

Abstract: The mechanism by which the utilization of transferrin-bound iron is linked with cellular 

metabolism was investigated using rabbit reticulocytes and bone marrow cells. The rate of metabolism was 

altered by the use of inhibitors which act at different sites in the metabolic pathway (NaF, sodium 

fluoroacetate, rotenone, 2,4-dinitrophenol, NaCN) and by the addition of metabolic substrates (inosine, 

sodium pyruvate, sodium lactate). Measurements were made of the rates of iron and transferrin uptake and, 

in many of the experiments of cellular ATP and NADH concentrations. The results showed that there was a 

94


Appendix C 

significant correlation between the rate of iron uptake and the ATP concentration of the cells, but no 

correlation was found with the NADH concentration. The rate of transferrin uptake was inhibited to a lesser 

degree than that of iron uptake, and only when the ATP concentration had fallen below that necessary to 

inhibit iron uptake. It is concluded that the rate of uptake of transferrin-bound iron by immature erythroid 

cells is dependent on the intracellular concentration of ATP but is independent of the NADH concentration 

Kalinowski, S. A. and deCalesta, D. S. (1981). Baiting regimes for reducing ground squirrel damage to 

alfalfa. Wildlife Society bulletin 9, 268-272. 

Keywords: efficacy/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/USA/field efficacy 

Abstract: Damage by Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) to alfalfa and the efficacies of 3 

baiting regimes to reduce damage were evaluated in southcentral Oregon during March-July 1977. Regimes 

examined were number of applications (1 or 2) and inclusion of a baited border around baited fields. Bait 

was sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) on oat groats. 

Kalmbach, E. R. (1945). "Ten-eighty" : a war-produced rodenticide. Science 102, 232-233. 

Keywords: field efficacy 

Abstract: The manufacture of "1080" is still on a limited scale and for the experimental work still under 

way. Indications are that, because of its high toxicity, the material will become, under volume production, a 

relatively cheap poison. At the present time, the many unknowns regarding it and the restricted basis on 

which it is being produced preclude the use of "1080" by the public or even by rodent control operators 

generally. It is reasonably ceratin that the discovery of "1080" assures this nation of a highly effective 

economic poison which can not be denied this country through any future interruptions of world trade. 

Kalnitsky, G. (1948). The effect of BaCl2, MgCl2 and fluoroacetate on the formation and utilization of 

citrate. Arch.Biochem. 403-411. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/citrate/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: BaCl2, MgCl2 and sodium monofluoroacetate increase the formation of citrate from oxaloacetate 

by a rabbit kidney cortex homogenate. Mg ++ is twice as effective as Ba ++ . Ba ++ seems to have more than 

one concentration optimum, and inhibits at higher concentrations. 

MgCl2 and sodium fluoroacetate are equally effective, over a wide range of concentrations. The other 

halogen acetates do not increase citrate formation from oxoacetate. 

The effects of BaCl2 and MgCl2 in increasing citrate formation can be accounted for by the inhibition of 

citrate utilization by the tissue, Mg ++ being somewhat superior to Ba ++ in this respect. 

The slight inhibition of citrate utilization at higher concentrations of fluoroacetate can only account for 

about 60% of the increased citrate formation from oxaloacetate, in the presence of fluoroacetate. 

The possible mechanisms of action of Ba ++, Mg ++ , and fluoroacetate, in this system, are discussed. 

Kamau, J. A., Gachuhi, D. M., Gyrd Hansen, N., and Gathuma, J. M. (1978). A study of the toxicity of 

Dichapetalum ruhlandii (Ludi). Indian Veterinary Journal 55, 626-630. 

Keywords: toxicity/rats/liver/kidney/occurrence in nature/pathology/heart 

Abstract: Toxicity of the shrub was demonstrated in guinea-pigs, rats and calves, fed on extract of ground 

material from the leaves or branches. Calves developed hydropericardium with haemorrhages on the epi- 

and endocardium. The peritoneal cavities contained 1.5-2 litres of fluid. Haemorrhages also occurred on the 

lungs and there was some haemorrhagic enteritis. Histologically, there were degenerative changes of the 

myocardium and extensive congestion of the liver and kidneys. Congestion was also observed in the lungs, 

meninges and intestinal mucosa. Clinical and PM findings were similar to those in calves poisoned by D. 

cymosum in which the toxic principle is fluoracetic acid. The acidic component of D. ruhlandii was shown 

to be toxic to guinea-pigs. This extract was not identified but some properties indicate the presence of 

fluoroacetic acid in the crude acidic extract 

Kandel, A. and Chenoweth, M. B. (1952). Tolerance to fluoroacetate and fluorobutyrate in rats. 

J.Pharmacology & Exp.Therapy 104, 248-252. 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate/rats/citrate/brain/resistance 

Abstract: The citrate content of rat brain appears to have no relation to the tolerance to fluoroacetate which 

has been observed. The citrate which accumulates in rat brain as the result of a small dose of fluoroacetate 

does not prevent the further formation of citrate when larger doses of fluoroacetate are given. Small doses 

95


Appendix C 

of fluoroacetate increase the resistance in rats to challenging doses of of fluoroacetate or 4-fluorobutyrate. 

Resistance to fluoroacetate of 4-fluorobutyrate could not be evoked when rats were intiailly treated with 

small doses of 4-fluorobuyrate. 

Karam, J., Harrison, M., Hartog, M., and Fraser, R. (1961). Renal citrate and urinary calcium excretion - 

the effects of growth hormone contrasted with those of sodium fluoroacetate. Clinical Science 21, 265-272. 

Keywords: citrate/excretion/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/rats/plasma/urine 

Abstract: In rats, administration of bovine growth hormone led to an increase in urinary calcium excretion 

associated with a fall in renal concentration of citrate. Plasma citrate was uncahnged, while urinary citrate 

either increased or remained constant. 

Kato, T., Shimamoto, Y., Uchida, J., Ohshimo, H, Abe, M., Shirasaka, T., and Fukushima, M. (2001). 

Possible regulation of 5-fluorouracil-induced neuro- and oral toxicities by two biochemical modulators 

consisting of S-1, a new oral formulation of 5-fluorouracil. Anticancer Research 21, 1705-1712. 

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil/biochemistry/fluoroacetate/treatment/convulsions 

Abstract: S-1 is a new oral formulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) containing 1M tegafur and 0.4M 5-chloro- 

2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) and 1M potassium oxonate (Oxo). It has been reported to have a high 

antitumour activity and low gastrointestinal toxicity in rats bearing murine and human tumors. We furtehr 

studied the possible inhibition of the toxicites caused by the products of 5-FU metabolism with the use of 

CDHP, a new inhibitor of 5-FU degradation and Oxo, an inhibitor of 5-FU phosphorylation. In a model of 

pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice, intravenous injection of fluoroacetate ( 3 mg/kg), 2-fluorob-alanine 

(30 mg/kg) and 5-FU (over 300 mg/kg) significantly augmented the occurrence of convulsion. 

However coadministration of an equivalent dose of CDHP with 5-FU almost completely suppressed the 5- 

FU-augmented convulsions, suggesting that inhibition of 5-FU catabolism by CDHP may lead to a 

decreased risk of development of 5-FU neurotoxicity. 

Kazmi, S. M., Soni, N. K., and Trivedi, V. B. (1980). Effect of some antibiotics, fungicides and metabolic 

inhibitors on oxidative metabolism of Rhizopus stolonifer. Trans.Mycol.Soc.Jpn. 21, 259-262. 

Keywords: metabolism/inhibition/fluoride/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fungus 

Abstract: Oxidative metabolism of R. stolonifer (Ehrenberg ex Fr.) Lind. [soft root pathogen of Pyrus 

communis] was studied manometrically using a Warburg constant volume respirometer. The respiratory 

rates were directly dependent on the phase of fungal growth. Maximum QO2 [µl of O2 consumed/h . mg -1 

dry weight of fungal mycelium] values (26.0) were obtained at 120 h of culture age. Inhibition caused by 

sodium fluoride and sodium fluoroacetate suggests the occurence of an EM pathway and TCA 

[tricarboxylic acid] cycle in the oxidative metabolism. Sodium malonate could not produce suppression. 

All the tested antibiotics produced respiratory inhibition. A highly significant inhibitory effect was 

produced by ampicillin (calculated value of t = 11.54 significant at 0.001 probability). QO2 values were 

considerably suppressed by the fungicides such as sultaf, cosan, brassicol, thiram and captan. 

Keefe, D. L., Roistacher, N., and Pierri, M. K. (1993). Clinical cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil. 

J.Clin.Pharmacol. 33, 1060-1070. 

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil/mode of action/acute toxicity/cardiac/chemistry 

Abstract: 5-Fluorouracil is widely known to be toxic to the hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. It 

also has cardiac toxicity, but this is perceived to be rare. During a 16-month period from January 1990 

through April 1991, approximately 910 patients were treated with 5-fluorouracil. Five of these developed 

life-threatening toxicity consistent with coronary artery spasm for an incidence of .55%. The acute events 

occurred on the third or fourth day of the 5-day infusion and after the fourth intravenous bolus in the patient 

on bolus therapy. Each of the patients had ST elevation and ventricular arrhythmias, four had acute 

myocardial infarction, and two had cardiac arrests. In these cases and those previously reported, cardiac 

toxicity is consistent with drug- or metabolite-mediated increases in coronary vasomotor tone and spasm, 

leading to the full spectrum of signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia in susceptible individuals. 

Keller, D. A., Roe, D. C., and Lieder, P. H. (1996). Fluoroacetate-mediated toxicity of fluorinated ethanes. 

Fundamental and applied toxicology 30, 213-219. 

Keywords: mode of 

action/NMR/metabolism/inhalation/fluoroacetate/urine/serum/citrate/heart/toxicity/rats/acute 

96


Appendix C 

toxicity/convulsions/analysis/fluorocitrate/kidney/fluoride/humans 

Abstract: A series of 1-(di)halo-2-fluoroethanes reported in the literature to be nontoxic or of low toxicity 

were found to be highly toxic by the inhalation route. Experiments were performed that showed the 

compounds, 1,2-difluoroethane, 1-chloro-2-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2-difluoroethane, and 1-bromo-2fluoroethane 

to be highly toxic to rats upon inhalation for 4 hr. All four compounds had 4-hr approximate 

lethal concentrations of less than or equal to 100 ppm in rats. In contrast, 1,1-difluoroethane (commonly 

referred to as HFC-152a) has very low acute toxicity with a 4-hr LC50 of >400,000 ppm in rats. Rats 

exposed to the selected toxic fluoroethanes showed clinical signs of fluoroacetate toxicity (lethargy, 

hunched posture, convulsions). 1,2-Diffuoroethane, 1-chloro-2-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2-difluoroethane, 

and 1-bromo-2-fluoroethane were shown to increase concentrations of citrate in serum and heart tissue, a 

hallmark of fluoroacetate intoxication. F-19 NMR analysis confirmed that fluoroacetate was present in the 

urine of rats exposed to each toxic compound. Fluorocitrate, a condensation product of fluoroacetate and 

oxaloacetate, was identified in the kidney of rats exposed to 1,2-difluoroethane. There was a concentrationrelated 

elevation of serum and heart citrate in rats exposed to 0-1000 ppm 1,2-difluoroethane. Serum citrate 

was increased up to 5-fold and heart citrate was increased up to Ii-fold over control citrate levels, 

Metabolism of 1,2-diffuoroethane by cytochrome P450 (most likely CYP2E1) is suspected because 

pretreatment of rats or mice with SKF-525A, disulfiram, or dimethyl sulfoxide prevented or delayed the 

toxicity observed in rats not pretreated. Experimental evidence indicates that the metabolism of the toxic 

fluoroethanes is initiated at the carbon-hydrogen bond, with metabolism to fluoroacetate via an aldehyde or 

an acyl fluoride. The results of these studies show that 1-(di)halo-2-fluoroethanes are highly toxic to rats 

and should be considered a hazard to humans unless demonstrated otherwise. 

Kelly, M. (1965). Isolation of bacteria able to metabolize fluoroacetate or fluoroacetamide. Nature 208, 

809-810. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/defluorination/metabolism/bacteria/aconitase 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate or fluoracetamide, after conversion to fluoroacitrate, inhibit aconitase and therefore 

block the tricarboxylic acid cycle; consequently these chemicals are toxic to animals and are used as 

pesticides. There have been at least two occasions when accidental contamination of soil and water by 

fluoracetamide has occurred. This communication reports the isolation of bacteria able to use these 

compounds for growth. 

Kemmerling, W. (1996). Toxicity of Palicourea marcgravii: Combined effects of fluoroacetate, Nmethyltyramine 

and 2-methyltetrahydro-B-carboline. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung 51, 59-64. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/mammals 

Abstract: Feeding experiments carried out with cattle and horses could prove the toxic effects of 

P.marcgravii (Rubiaceae) in all cases. The typical symptoms of "sudden death", however, are observed in 

ruminants only. This difference could not be explained so far. 

Apart from fluoroacetate, two more substances also have influence the toxic effects and have been isolated 

from P.marcgravii for the first time: N-methyltyramine and 2-methyltetra-hydro-Beta-carboline (2-Me 

THBC). Structure elucidation of these compounds is mainly accomplished by H-NMR, C-NMR and MS 

techniques. 

Due to the small quantity of fluoroacetate (5.4 mug/g plant), the main toxic effect obviously lies in the two 

discovered substances. In contrast to the slow death of horses (monogastriers), the "sudden death 

syndrome" of cattle (ruminants) can be explained as a result of the higher resorbility of these two 

substances in the gastro-intestinal system. 

Given orally, both substances influence the monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A): N-methyltyramine acts 

as a competitive substrate, and 2-Me THBC is one of the most effective MAO-A-inhibitors. 

Thus, the decomposition of the specific MAO-A-substrates noradrenaline and adrenaline as well as of Nmethyltyramine 

itself is inhibited. The alpha and beta receptors of the sympathetic system are stimulated 

more strongly, which leads to a drastic rise in blood pressure and thereby to a more rapid distribution of 

fluoroacetate in the body. This results in a reinforced input of fluoroacetate in the cells of especially active 

organs of the body (heart etc.). Thus even smaller quantities of fluoroacetate are lethal. 

Khan, A. A., Ahmad, M., Ahmad, S, and Rizvi, S. W. (1992). Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of 

fumigants and acute poison baits against Indian crested porcupine, Hystrix indica. Forest Ecology and 

Management 48, 295-303. 

97


Appendix C 

Keywords: efficacy/baits/poisons/cyanide/strychnine/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/fumigant/ground control/rodents/field efficacy 

Abstract: Filed trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of three fumigants and two acute poisons 

against the crested porcupine Hystrix indica, in forest plantations and croplands. the highest mortality was 

obtained with the use of a two ingredient gas cartridge, followed by sodium cyanide and aluminium 

phosphide. Strychnine baits were less effective than baits prepared from sodium fluoroacetate (1080). 

Further large-scale opertaional research studies are needed to develop the use of a two-ingredient gas 

cartridge as a single management tool against H. indica and other burrowing porcupines. 

Kimball, B. A. and Mishalanie, E. A. (1993). Gas chromatographic determination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate as the free acid in an aqueous solvent. Journal of chromatography 634, 289-296. 

Abstract: A procedure was developed for the determination of sodium monofluoroacetate as the free acid 

by capillary gas chromatography with massselective detection. Commercially available polyethylene 

glycol capillary columns were compatible with injections of highly acidic aqueous solutions which were 

required for this relatively strong acid. Using monochloroacetic acid as an internal standard, a coefficient 

of variation of less than 2% was routinely obtained from replicate injections of a 100 jg/ml solution of 

sodium monofluoroacetate in 1 M HC1. The monofluoroacetic acid/monochloroacetic acid detector 

response ratio was a linear function of sodium monofluoroacetic acid is obtained, the method offers 

advantages over previously described chromatographic methods for the determination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate. The average analyte recovery from 30 to 40 g biological samples fortified with 

between 2.5 and 100 mg of sodium monofluoroacetate was 81% with relative standard deviation typically 

less than 7%. The instrument limit of detection was 200 pg sodium monofluoroacetate when the detector 

was operated in the selected ion monitoring mode. 

King, D. (1982). How toxic 1080 selects its targets. Australian Natural History 20, 329-333. 

Keywords: 1080/mode of action/occurrence in nature/tolerance 

King, D. R., Oliver, A. J., and Mead, R. J. (1978). The adaptation of some Western Australian mammals to 

food plants containing fluoroacetate. Aust.J.Zool. 26, 699-712. 

Keywords: mammals/fluoroacetate/tolerance/occurrence in nature/marsupials/rodents 

Abstract: The tolerance to fluoroacetate of Macropus fuliginosus, Trichosurus vulpecula and Rattus 

fuscipes from the south-west of Western Australia is unusually high. T.vulpecula and R. fuscipes from 

eastern Australia are much more susceptible than conspecifics from Western Australia. This tolerance 

appears to be an adaptation to the presence of monofluoroacetic acid in many species of the plant genera 

Gastrolobium and Oxylobium, which occur within the range of these mammals in Western Australia. The 

co-evolution of this defence mechanism in plants and the development of tolerance to fluoroacetate by 

herbivores is discussed. 

King, D. R., Oliver, A. J., and Mead, R. J. (1981). Bettongia and fluoroacetate: a role for 1080 in fauna 

management. Aust.Wildl.Res. 8, 529-536. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/tolerance/occurrence in nature/marsupials/mammals 

Abstract: The tolerance of the three species of Bettongia to fluoroacetate has been determined. B.gaimardi 

is comparable with most species of herbivorous mammals, B.lesueur is highly tolerant and B.penicillata 

has an exceptionally high tolerance. These differences reflect the past distribution of these species in 

relation to plants containing fluoroacetate. The relevance of these tolerance levels in the management of 

Bettongia populations (by the control of introduced predators) is discussed. A more general role for 1080 in 

the conservation of threatened fauna in Western Australia is suggested. 

King, D. R., Twigg, L. E., and Gardner, J. L. (1989). Tolerance to sodium monofluoroacetate in dasyurids 

from Western Australia. Aust.Wildl.Res. 16, 131-140. 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate/marsupials/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/acute toxicity/lethal dose 

Abstract: The tolerances to sodium fluoroacetate (1080) were estimated for Dasyurus geoffroii (LD 50, ca. 

7.5 mg 1080 kg-1), D.hallucatus (ca. 7.5 mg kg-1), Antechinus flavipes (ca. 11.0 mg kg-1) and Phascogale 

calura (ca. 17.5 ,g kg-1) from western Australia and comparisons were made with D.viverrinus (ca. 1.5 mg 

kg-1) and A.flavipes (ca. 3.5 mg kg-1) from south-eastern Australia. The species from western Australia 

have had evolutionary exposure to naturally occurring fluoroacetate and were more tolerant to the toxin 

98


Appendix C 

than dasyurids from south-eastern Australia. Presumably, they have acquired this tolerance through feeding 

on prey which had fed on plants containing fluoroacetate. 

King, D. R. (1989). An assessment of the hazard posed to northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) by aerial 

baiting with 1080 to control dingoes. Australian wildlife research 16, 569-574. 

Keywords: aerial control/non-target species/1080/marsupials 

King, D. R. and Kinnear, J. E. 1080: The toxic paradox. Landscope Winter 1991, 10-14. 1991. 


Keywords: 1080/acute toxicity/non-target species/tolerance 

Abstract: Ecology is about relationships - how different things affect populations of animals, plants and 

otehr microorganisms, and how populations affect each other. Many thousnads of years ago, a genus of 

leuminous plants in Western Australia learned how to make a poison commonly known as 1080 to deter 

seed-eating and browsing animals. In doing so, these plants have profundly affected the ecology of the 

State. Dennis King and Jack Kinnear describe how scientists' increased knowledge of the ecology of 1080 

can provide a means of controlling introduced species, primarily foxes, which threaten the survival of many 

species of our wildlife. 

King, D. R., Kirkpatrick, W. E., Wong, D. H., and Kinnear, J. E. (1994). Degradation of 1080 in Australian 

soils. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New 

Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 45-49. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: persistence in soil/1080 

Abstract: Soils from temperature regions of Western Australia contain a diverse assemblage of bacteria and 

fungi which can defluorinate 1080. Rates of defluorination differed markedly with different species of 

microorganisms, ranging from 289%. No thermophilic defluorinating microorganisms were found in soil 

from semiarid or arid regions. Optimal defluorination by soil baceteria occurred at netural to alkaline pH 

while defluorination by fungi was greatest at Ph5. Defluorination rates in soil were greatest at temperatures 

which fluctuated between 11 0 and 28 o C with moisture levels of 815%. Defluorination rate in soil did not 

seem to be closely related to inoculum size, unless 1080 was the only source of carbon. 

King, D. R. (1994). The sensitivity of Rattus villosissimus to 1080. Australian mammology 17, 123-124. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/1080 

King, D. R., Kirkpatrick, W. E., and McGrath, M. (1996). The tolerance of Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata to 

1080. EMU 96, 198-202. 

Keywords: tolerance/1080/birds 

King, J. E. and Penfound, W. T. (1946). Effects of new herbicides on fish. Science 103, 487. 

Keywords: aquatic species/1080/toxicity 

Abstract: During the course of some experiments to determine the effects of certain of the new herbicides 

of fish, we set up some tests, largely out of curiosity, using the new rodenticide 1080. In view of the 

extreme toxicity of this substance, as reported by ER Kalmach (Science 1945, 102,232) we were certainly 

surprised to find that fingerling bream and bass would survive in concentrations of 1080 as great as 370 

ppm for an indefinite period and with no apparent discomfort. 

Kingery, A. F. and Allen, H. E. (1994). Ion chromatographic separation and quantitative analysis of 

fluoroacetic acid and formic acid in soil. Journal of chromatography A 671, 231-237. 

Keywords: ion chromatography 

Kirk, K. and Goldman, P. (1970). Fluorocitric acid: selective microbial degradation of the inhibitory 

isomer. Biochemistry Journal 117, 409-410. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/mode of action/bacteria/degradation 

Kirms, M. A. and Kirms, L. M. (2002). The identification of sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) 

employing NMR Spectroscopy. Journal of Forensic Sciences 47, 573-577. 

99


Appendix C 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/NMR/sodium fluoroacetate/analysis 

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for the purpose of identifying 

samples of materials suspected of containing sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080). Acquisition of 

routine proton (H-1) and carbon (C-13) NMR spectra provided a straight-forward means for determining 

the presence of Compound 1080 in the samples and thus afforded a simple method for analysis and 

identification of this compound 

Kirsten, E., Sharma, M. L., and Kun, E. (1977). Molecular toxicology of (--)-erythro-fluorocitrate: selective 

inhibition of citrate transport in mitochondria and the binding of fluorocitrate to mitochondrial proteins. 

Molecular Pharmacology 14, 172-184. 

Keywords: citrate/fluorocitrate/biochemistry/enzyme/metabolism/liver/kidney/heart/brain 

Abstract: It was concluded that (--)-erythro-fluorocitrate specifically inhibited citrate transport by its 

covalent binding to two proteins fractions associated with the mitoplast of liver, kidney, heart and brain 

tissue. 

Kirzon, M. V. and Artyushkova, V. A. (1967). On the relationship between the central nervous and 

peripheral factors in poisoning white rats with sodium fluoroacetate. Moscow University Bulletin (Vestnik 

Moskovskogo Universiteta) 22, 35-40. 

Keywords: poisoning/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/muscle/brain/rodents/mode of action/symptoms 

Abstract: (Conclusions section from Russian article). 1. The character of variation of the total electricity of 

the skeletal muscles of a rat poisoned with FA (fluoroacetate) (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally introduced) allow 

subdivision of the process of poisoning into three stages: Stage 1, characterised by decrease of electrical 

activity (EA) to 15% of the original level; Stage 2, characterised by an increase of EA of approximately 

50% above the original level, and Stage 3, characterised by an irreversible decraese of EA to 5-10% of the 

orginal level. 2. An argument in favour of Stage 2 (characterised by a considerable increase in EA) 

representing a compensating, mainly heat-regulating, stimulation of brain structures due to a powerful 

afferentation caused by hypothermia is discussed. 3. Stage 2 coincides with the period when the loss of 

body heat and a decrease in total oxygen intake proceed at a lower rate. A similar pattern was observed 

previously in rodents poisoned with FA and FA-related compounds. The authours believe that this is a 

consequence of compensatory stimulation of the central nervous system. 4. It is suggested that the final 

stage of an almost complete cessation of EA reflects a weakening of activity of the central nervous system 

and consequently a cessation of neurotrophical effects on the periphery. 

Kirzon, M. V., Timeyko, V. N., and Artyushkova, V. A. (1970). Citric acid content in various rat organs 

after fluoroacetate poisoning. Voprosy meditsinskoi khimii 16, 543-549. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/metabolism/fluoroacetate/citric 

acid/blood/liver/heart/muscle/brain/biochemistry/poisoning/rats/inhibition 

Abstract: Citric acid content in blood and organs at various time intervals after ip fluoroacetate 

administration was determined in albino rats. The content of citric acid in blood, heart, skeletal muscles and 

brain reached the maximum 0.5, 1 and 2 h (for two latter organs). In liver the increased amount of citric 

acid was determined to the end of the second hour only. In all organs studies except the liver the citric acid 

content diminished 2-3 hours after the poisoning. It was concluded that in the blood citric acid accumulates 

as a result of its release from organs. The liver not damaged by the gift is able to increased utilisation of 

citric acid and then accumulates it as a result of detoxification inhibition. Two hours after poisoning the 

initial fall in endogenous breathing of skeletal muscles is substituted by its temporal increase. This increase 

coincides in time with the increased citric acid formation in muscles. It is suggested that the course of both 

processes may be explained by the utilization of fatty acids the mobilization of which constitutes the part of 

compensatory processes forming in central nervous system 

Klingensmith, C. W. (1945). A note on the natural occurrence of fluoroacetic acid, the acid of the new 

rodenticide "1080". Science 102, 622-623. 


Kochansky, J. P., Robbins, W. E., Lofgren, C. S., and Williams, D. F. (1979). Design of some delayedaction 

toxicants for baits to control red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Journal of economic 

entomology 72, 655-658. 

100


Appendix C 

Keywords: baits/metabolism/toxicity/fluoroacetate/invertebrates 

Abstract: New candidate insecticides for Solenopsis invicta Buren were prepared which should require 

metabolism to the known toxicants fluoroacetic acid and trichlorfon before appreciable toxicity could be 

expressed. Cholesteryl fluoroacetate, sitosteryl fluoroacetate, N-dodecyl 2-fluoroacetamide and to a lesser 

extent, several fatty acid esters of trichlorfon gave delayed kill of imported fire ant workers. In certain 

cases, these compounds gave delayed kill over an increased range of concentrations compared to the 

underivatized toxicants 

Koenig, H. (1969). Acute axonal dystrophy caused by fluorocitrate: the role of mitochondrial swellingq. 

Science 164, 310-312. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/Krebs cycle/mode of action/pathology 

Abstract: Fluorocitrate, a Krebs cycle inhibitor, induces neurons to rapidly expel multitudinous lysosomes, 

mitochondria and other cytoplasmic constituents into their axons. After convulsive seizures commence, 

spectacular axonal balloons develop owing to obstruction of axonal flow by "log jams' of extruded 

organelles. A swelling of neuronal mitochondria is apparently responsible for the disgorgement of 

cytoplasmic material into axons. 

Koenig, W. D. and Reynolds, M. D. (1987). Potential poisoning of yellow-billed magpies by compound 

1080. Wildlife Society bulletin 15, 274-276. 

Keywords: poisoning/1080/baits/birds/persistence in animals/non-target species 

Abstract: The use of 1080 baits for rodent control can apparently lead to mortality of yellow-billed 

magpies. Birds die in the nest making recovery of the bodies unlikely. 

Kohn, G. D. (1956). Compound 1080 - Its use as a rabbit poison in Victoria. The Journal of Agriculture 

(Victoria) 279-283. 


Kononen, D. W., Hochstein, J. R., and Ringer, R. K. (1991). Mallard and northern bobwhite exposure to 

compound 1080 : acute toxicity and food avoidance behavior. Chemosphere 22, 655-663. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/birds/non-target species/1080/toxicity/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/lethal concentration 

Abstract: Standard 8-day toxicity experiments were conducted with mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 

northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) exposed to a range of dietet sodium monofluoroacetate 

(Compound 1080) concentrations. Food LC50 estimates for mallards and northern bobwhite were 527 and 

385 ppm respectively. Food avoidance tests in which birds were given free choice between equal amounts 

of clean and contaminated food inidcated that mallards and northern bobwhite avoided consumption of 

1080-treated food at levels equal to or greater than 236 ppm and 95 ppm respectively. Although water 

LC50 estimates for both species were approximately an order of magnitude less than those estimated from 

the food LC50 experiments, these differences could be largely attributed to the fact than, on a w/w basis, 

both species utilize from 5 to 10 times as much water as food. Water avoidance tests showed that mallards 

avoided consumption of 1080-contaminted water at concentrations between 13 and 24 ppm. Bobwhite 

avoided consumption of 1080-contaminated water at concentrations greater than 9 ppm. 

Korn, T. J. and Livanos, G. (1986). The effect of dosing technique on the 1080 content of meat baits. 

Australian wildlife research 13, 455-459. 

Keywords: ground control/bait degradation/field efficacy/1080/baits/predators/dogs 

Korn, T. J. and O'Brien, P. H. A review of vertebrate pest control using 1080 in Australia. Bureau of Rural 

Resources, Department of Primary Industries and Energy. 1-76. 1989. 



Korth, M., Weger, N., and Reiter, M. (1978). The positive inotropic effect of sodium fluoroacetate on 

guniea-pig ventricular myocardium. Nauynn-Schmeideberg's Arch Pharmacol 303 , 7-14. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/heart/mammals/muscle/mode of action 

Abstract: In the isolated papillary muscle of the guinea-pig sodium fluoroacetate (Fac) produced, after an 

101


Appendix C 

initial decrease in the force of concentration, a transient positive inotropic effect which was due to an 

increase in the rate of force development. Time to peak force was shortened and relaxation time was 

prolonged whereas total contraction time was barely affected. Threshold and maximally effective 

concentration for the positive intropic effect were 1 x 10 -5 and 5 x 10 -3 M, respectively 

Kostyniak, P. J., Bosmann, H. B., and Smith, F. A. (1978). Defluorination of fluoroacetate in vitro by rat 

liver subcellular fractions. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 44, 89-97. 

Keywords: metabolism/defluorination/fluoroacetate/liver/fluoride/bone/rats 

Abstract: An earlier report showing enhanced accumulation of ionic fluoride in bones of rats given 

fluoroacetate (FAc) suggested an in vivo defluorination of fluoroacetate. Rat liver an organ which shows 

minimal pathological and biochemical effects in FAc intoxication was found to possess defluorination 

activityin vitro. Subcellular fractionation of livers from male Sprague-Dawley rats was performed in 0.25 

M sucrose and yielded the following fractions: whole homogenate, nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal and 

105,000 g supernatant. Defluorination activity was measured by incubating subcellular fractions and their 

boiled controls with FAc (1 hr. 37ºC. pH 7.4, in 0.1 M tris-HCl or 0.1% Triton X-100) and comparing the 

difference in ionic fluoride content at the end of the incubation. Defluorination activity based on protein 

content was consistently the highest in the 105,000 g supernatant fraction, the only fraction showing an 

activity increase over the original homogenate. The microsomal fraction had minimal activity. 

Defluorination activity in the 105,000 g supernatant as a function of time after fraction isolation at 4ºC 

revealed a time-dependent reduction in activity. After 24 hr at 4ºC, activity was almost completely lost. 

The time-dependent loss of activity at 4ºC could be regained when glutathione (GSH) was added to this 

fraction at a final concentration of 5 mM. Furthermore, GSH significantly increased the defluorination 

activity in all subcellular fractions. A study of the optimum pH for defluorination activity in the 105,000 g 

supernatant fraction was performed in 0.1 M Tris-maleate buffer. Surprisingly, a complete loss of activity 

with this buffer resulted throughout the pH range studied (pH 5.6-8.0). Furthermore, defluorination activity 

of all subcellular rat liver fractions was completely inhibited by maleate and stimulated by glutathione. 

These results are consistent with the involvement of a sulfhydryl group in the defluorination of FAc in rat 

liver. 

Kostyniak, P. J. (1979). Defluorination : a possible mechanism of detoxification in rats exposed to 

fluoroacetate. Toxicology letters 3, 225-228. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in animals/defluorination/rats/fluoroacetate 

Kostyniak, P. J. and Soiefer, A. I. (1984). The role of fluoroacetate-specific deholgenase and glutathione 

transferase in the metabolsim of fluoroacetamide and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. Toxicology letters 22, 217- 

222. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/fluoroacetate/enzyme/biochemistry 

Abstract: 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) reacts with glutathione to form a stable product similar to that 

formed with the model glutathione-S-transferase (GST) substrate, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). 

DNFB is approx. 40 times as reactive as CDNB in this chemical reaction. The enzymatic defluorination of 

DNFB also proceeds at a more rapid rate that that of CDNB in the GST assay. Fluoroacetamide (FAM) like 

fluoroacetate (FAC) undergoes no discernable chemical defluorination. Its enzymatic defluorination is 

approx. 10% of that observed for FAC and only 0.2% of the rate for DFNB. An antibody raised tot he the 

fluoroacetate specific dehalogenase (FSD) precipitated both FAC and FAM defluorinating activity but had 

no effect on either CDNB or DFNB activity. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that DNFB is 

metabolised by the GST while FAM is metabolised by the FSD. 

Kozlov, M. P., Savel' ev, V. N., Chumakova, I. V., Taran, I. F., and Dyatlov, A. I. The outlook for the 

development of biological methods of control for fleas of rodents. g, 150-152. 1974. 


Keywords: rodents/poisons/poison/fluoroacetate/rats/mammals/invertebrates 

Abstract: In view of the ecological disadvantages of using wide-spectrum insecticides such as DDT, there is 

need for a method of biological control. The prospects for developing a system along these lines are 

discussed. It has been found in the laboratory that Entobakterin (a proprietary preparation of Bacillus 

thuringiensis) can cause high mortality in fleas in 7-9 days, depending on the dosage used, and is also 

pathogenic to the larvae. The outlook for the use of sterilisants such as thiotepa (tiotef) is considered. Some 

102


Appendix C 

rat poisons (fenitrothion (Sumithion) and barium fluoroacetate) at dosages of 0.12-0.45 mg/kg body weight 

can sterilise fleas on the rats. At the same time, it has been shown that carbaryl (Sevin) similarly used in 

doses sublethal to rodents stimulates reproduction in fleas on the rodents. The intensification of the 

pathogenic effect of B. thuringiensis on Coleoptera by its use in combination with trichlorphon (chlorofos), 

DDT, gamma -BHC and other insecticides suggests the possibility of elaborating an integrated method of 

control for fleas using B. thuringiensis together with insecticides at dosages too low to be harmful to 

mammals 

Kramer, H. L. (1984). Liquid chromatographic determination of sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) in 

meat baits and formulations. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 67, 1058-1061. 

Keywords: liquid chromatography/sodium fluoroacetate/1080 

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for the determination of sodium fluoroacetate 

in meat baits and formulations. Baits were extracted with water, ultrafiltered, partitioned into butanone, 

back-partitioned into dilute base, and diluted with acetonitrile. Aqueous formulations of 1080 were diluted 

with acetonitrile. The solutions were esterfied with p-bromophenacyl bromide, using crown either 

catalysis, and chromatographed on a 10 p.m reverse phase column. Ultraviolet absorbance was monitored 

at 260 nm. Samples spiked to contain 1 mg and 10 mg 1080/100 g meat gave recoveries of 84.0 - 103.4% 

Kramer, H. L., Merrell, P. W., and Burren, B. J. (1987). Use of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 

1080) in the control of dingoes I. Meat bait preparation techniques. Australian wildlife research 14, 65-68. 

Keywords: ground control/bait degradation/field efficacy/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/predators/dogs 

Krebs, H. A. (1970). The history of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Perspectives in Blood and Medicine 14, 

154-170. 

Keywords: metabolism/enzyme/biochemistry 

Krebs, H. C., Kemmerling, W., and Habermehl, G. (1994). Qualitative and quantitative determination of 

fluoroacetic acid in Arrabidea bilabiata and Palicourea marcgravii by 19F-NMR spectroscopy. Toxicon 

Oxford 32, 909-913. 

Keywords: analysis/fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: A. bilabiata [Arrabidaea bilabiata] and P. marcgravii are poisonous plants (endemic to the 

Amazonian area) which cause 'sudden death' in grazing animals. A new method involving 19F-NMR 

spectroscopy, which can detect amounts of fluoroacetic acid (a toxic principle from P. marcgravii) at 

contents below 4 µg/g, is described. Fluoroacetic acid was quantified in the leaves of A. bilabiata and P. 

marcgravii (3.0 and 5.4 µg/g, respectively), and in the seeds of A. bilabiata (64.1 µg/g) 

Krenzelok, E. and Vale, A. (1997). Position statements: gut decontamination. Clinical Toxicology 35, 695- 

697. 

Keywords: poisoning/treatment 

Kun, E. (1982). Monofluoroacetic acid (compound 1080), its pharmacology and toxicology. Proceedings of 

the Vertebrate Pest Conference 10, 34-40. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/1080 

Kurihara, T., Esaki, N., and Soda, K. (2000). Bacterial 2-haloacid dehalogenases: structures and reaction 

mechanisms. Journal of molecular catalysis B - Enzymatic 10, 57-65. 

Keywords: metabolism 

Kurihara, T., Yamauchi, T., Ichiyama, S., Takahata, H., and Esaki, N. (2003). Purification, characterization, 

and gene cloning of a novel fluoroacetate dehalogenase from Burkholderia sp FA1. Journal of Moleclar 

Catalysis B-Enzymatic 23, 347-355. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/defluorination/enzyme/residues/bacteria 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate dehalogenase catalyzes the hydrolytic defluorination of fluoroacetate to produce 

glycolate. The enzyme is unique in that it catalyzes the cleavage of the highly stable carbon-fluorine bond 

in an aliphatic compound. The bacterial isolate FA1, which was identified as Burkholderia, grew on 

103


Appendix C 

fluoroacetate as the sole carbon source to produce fluoroacetate dehalogenase (FAc-DEX FA1). The 

enzyme was purified to homogeneity and characterized. The molecular weights were estimated to be 

79,000 and 34,000 by gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), respectively, 

suggesting that the enzyme is a dimer. The purified enzyme was specific to haloacetates, and fluoroacetate 

was the best substrate. The activities toward chloroacetate and bromoacetate were less than 5% of the 

activity toward fluoroacetate. The K-m and V-max values for the hydrolysis of fluoroacetate were 5.1 mM 

and 11 mumol per minute milligram, respectively. The gene coding for the enzyme was isolated, and the 

nucleotide sequence was determined. The open reading frame consisted of 912 nucleotides, corresponding 

to 304 amino acid residues. Although FAc-DEX FA1 showed high sequence similarity to fluoroacetate 

dehalogenase from Moraxella sp. B (FAc-DEX H1) (61% identity), the substrate specificity of FAc-DEX 

FA1 was significantly different from that of FAc-DEX H1: FAc-DEX FA1 was more specific to 

fluoroacetate than FAc-DEX H1. 

LaGoy, P. K., Bohrer, R. L., and Halvorsen, F. H. (1992). The development of cleanup criteria for an 

acutely toxic pesticide at a contaminated industrial facility. American Industrial Hygiene Association 

journal 53, 298-302. 

Keywords: occupational exposure/dermal/inhalation/humans/regulatory toxicology/reproductive 

effects/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/rats/soil/analysis 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate, a restricted-use rodenticide, was improperly applied to kill rats in a South 

American steel mill. As a result of this application, several workers were seriously injured. During plant 

decontamination, cleanup levels were developed to prevent significant exposure of workers, who could 

inhale contaminate dust, contact dust or soil dust in outdoor areas or on plant floors and who could contact 

contaminated surfaces. On the basis of a health risk analysis, the following cleanup levels for sodium 

fluoroacetate were developed - air cleanup levels 0.05 mg/m3, soil/dust cleanup levels 100 mg/kg and wipe 

sample cleanup levels 0.2 mg/100 cm3. These risk-based cleanup levels were ultimately used to assist the 

regulatory agencies in reaching a decision to reopen the plant. 

Lahiri, S. and Quastel, J. H. (1963). Fluoroacetate and the metabolism of ammonia in the brain. 

Biochemical journal 89, 157-163. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/brain/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: 1. Sodium fluoroacetate, at concentartions of 1 mM or less, which have no effect on the 

respiration of rat-brain-cortex slices incubated in Krebs-Ringer phosphate medium containing glucose, 

suppresses the formation of 14 C-labelled glutamine from [ 14 C6]glucose, the effect being greater in a medium 

containing 105 m-eqiv. of K + ions/l. than in one containing 5 m-eqiv. of K + ions/l. There is a concomitant 

increase in the amount of 14 C-labelled glutamate formed. 2. Sodium fluoroacetate (1 mM) suppresses the 

accelerating action of NH4 + ions on the rates of oxygen consumption and of the formation of 14 C-labelled 

glutamine from [ 14 C6]glucose by the brain cortex slices.3. Sodium fluoroacetate (1 mM) increases the 

amount of free ammonia in the barin-cortex slices after incubation in the presence of glucose for 1 hr at 37 

degrees.4. The yields of 14C-labelled glutamine and 14C-labelled aspartate derived from [14C5]glutamate 

by rat-brain-cortex slices, incubated in Krebs-Ringer phosphate medium containing glucose, are diminished 

in the presence of sodium fluoroacetate (1 mM). 5. The addition of Amytal (0.5 mM) diminishes the 

enhanced rate of formation of 14C-labelled glutamate from 14C6glucose due to 1 mM sodium fluoroacetate 

6. The results are consistent with the conclusion that sodium fluoroacetate, at 1 mM or less, inhibits the 

utilization of NH4+ ions by rat-brain-cortex slices. 

Laine, K., Kivisto, K. T., and Neuvonen, P. J. (1992). Failure of oral activated charcoal to accelerate the 

elimination of amiodarone and chloroquine. Human & Experimental Toxicology 11, 491-494. 

Keywords: poisoning/treatment/antidote/rats 

Abstract: 1. The effect of activated charcoal on the elimination of amiodarone and chloroquine was studied 

in the rat. 

2. The study consisted of two separate experiments. Amiodarone and chloroquine were injected 

subcutaneously at doses of 200 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1, respectively. Six rats in both experiments were 

put on a charcoal-containing diet 48hr after drug administraion, while the control groups remained on a 

normal diet. 

3. Treatment with repeated oral activated charcoal had no effect on the true elimination of amiodarone and 

chloroquine. 

104


Appendix C 

4. These results suggest that, after the distribution of amiodarone and chloroquine into peripheral 

compartments, their rate of elimination cannot be significantly accelerated with multiple oral doses of 

activated charcoal. 

Largo, C., Cuevas, P., Somjen, G. G., Martin del Rio, R., and Herreras, O. (1996). The effect of depressing 

glial function in rat brain in situ on ion homeostasis, synaptic transmission, and neuron survival. The 

Journal of Neuroscience 16, 1219-1229. 

Keywords: brain 

Largo, C., Ibarz, J. M., and Herreras, O. (1997). Effects of the gliotoxin fluorocitrate on spreading 

depression and glial membrane potential in rat brain in situ. Journal of neurophysiology 78, 295-307. 

Keywords: mode of action/treatment 

Largo, C., Tombaugh, G. C., Aitken, P. G., Herreras, O., and Somjen, G. G. (1997). Heptanol but not 

fluoroacetate prevents the propagation of spreading depression in rat hippocampal slices. Journal of 

neurophysiology 77, 9-16. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism 

Larner, J. (1950). Toxicological and metabolic effects of fluorine-containing compounds. Industrial 

medicine and surgery 19, 535-539. 

Keywords: fluorine/fluoride/metabolism/acute toxicity/chronic poisoning/mode of action 

Abstract: The various aspects of the problem of fluoride toxicity have been discussed. The ubiquitous 

distribution of this element has been pointed out. The acute and chronic toxicity and the important 

mechanisms of this toxicity are reviewed. Since it is even yet incomplete, more investigation will have to 

be carried out in order to complete the picture of this important present-day problem. 

Latge, J. P. (1980). Sporulation of Entomophthora obscura Hall & Dunn in liquid culture. Canadian 

Journal of Microbiology 26, 1038-1048. 

Keywords: fungus/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: In connection with the possible development of the fungus for the biological control of aphids, 

growth and production of azygospores of Entomophthora obscura were studied through batch cultures in 

media containing glucose, or vegetable oil, and yeast extract in the laboratory in Paris. In media containing 

3% glucose and 1% yeast extract, an 8-h lag phase occurred and sporulation began only at the 40th hour of 

culture; spore maturation lasted 4 days on average. Young mycelial stages were characterised by high 

nucleic acid and protein but low lipid concentrations. During sporogenesis, the quantity of lipids and chitin 

increased and the concentration of the total polyosides (chitin excluded) was lower in comparison with the 

mycelial stages. Sporulation was induced by means of medium starvation in carbon and/or nitrogen. The 

only sporulation inhibitor that allowed considerable growth was sodium fluoroacetate 

Lauble, H., Kennedy, M. C., Emptage, M. H., Beinert, H., and Stout, C. D. (1996). The reaction of 

fluorocitrate with aconitase and the crystal structure of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. Proceedings of the 

National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 93, 13699-13703. 


Lazarus, M. (1956). The toxicity and relative acceptability of some poisons to the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus 

cuniculus (L.). CSIRO wildlife research 1, 96-100. 

Keywords: poisons/poisoning/rabbits/fluoroacetate/1080/strychnine/field efficacy/target species 

Abstract: Laboratory tests of nine substances already in use or considered suitable for poisoning wild 

rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, showed that only sodium fluoroacetate (1080) seems to have any 

considerable advantage over strychnine and phosphorus. 

Le Couteur, D. G., McLean, A. J., Taylor, M. C., Woodham, B. L., and Board, P. G. (1999). Pesticides and 

Parkinson's disease. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy 53, 122-130. 

Keywords: metabolism/1080/sublethal effects/brain/mode of action/humans 

Abstract: Epidemiological studies and case reports provide evidence for an association between Parkinson's 

disease and past exposure to pesticides. Susceptibility to the effects of pesticides and other putative 

105


Appendix C 

neurotoxins depends on variability in xenobiotic metabolism possibly generated by genetic polymorphisms, 

aging and variation in exposure to environmental agents including pesticides. The simplest mechanistic 

hypothesis for the association of pesticides with Parkinson's disease is that pesticides or their metabolites 

are directly toxic to mitochondria, although modulation of xenobiotic metabolism by pesticides provides an 

adjunct or alternative hypothesis. 

le Mar, K. and McArthur, C. (2000). Relocating radio-collared targeted marsupials after a 1080 poisoning 

operation. Tasforests 12, 155-160. 

Keywords: marsupials/1080/poisoning/possums/efficacy 

Abstract: The fate of 26 radiocollared individuals from three targeted marsupial species were followed 

during a 1080 poisoning operation on a eucalypt plantation, to investigate where animals die in relation to 

the bait-line. Fifteen of the 26 animals died during the poisoning operation; eight of ten Tasmanian 

pademelons (Thylogale billardierii ), one of seven Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) 

and six of nine brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). The proportions of radio-collared animals that 

died within each species did not reflect kill rates calculated from more reliable absolute density data. 

Radio-collared carcasses were found between 8 m and 83 m from the bait-line (mean distance 31 m). 

Seventy-five per cent of carcasses were found inside shelters (i.e. inside windrows, hollow logs, dens or 

under fallen vegetation). Twelve of the 15 poisoned radio-collared carcasses were found intact. Three 

carcasses were not found but recovered collars showed carnivore's teeth marks, suggesting that Tasmanian 

devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) or spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) had moved and/or consumed 

them. 

le Mar, K. and McArthur, C. (2001). Changes in marsupial herbivore densities in relation to a forestry 

1080-poisoning operation. Australian Forestry 64, 175-180. 

Keywords: poisoning/non-target species 

Abstract: Line transect surveys were used to monitor species densities before and after poisoning. 

Targetted species: red-bellied pademelon (Thylogale billardierii); the red-necked wallaby (Macropus 

rufogriseus subspecies M. r. rufogriseus), the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and 

European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). One non-target species, the common wombat (Vombatus 

ursinus), was also monitored. Good kill of pademelon but speculates red-necks come into vacated habitat. 

No sig. effects detected with wombats, possums and rabbits. 

Lechat, P. (1978). Metabolic changes which modify the biological effects of nutrients and toxins. World 

Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 29Transformations metaboliques qui conditionnent les effets 

biologiques des nutriments et des toxiques. Using Smart Source Parsing 21 ref, 77-95. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/biochemistry 

Abstract: Chemical or biological changes occurring in the body, which transform foreign substances to 

metabolites with nutritional, pharmacological or toxic effects are discussed. Examples include the 

conversion of beta -carotene to vitamin A and of organofluorides to the toxic fluoroacetic acid. Organisms 

may transform the different stereoisomers of a substance in different ways 

Lemaire, L., Malet-Martino, M., Martino, R., de Forni, M., and Lasserre, B. (1994). The Tris formulation 

of fluorouracil is more cardiotoxic than the sodium salt formulations. Oncology Reports 1, 173-174. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/humans/excretion 

Abstract: The cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (FU) was attributed to degradation compounds present in the 

injected vials, fluoroacetaldehyde (Facet) and fluoromalonaldehydic acid (FMald). FU-NaOH vials were 

much less cardiotoxic than FU-Tris vials on the isolated perfused rabbit heart model since Facet and FMald 

are stored in stable depot forms in FU-Tris vials whereas, in FU-NaOH vials, they are extensively 

transformed. Cardiotoxic fluoroacetate (FAC), coming from Facet metabolization, was found in urine of 

patients, who with a ratio FAC/FU catabolites 10-30 fold lower in patients treated with FU-NaOH than in 

those than in those treated with FU-Tris. 

Lemaire, L., Arellano, M., Malet-Martino, M., and Martino, R. (1996). 1225. A novel metabolite of 5fluorouracil 

in humans: 2-fluoro-3-hydroxypropionic acid. Proceedings of the American Association for 

Cancer Research 37, 179. 

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil/humans/metabolism/fluoroacetate 

106


Appendix C 

Abstract: We previously demonstrated that pure 5-fluorouracil (FU) was metabolized, via its major 

catabolite α-fluoro-β-alanine, into highly cardiotoxic compounds, 2-fluoro-3-hydroxypropionic acid 

(FHPA) and fluoroacetate (FAC), in rats (Proc AACR 36: A2415, 1995). Does this metabolic pathway 

occur in humans? Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of urine samples from two patients (Y, 

Z) treated with continuous IV infusion of FU (1 g/m 2 /d over 4 days) revealed the presence of FHPA and 

FAC. However, these compounds could also arise from respective metabolism of fluoromalonic acid semialdehyde 

(FMASA1d) and fluoroacetalaldehyde (Facet) which are degradation compounds of FU present in 

the solutions injected to patients. Since 10.5 (Y) and 4.9 (Z) µmoles of Facet were injected with FU, the 

amounts of FAC detected in urine over 5 days (2.8 (Y) and 1.3 (Z) µmoles) did not permit to conclude to a 

metabolism of FU itself into FAC. On the other hand, the large amounts of FHPA in urine (810 (Y) and 

340 (Z) µmoles over 5 days) comparatively to those of FMASA1d injected to patients (9.9 (Y) and 7.4 (Z) 

µmoles) suggests that FU itself is metabolized to FHPA in humans. This study constitutes an indirect proof 

of this metabolic pathway. The direct proof will only be obtained when solutions of FU free of degredation 

compounds (a lyophilisate form for example) will be commercially available. 

Lemieux, G., Baverel, G., Vinay, P, and Gougoux, A. (1979). Effect of fluoroacetate on the inhibitory 

action of ketone bodies and fatty acids on renal ammoniagenesis. American journal of physiology 237, F7- 

F13. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/enzyme/aconitase/citrate/Krebs cycle 

Abstract: The present studies demonstrate that ketone bodies and fatty acids inhibit renal ammoniagenesis 

and gluconeogensis in vitro through their oxidation in the mitochondria. They also suggest that direct 

transamination of glutamine into alanine may be significant when oxidation of pyruvate is inhibited by 

fluoroacetate. 

Liang, C. S. (1977). Metabolic control of circulation. Effects of iodoacetate and fluoroacetate. J.Clin.Invest. 

60, 61-69. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/inhibition/dogs/blood/resistance/cardiac 

Abstract: The circulatory effects of selective metabolic inhibition of glycolysis and of the tricarboxylic acid 

cycle by iodoacetate and fluoroacetate were studied in intact chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Pulmonary 

arterial blood pressure and vascular resistance increased after administration of both inhibitors, but neither 

systemic hemodynamics nor myocardial contractility changed significantly. Coronary blood flow did not 

change after iodoacetate administration but increased four- to five-fold after fluoroacetate. Administration 

of normal saline had no effect on any of the parameters. The changes in pulmonary arterial blood pressure 

and coronary blood flow after fluoroacetate were not mediated via the autonomic nerves or adrenergic 

neurohumors because they still occurred after autonomic nervous system inhibition. Neither myocardial 

oxygen consumption nor left ventricular work changed. A selective increase in myocardial blood flow also 

occurred in conscious dogs after fluoroacetate administration; hepatic artery flow was reduced, but other 

organ flows did not change significantly. These results indicate that pulmonary pressor and coronary dilator 

effects may be produced in intact dogs by selective metabolic blockade, in the absence of reduced oxygen 

supply or impairment in the electron transport system. These results also suggest that the increases in 

pulmonary arterial blood pressure, coronary blood flow, and cardiac output that occur during hypoxia 

probably are related to separate metabolic events in the tissue 

Liebecq, C. (1989). Commentary on 'The Toxicity of Fluoroacetate and the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle'. 

Biochim Biophys Acta 1000, 251-253. 

Keywords: toxicity/fluoroacetate 

Liebecq, C. and Peters, R. A. (1989). The toxicity of fluoroacetate and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Biochim 

Biophys Acta 1000, 254-269. 

Keywords: toxicity/fluoroacetate 

Lindenbaum, A., White, M. A., and Schubert, J. (1951). Citrate formation in vivo induced by non-lethal 

doses of fluoroacetate. Journal of biological chemistry 190, 585-593. 

Keywords: mode of action/citrate/fluoroacetate 

107


Appendix C 

Lisella, F. S., Long, K. R., and Scott, H. G. (1970). Toxicology of rodenticides and their relation to human 

health. J.E.H. 33, 231-237. 

Keywords: poisoning/1080/residues/poison/humans 

Abstract: (from text) In man the action on the central nervous system produces epilepti-form convulsive 

seizures followed by severe depression. Twenty-two cases of poisoning by this material, with 12 deaths 

have been reported. In another instance, 4 men died from the consumption of 1080 which had been stored 

in soft drink or whiskey bottles. Also, four suicides have occurred as the result of drinking 1080. Five 

confirmed deaths and three possible deaths of small children have been traced to the consumption of 1080 

solutions from souffle cups and from chewing on empty cups containing dried residues of the poison. 

Littin, K., Mellor, D. J., Warburton, B., and Eason, C. T. (2004). Animal welfare and ethical issues relevant 

to the humane control of vertebrate pests. New Zealand veterinary journal 52, 1-10. 

Keywords: welfare/pest 

Liu, J. Q., Kurihara, T., Ichiyama, S., Miyagi, M., Tsunasawa, S., Kawasaki, H., Soda, K., and Esaki, N. 

(1998). Reaction mechanism of fluoroacetate dehalogenase from Moraxella sp. B. Journal of biological 

chemistry 273, 30897-30902. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in soil 

Livanos, G. and Milham, P. J. (1984). Fluoride ion-selective electrode determination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate in meat baits and formulations. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical 

Chemists 67, 10-12. 

Keywords: fluoride/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/1080/analysis 

Abstract: Hot aqueous alkaline conditions were used to defluorinate sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 

1080) with a mean efficacy of 98% and a coefficient of variation of 2%. The liberated fluoride was 

determined by ion-selective electrode. 

Livingstone, P. G. (1994). Implications of 1080 for control of animal pests. In 'Proceedings of the Science 

Workshop on 1080. 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand.'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. 

EasonEds. ) pp. 1-9. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/possums/rabbits/Tb 

Abstract: New Zealand's environment evolved without herbivorous mammals. Humans introduced and 

actively assisted in the colonisation of a range of mammals throughout New Zealand. Introduced mammals 

have affected agricultural production, changed the local composition of native flora and fauna and 

contributed to the ecological degradation of the environment. In defined areas, possums are the major 

vector of tuberculosis for cattle. 

Aerial and ground deployment of 1080 bait provides a cost-effective means of reducing rabbit, wallaby, 

possum, feral goat and deer populations in areas where they were negatively impacting on agricultural or 

conservation values. Because of their continuing impacts, an estimated $30 million will be spent 

controlling these animals in 1993/94, largely using 1080 bait. 

Use of 1080 poison through has caused problems and provoked controversy. It can kill some nontarget 

species. It has induced local "shyness" problems in target species and its increased use has given rise to 

concerns over its fate in the environment. 

Introduced herbivores will continue to place New Zealand's environment and agricultural production at 

risk, requiring their control. Until an acceptable form of biological control is available, environmental 

research and management data indicates that 1080 is the toxin of choice for large scale feral/wild animal 

control. Rejection of the use of 1080 by stakeholders would have major implications for New Zealand's 

ability to preserve its unique ecological heritage and maintain acceptance of exported primary produce. 

Livingstone, P. G. and Nelson, P. C. Possum Control and the Use of 1080 in New Zealand. 1-16. 1994. 

DoC, AHB, MAF. 


Keywords: 1080/possums/birds/Tb/deer 

Abstract: The possum problem 

Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are a major pest in New Zealand. They browse 

108


Appendix C 

native vegetation and prey on native birds and insects. Possums have been linked to persistent problems of 

bovine tuberculosis (Tb) in cattle and deer herds, threatening an export trade currently valued at $5 billion. 

Llewellyn, M. C. Assessment of wallaby populations poisoned with 1080-inpregnated baits. Lake Okataina 

and Makatit Dome. Contract report prepared for Department of Conservation, 7p. 1988. 


Keywords: baits/poisoning/1080 

Lloyd-Jones, G., Aislabie, J, and Hunter, D. W. F. Biodegradation of monofluoroacetate (1080). 

LC9495/11, 1-6. 1994. Landcare Research Contract Report. 


Keywords: monofluoroacetate/1080 

Abstract: Looking for microorganisms that degrade 1080 in 8 soil and 8 water samples. Three soils and two 

water samples did contain the required bacteria 

Lloyd, B. and McQueen, S. (1998). Evaluating the impact of 1080 pest control operations on short-tailed 

bats. In 'Proceedings of the Second New Zealand Bat Conference, Ohakune, New Zealand, 28-29 March 

1998'. (Ed. B. Lloyd.) p. 16. (Department of Conservation: Wellington.) 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/1080/invertebrates 

Abstract: The impact of an aerial 1080 operation on a population of short-tailed bats Mystacina tuberculata 

inhabiting Rangataua Forest was evaluated using several methods. Bats caught and held for 48 hours 

displayed no symptoms of 1080 intoxication, although this technique's sensitivity has not been resolved. 

Invertebrates were collected and assayed for 1080 content, and results indicated that short-tailed bats, and 

other vertebrate insectivores, are vulnerable to secondary poisoning after aerial 1080 operations. 

Lloyd, B. D. Evaluating the potential hazard of aerial 1080 poison operations to short-tailed bat 

populations. Conservation Advisory Notes No. 108, -12. 1994. Wellington, New Zealand, Department of 

Conservation. 


Keywords: 1080/invertebrates/non-target species/aerial control/mammals/bats/poison 

Abstract: Available relevant information was reviewed to assess the potential hazard of aerial 1080 poison 

operations to short-tailed bat populations. Although there is insufficient information available to provide a 

reliable evaluation of the hazards, the information that is available indicates that short-tailed bat 

populations are unlikely to suffer from direct poisoning caused by bats consuming arthropods that have fed 

on 1080 baits. Because of their low fecundity bat populations may take a long time to recover from 

relatively minor mortality episodes. 

Lloyd, B. D. (1997). Evaluating the impact of 1080 on invertebrate food sources for bats. In 'Report from 

the possum and bovine tuberculosis control National Science Strategy Committee, october 1997'. (Ed. D. E. 

Wright.) p. -35. Wellington, New Zealand.) 

Keywords: 1080/invertebrates/non-target species/secondary poisoning/bats/mammals 

Lloyd, B. D. and McQueen, S. M. (2000). An assessment of the probability of secondary poisoning of 

forest insectivores following an aerial 1080 possum control operation. New Zealand journal of ecology 24, 

47-56. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/non-target species/birds/1080/lethal dose/invertebrates 

Lloyd, B. D. and McQueen, S. M. (2002). Measuring mortality in short-tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) 

as they return from foraging after an aerial 1080 possum control operation. New Zealand journal of ecology 

26, 53-59. 

Keywords: bats/1080/baits/secondary poisoning/poisoning/possums/symptoms/analysis/behaviour 

Abstract: Lesser short-tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) feed on arthropod taxa known to consume 1080 

baits. Thus, they may be vulnerable to secondary poisoning after control operations for brushtail possums 

(Trichosurus vulpecula) using aerially broadcast 1080 baits. Short-tailed bat mortality was monitored 

during 11 days after 1080 baits were broadcast over their winter foraging area. Monitoring involved 

catching a sample of 269 bats as they arrived at a roost after foraging, then holding them in captivity for 48 

109


Appendix C 

hours. None of the captured bats displayed any symptoms of 1080 poisoning. Power analysis indicates 

that there was a > 0.95 probability of detecting mortality when the actual mortality rate was above 11.1 

deaths per thousand foraging flights. Uncertainties in assumptions about the bats' behaviour meanthat the 

overall population mortality corresponding to this minimum detectable mortality rate may range from 5.4 to 

28.4%, with the best estimate of 14.4%. Although it can be concluded that this 1080 operation probably 

did not cause major mortality of the short-tailed bats, several replicate trials are required before a 

generalised conclusion can be drawn about the fate of short-tailed bats following aerial 1080 operations. 

More information about short-tailed bat population demography is required to assess the impact of 1080 

operations on population viability. 

Lloyd, W. E. (1983). Sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) poisoning. In 'Current veterinary therapy 

VIII. Small animal practice'. (Ed. R. W. Kirk.) pp. 112-114. (W.B.Saunders: Philadelphia.) 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/mode of action/sodium fluoroacetate/1080/cats 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) is a potent rodenticide that has been restricyted to use by 

professional exterminators. Owing to its high toxicity in dogs and cats, it has been responsible for the 

deaths of these animals after they have ingested rodents killed by the compound. Fortunatley, the use of 

compound 1080, and therefore, the poisoning of pets have diminished during recent years. However, the 

practitioner should not rule out compound 1080 poisoning in carnivorous pet animals, even though there is 

no specific satisfactory treatment. Diagnosis and prognosis are discussed. 

Loracher, C. and Lux, H. D. (1974). Impaired hyperpolarising inhibition during insulin hypoglycaemia and 

fluoroactetate poisoning. Brain research 69, 164-169. 

Keywords: cats/mode of action/pathology/welfare/inhibition/poisoning/CNS/brain/fluoroacetate/symptoms 

Lotspiech, W. D., Peters, R A., and Wilson, T. H. (1952). The inhibition of aconitase by 'inhibitor fractions' 

isolated from tissues poisoned with fluoroacetate. Unknown 51, 20-25. 

Keywords: inhibition/aconitase/fluoroacetate/enzyme/citrate/poisoning/biochemistry 

Abstract: The fluorotricarboxylic acid fractions isolated from tissues poisoned with fluoroacetate have been 

shown to inhibit the following reactions of the enzyme aconitase: citrate to isocitrate, isocitrate to citrate, 

cis-aconitase to citrate, cis-aconitate to isocitrate. The reaction citrate to isocitrate is inhibited to the same 

degree as the reverse reaction; the two reactions starting with cis-aconitate are less sensitive to the inhibitor. 

It is considered that this inhibitor of aconitase has a direct relation tot eh accumulation of citrate in 

fluoroacetate poisoning. 

Lovelace, J., Miller, G. W., and Welkie, G. W. (1968). The accumulation of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate 

in forage crops collected near a phosphate plant. Atmospheric Environment 2, 187-190. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/persistence in plants/fluoride/aconitase/analysis/secondary 

poisoning/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Plants were collected from an are high in atmospheric fluoride. Animals grazing on this are 

showed severe fluoride injury. Analyses of plants indicated accumulation of fluorocitrate and fluoroacetate 

concentrations of 896 ug and 179 ug/g leaf dry weight. The presence of these compounds was established 

by chromatogrpahic techniques, inhibition of aconitase and i.r. spectral analysis. 

Lowe, M. 1080 in honey from possum baits, Rahotu - Taranaki. -17. 1994. 


Keywords: 1080/baits/humans/secondary poisoning/persistence in animals/honey 

Abstract: Honey was sampled from beehives within the flight zone of a possum poisoning operation using 

1080 with "jam" bait which is an attractive forage for bees. The methodology required some determination 

of bee activity and estimation of sample age so as to establish the link between samples and the poisoning 

operation. The highest concentration of 1080 detected in the honey was 15 ppb and subsequent tests 

showed a gradual decay down to 3 ppb after 59 days. The honey source that the samples were taken form 

would have eventually gone on sale after 16 weeks, hence there would not have been any detectable level 

of 1080 in teh sale product, although under different circumstances this time could be considerably shorter. 

There is no risk of acute poisoning from such low levels of 1080 and with regard to sublethal effects, there 

has been little research done. Aspects of risk management for Medical Officer of helath approvals, that 

110


Appendix C 

include such factors for consideration as toxicity, decay, public perception and oracticla options for 

reducing levels of contamination are discussed. 

Lynch, G. D. and Nass, R. D. (1981). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080): relation of its use to predation on 

livestock in western national forests, 1960-78. Journal of Range Management 34, 421-423. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/livestock/field efficacy/predators 

Abstract: Concern over certain animal damage control methods used by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 

primarily the predacide Compound 1080, prompted a Presidential Order in 1972 banning the use of 

toxicants ion public lands. This continuing ban of 1080 use has been reinforced by the recent policy address 

issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Following the initial ban, greater emphasis was placed on aerial 

hunting of coyotes for prevention and correction of damage to sheep and goats. Aerial hunting is expensive, 

however, and has only limited application in timbered, mountainous areas of many national forests. Inthe 

period since toxicants were banned, numbers of grazing livestock reported as lost to predationon western 

national forests has increased. Numbers of toxic bait stations (1080) used throughout the West, from 1960 

tot he 1972 ban, showed a strong inverse relationship with numbers of livestock reported lost to predation 

on national forests during these same years. 

Lyver, P. O'B., Ataria, J. M., and Trought, K. R-10604 Residues in Long-fin Eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) 

following Exposure to 1080 in Water and Food. Landcare Research Contract Report: LC0304/140, -22. 

2004. 


Keywords: residues/1080/baits/dermal/muscle/gut/possums/treatment/acute 

toxicity/toxicity/poisoning/metabolism/excretion/mammals/birds/degradation 

Abstract: Objectives 

• To determine the effect of exposing captive long-fin eels to 1080 from RS5 cereal pellet baits 

deployed in the water column (primary exposure) via: (a) ingestion and dermal absorption and; (b) via 

dermal absorption only. 

• To determine the effect of exposing captive long-fin eels to 1080 through the ingestion of possum 

muscle and gut tissue that contained 1080 (secondary exposure). 

• To measure the concentration of 1080 in eel muscle tissue following primary and secondary 

exposure. 

• To report findings and engage Ngâi Tahu tangata whenua and relevant stakeholders in a dialogue 

process regarding the use of 1080 in possum control and potential effects on longfin eels. 

Methods 

• Wild-sourced eels were acclimatised for 21 days in a wet-laboratory before being exposed to 1080 

in scenarios representative of primary or secondary exposure. 

• In Trial 1, to simulate direct access to baits in waterways, 16 eels were exposed to 1080 from RS5 

cereal baits (0.16%) wrapped in plastic mesh (Mesh) and 16 eels had free access to RS5 cereal 1080 bait 

(Free) placed directly into the water column. 

• In Trial 2, to simulate secondary exposure where eels scavenge the carcasses of possums poisoned 

by 1080, 24 eels were presented with three boluses of either muscle tissue (8.3 µg/g) from possums 

poisoned by 1080, or gut tissue (1.4 µg/g) from the same possums. As a control 24 eels were presented 

with either non-poisoned possum muscle or gut tissue. 

• In each trial eels were monitored daily for mortality and clinical signs of toxicosis. 

• In Trial 1, water samples were were collected and analysed for 1080 residue at 0, 5, and 48 h after 

bait deployment, and eel tissue 4 d after bait deployment. 

• In Trial 2 eel tissue was sampled and analysed for 1080 residue 12 d after beginning the 1080poisoned-tissue 

feeding regime. 

Results 

• No 1080 was detected in water samples from the control treatments in Trial 1 or 2. 

• In Trial 1, 1080 concentrations in water samples from the free- and meshed-pellet treatments were 

0.057 µg/ml and 0.025 µg/ml respectively 5 h after baits were placed in the tanks. These concentrations 

declined to


Appendix C 

samples from the pellet-free or pellet-mesh treatments. 

• In Trial 2, no 1080 was detected in water samples. There were detectable concentrations of 1080 

in the muscle of eels (mean = 0.011 µg/g) that had consumed possum muscle containing residues of 1080. 

Also, there were detectable concentrations of 1080 in the muscle of eels (mean = 0.010 µg/g) that had 

consumed possum gut containing residues of 1080. No significant difference in 1080 residue was detected 

in eels that had consumed contaminated possum muscle (mean = 0.012 µg/g) or gut (mean = 0.038 µg/g) 

tissue in the last 3 days of the trial (t = 2.17; d.f. = 7; P = 0.067). 

Conclusions 

• 1080 leached from cereal pellet baits is unlikely to kill eels. 

• Eels did not eat cereal 1080 baits in this study, suggesting that the risk of acute toxicity in eels 

from the consumption of baits in the field is low. 

• Risk to eels of acute 1080 poisoning following the consumption of possum tissue containing 

concentrations of 1080 up to 8.3 µg/g over 12 d also appears to be low. 

• Residues of 1080 will occur in eel muscle after eels consume tissue from 1080-poisoned possums, 

indicating the potential for secondary contamination of eels that scavenge possum carcasses in field 

conditions. 

• The detection of 1080 in the muscle tissue of an eel 9 d after it last consumed possum gut tissue 

containing residual 1080 suggests that the metabolism and excretion of sublethal doses of 1080 in long-fin 

eels may be slower than in mammals and birds. 


• To reduce response variation in the endpoints measured, all experiments were carried out in the 

laboratory under controlled conditions (e.g. environmental parameters and feeding regime). Although field 

conditions can increase variation in the response of biological endpoints, these may be balanced against a 

reduction in eel stress and benefits from increased environmental realism associated with field trials. Field 

trials could include eels and possum carcasses in natural waterways, monitoring of the presence and 

degradation of possum carcasses in and around (within 2 m) waterways after an aerial operation, and 

monitoring of wild eel stocks for 1080 residues before and after aerial baiting operations. 

• Proactive measures should be taken to address likely concerns regarding potential 1080 

contamination of eels for human consumption. To minimise negative impacts to the commercial fishing 

sector an in-depth study should be undertaken to evaluate the toxicokinetics of 1080 in eels so that an 

adequate withholding period can be established for eel harvest following baiting operations. 

• Given the apparent potential for eels to carry 1080 residues as the result of scavenging possum 

carcasses, initial evaluations of other scavenging aquatic fauna such as kanakana or piharau (Geotria 

australis; freshwater lamprey), which are also gathered for human consumption, should be considered. 

• As an additional risk-minimisation measure, the timing of aerial 1080 control operations with the 

hibernation period for eels and outside commercial fishing seasons should be implemented in appropriate 

areas. 

Lyver, P. O'B., Hayes, L., and Horn, C. A process for enhancing dialogue on security issues. Landcare 

Research Contract Report LCR0304/132, -33. 2004. Landcare Research, Lincoln. 


Keywords: pest/1080/New Zealand 

Abstract: The objective of this research was to find a better way for scientists to have meaningful dialogue 

with the wider community about contentious scientific issues. We tested a dialogue process that combined 

principles from Franklin Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" programme with aspects of 

tikanga Mâori (Mâori custom) on two pest control issues: the use of 1080 to control mammalian pest 

species and the introduction of biological control agents for weeds. We invited stakeholders with a history 

of involvement in these issues, as well as groups that traditionally have played a lesser role (e.g. women, 

youth, and the elderly), to participate in discussions or debate on these topics. The dialogue occurred at 

four 2-day hui around New Zealand: two in the North Island and two in the South Island. 

This report outlines the background of this work, the processes and activities used during each hui, and our 

overall reflections on this project. 

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Appendix C 

Important lessons learned were: 

1. The process proved to be a successful formula for engaging stakeholders in dialogue. It helped 

people discover common ground, learn more about the standpoints of others, and build trust and 

understanding. 

2. Much time has to be spent building relationships with stakeholders prior to the dialogue event. 

The event itself is just the tip of the iceberg. 

3. While it seems a good idea to cast the net widely when looking for participants, they need to see 

that they will benefit from attending. 

4. Taking 2 days out to attend a hui was a problem for some groups and prevented them from 

attending. By contrast many of those who did attend said they would have liked it to be longer. 

5. Providing support through information and guidance was an important part of helping people to 

deal with a culturally unfamiliar environment. 

6. Getting women to present formally to the group was difficult, but they were very good at working 

within the group and interacting less formally. 

7. Participants need to be present at the hui for the entire time because the dialogue process builds 

upon itself. 

8. Much of the success of the process came from finding common ground, which then allowed 

people to discuss the science and work through the problem. 

9. Complex problems require the negative aspects of a solution to be balanced against other 

alternatives. The strength of dialogue in this situation was that it allowed each participant to weigh up the 

positive and negative points for themselves in an environment where those in authority were not able to 

move into persuasion mode. 

10. People need time and a reason to consider issues and to develop their own understanding and 

solutions. Most experts have had years to consider the issues, other people need more than just a public 

meeting for this. "Taking people with us" therefore means providing a reason and opportunities for them to 

participate in piecing together an understanding of the issues rather than trying to persuade them. 

11. People are taught to speak, but are not taught to listen. To exchange knowledge we need to 

develop our listening skills. It takes training, effort, work, and self-aware reflection to build good listening 

skills. 

12. Effective facilitation is essential for good dialogue. 

13. Removing participants from familiar surroundings assisted with breaking down barriers between 

groups. Being placed in a "new" environment helped participants to become more open to "new" ideas or 

alternative perspective. 

Macchiavello, A. (1946). Plague control with DDT and "1080" : results achieved in a plague epidemic at 

Tumbes, Peru, 1945. American journal of public health 36, 842-854. 

Keywords: target species 

Mackintosh, G. R. (1950). Destruction of wild pigs by poisoned baits. New Zealand journal of agriculture 

80, 259-262. 

Keywords: pigs/baits/field efficacy 

Marais, J. S. C. (1944). Monofluoroacetic acid, the toxic principle of "Gifblaar" Dichapetalum cymosum 

(Hook) Engl. Onderstepoort journal of veterinary science and animal industry 20, 67-73. 

Keywords: product chemistry/occurrence in nature 

Marks, C. A., Busana, F., and Gigliotti, F. (1999). Assessment of the M-44 ejector for the delivery of 1080 

for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) control. Wildlife research 26, 101-109. 

Keywords: 1080/foxes/lethal dose/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/non-target species 

Abstract: The M-44 ejector delivered a reliable lethal dose of 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) to captive 

foxes, with a capsule dose of 2.0 mg of 1080, if a 'collar' modification was used. Behavioural observations 

indicated that the collar influenced the orientation of the fox's mouth to the M-44 bait upon activation, 

resulting in a much greater amount of 1080 entering its mouth. This dose is below the 3 mg currently used 

in fox baits in Victoria and may increase the margin of safety for non-target species during 1080 baiting 

113


Appendix C 

programs. The authors discuss some of the potential advantages of the ejector over the use of meat baits, 

such as the elimination of bait caching and improved target specificity. The potential for the M-44 to 

deliver an even lower lethal dose of 1080, which is closer to the reported theoretical bait LD100 of 1.25 mg 

for this species, may further reduce the risk of 1080 baiting to non-target species such as tiger quolls. 

[References: 25] 25 

Marks, C. A., Hackman, C., Busana, F., and Gigliotti, F. (2000). Assuring that 1080 toxicosis in the red fox 

(Vulpes vulpes) is humane: fluoroacetic acid (1080) and drug combinations. Wildlife research 27, 483-494. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/welfare/mammals/1080/treatment 

Marrazzi, M. A. and Holliday, J. F. (1981). Comparison of insulin hypoglycemia-induced and 

fluoroacetate-induced convulsions in gold thioglucose lesioned mice. Biochemical Pharmacology 30, 3231- 

3237. 

Keywords: convulsions/brain/fluoroacetate/citrate 

Abstract: In addition to its well known effect in producing hyperphagia, resulting in obesity, and 

histological damage focused relatively selectively in the ventromedial hypothalamic area, systemically 

administered gold thioglucose (GTG) also increased the sensitivity to insulin hypoglycemic convulsions. 

The change was in the convulsive response to equal hypoglycemia, rather than in the degree of 

hypoglycemia in response to insulin. The effect suggests that a relatively discreet control center is involved 

in adjusting brain functions to metabolic alterations, in this case hypoglycemia. These results compare the 

effects of GTG lesions on insulin hypoglycemic and fluoroacetate-induced convulsions. GTG lesions did 

not alter the sensitivity to another metabolic convulsant, fluoroacetate, which blocks the Krebs cycle by 

blocking the conversion of citrate to isocitrate. Thus, although related in both cases to a shortage of 

available cellular fuel, the metabolic convulsions induced by insulin hypoglycemia and fluoroacetate must 

be qualitatively different. 

Marsh, R. E., Schmidt, R. H., and Howard, W. E. (1987). Secondary hazards to coyotes of ground squirrels 

poisoned with 1080 or strychnine. Wildlife Society bulletin 15, 380-385. 

Keywords: 1080/strychnine/baits/lethal dose/secondary poisoning/predators/persistence in animals 

Abstract: Separate groups of California ground squirrels were laboratory fed either strychnine or 1080treated 

baits in amounts representative of low or high consumption rates expected to occur in a control 

program. Acute and chronic secondary toxicity was subsequently evaluated with captive groups of 4-7 

coyotes. In these acute tests, a single feeding of 2 squirrels, which had consumed either a low (0.5 mg) or 

high (3.0 mg) lethal dose of 1080, was fed to each coyote of the test groups. No mortality occurred in the 

coyotes given 2 low-dose squirrels, but 5 of 6 coyotes that were given 2 squirrels receiving the high 1080 

dose (ie 6 times the low dose) died. In teh chronic 1080 test, 1 of 7 (14.2%) coyotes that consumed a lowdose 

squirrel for 5 consecutive days died. This suggests little secondary hazard for 5 low (0.5 mg) multiple 

doses. 

Martin, G. R. and Twigg, L. E. (2001). Sensitivity to sodium fluoroacetate (1080) of native animals from 

north-western Australia. Wildlife research in press, in press. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/secondary poisoning/birds/citrate/approximate lethal dose 

Abstract: The sensitivity to sodium fluoroacetate (1080) of 9 species of native animals from north Western 

Australia was assessed using the increasing dose procedure to determine the Approximate Lethal Dose 

(ALD) for each species. Increases in plasma citrate concentration was also determined for some species. 

Granivorous birds from this region (e.g. ducks, corellas) were generally more sensitive to 1080 than their 

counterparts from southern Australia, and theoretically be at risk from primary poisoning during 1080 

grain-based baiting programs. However, the tolerance to 1080 of birds of prey from these areas is sufficient 

that these species face little risk of secondary poisoning during pest control programs aimed at rodents or 

rabbits. The risk of primary posioning to raptors from meat baits conatinign 6 mg 1080 per bait or less 

appears to be low. The coexistence of brown falcons and barn owls with fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation 

over parts fo their range has probably contributed to their development of tolerance to fluoroacetate. 

Martin, G. R., Twigg, L. E., Marlow, N. J., Kirkpatrick, W. E., and Gaikhorst, G. (2002). The acceptability 

of three types of predator baits to captive non-target animals. Wildlife research 29, 489-502. 

Keywords: baits/non-target species/poisoning/1080/tolerance/rodents/predators 

114


Appendix C 

Abstract: The acceptability of three types of non-toxic predator baits to a variety of indigenous non-target 

species was determined in the laboratory. The bait-types tested were: Dried Meat Bait (DMB), Probait and 

two sizes of FoxOff(TM) baits (30 g and 60 g). The potential poisoning risk, if the baits had been toxic, 

was calculated for each species from their consumption of non-toxic bait and their sensitivity to 1080. 

Three species consistently sampled baits; Dasyurus geoffroii, Trichosurus vulpecula and Rattus fuscipes. 

Where species have had exposure to fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation, their consumption of bait and their 

level of tolerance to 1080 was such that only 2 of 15, 4 of 15, and 3 of 6 species were considered to be 

potentially at some risk from toxic DMBs, Probait, and FoxOff(TM) baits, respectively. In contrast, and 

mainly because of their lower tolerance to 1080, the theoretical risk for those species without evolutionary 

exposure to fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation was such that 6 of 12, 8 of 12, and 8 of 9 species theoretically 

face a high or moderate risk from 3-mg DMBs, Probait, and FoxOff(TM) baits, respectively. We 

emphasise, however, that theoretical risk does not necessarily equate to a practical risk, and these results 

are best used to determine which non-target species should be monitored at the population level during 

predator-control operations. Factors affecting the potential risk to non-target indigenous animals, and some 

cautions when extrapolating data from laboratory-based studies to the field situation, are discussed. 

Martinez, R. R. (1979). Diagnosis and frequency of the most commonly identified intoxications of dogs in 

the Mexico City area. Veterinaria, Mexico 10, 45-49. 

Keywords: diagnosis/dogs/strychnine/zinc phosphide/warfarin/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Among 49 dogs diagnosed clinically as poisoned, strychnine was demonstrated in 21, zinc 

phosphide in 2, lead in 3, dieldrin in 1, warfarin in 3, thalium in 1, an organic phosphorus insecticide in 1 

and probably fluoroacetate in 2; the cause was not determined in 15. Death was usually sudden 

Matsubara, I., Kamiya, J., and Imai, S. (1980). Cardiotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil in the Guinea Pig. 

Japan J.Pharmacol. 30, 871-879. 

Keywords: chemistry/heart/mode of action/5-fluorouracil/citrate/Krebs cycle 

Abstract: In order to search into the underlying mechanisms of ECG changes suggestive of ischemia 

observed in humans and in rabbits after administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), experiments were 

performed in anesthetized open-chest guinea pigs. The substance produced similar ECG changes in this 

species as well, after a rather long latent period of around 3 hours intravenous administration. The 

incidence of ECG abnormality in animals given 60 mg/kg was 7/7, while that in animals given 30 mg/kg 

was 4/9. With 10-20 mg/kg, ECG changes were not observed during an experimental period as long as 5 

hours. Associated with these ECG changes, a depletion of the high-energy phosphate compounds of the 

ventricular myocardium was observed. Analysis of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) intermediates 

revealed an accumulation of citrate within the myocardium, suggesting a malfunction of TCA cycle 

resulting from an inhibition of aconitase by fluorocitrate, as a cause of depletion of the high-energy 

phosphates. It is probable that the accumulation of citrate was due to the formation of fluoroacetate, an 

inhibitor of aconitase, from 5_FU via alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine, a major degradation product of 5-FU, for it 

is known that beta-alanine is usually converted to acetate. 

Matsumura, F. and O'Brien, R. D. (1963). A comparative study of the modes of action of fluoroacetamide 

and fluoroacetate in the mouse and American cockroach. Biochemical Pharmacology 12, 1201-1205. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/fluoroacetate/poisoning/citrate/fluorocitrate/muscle/invertebrates/metabolism 

Abstract: In the American cockroach and mouse, both fluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide poisoning led to 

large large citrate concentrations in the body. In the cockroach poisoned with fluoroacetamide, 

fluoroacatate and fluorocitrate were found in muscle. It thus seems probable that the first step in 

fluoroacetamide poisoning is hydrolysis to fluoroacetate. This hydrolysis was more rapid in cockroach 

homogenates than in mouse homogenates, which may account for the selective toxicity of fluoroacetamide 

to the cockroach. 

Mazzanti, L., Lopez, M., and Berti, M. G. (1964). Selective destruction in testes induced by 

fluoroacetamide. Experientia 20, 492-493. 

Keywords: testes/fluoroacetamide/reproductive effects 

Mazzanti, L. (1965). Atrophy of the testis produced by sodium monofluoroacetate in albino rats. 

Experientia 21, 446-447. 

115


Appendix C 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/rats/monofluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/testes/reproductive effects 

Abstract: The lesions caused by sodium monofluoroacetate on the testis of the albino rat are described. 

They consist of regressive modifications of the seminiferous tubules which initially cause damage tot he 

intermediate stages and only later to the spermatogonia. The action of sodium monofluoroacetate is similar 

to that of fluoroacetamide. 

Mazzanti, L., Lopez, M., and Del Tacca, M. (1968). Regeneration of testes atrophied by fluoroacetamide. 


Keywords: testes/fluoroacetamide/reproductive effects/rats/treatment/sublethal effects 

Abstract: Morphological changes of atrophic testis, obtained by treating normal rats with fluoroacetamide, 

are studied at various times after treatment. The data show that the testicular germinal epithelium is fully 

regenerated 165 days after treatment. 

McCombie, H. and Saunders, B. C. (1946). Fluoroacetates and allied compounds. Nature 158, 382-385. 

Keywords: product chemistry/fluoroacetate 

McDougall, W. A. (1949). The rat poisons, sodium fluoroacetate and "Castrix". Queensland Journal of 

Agricultural Science 6, 54-60. 

Keywords: poisons/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/efficacy/baits/lethal dose/rodents 

Abstract: The rat poisons sodium fluoroacetate ("1080") and "Castrix" were tested against Rattus conatus 

and Melomys littoralis in cages, and against R. conatus in settled field populations. Feeding tests show that 

the LD50 for R. conatus and M. littoralis respectively are : sodium fluoroacetate, 1.42 mg/kg, 2.23 mg/kg, 

Castrix, 4.46 mg/kg, 5.62 mg/kg. An I.T.F. of 3.5 is obtained at a poison strength of 1:1000 with 1080 and 

at 1:250 with Castrix. Both these white powders which can be used with grain are technically good rat 

poisons. There are strong indications that the general use of Castrix would be more dangerous than that of 

1080. The latter (which is water soluble) at a strength of 1:1000 could replace, without any loss of efficacy, 

the expensive thallous sulphate in food baits for use in Queensland canefields. Though highly toxic, neither 

of these two new rat poisons can replace yellow phosphorus un bread snap baits. 

McDowell, E. M. (1973). Light and electron microscope studies of rat kidney after administration of 

inhibitors of the citric acid cycle in vivo. Virchows Arch.Abt.B Zellpath. 13, 321-340. 

Keywords: kidney/citric acid/Krebs cycle/fluorocitrate/rodents/pathology 

Abstract: The morphological changes that occurred in the pars recta tubules of rat kidney after single 

intraperitoneal injections of sodium fluorocitrate, a competitive inhibitor of aconitase, at 15 or 60 mg per kg 

body weight are described. A gamut of pathological changes occurred along the length of renal proximal 

tubules during fluorocitrate poisoning. These changes must be related in part to the physiological, 

functional and metabolic capacities of different segments of the proximal tubules. 

McEwan, T. (1964). Isolation and identification of the toxic principle of Gastrolobium grandiflorum. 

Queensland Journal of Agricultural Science 21Copy of paper on file., 1-14. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

McEwan, T. (1978). Organo-fluorine compounds in plants. In 'Effects of Poisonous Plants on Livestock'. 

(R. F. Keeler, K. R. Van Kampen, and L. F. JamesEds. ) pp. 147-158. (Academic Press: 

Keywords: livestock/toxicity/fluoroacetate/poisoning/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: A brief review is presented of the occurrence of organofluroine compounds in plants and of the 

effects of feeding plants with F. The compounds are found in Dichapetalum cymosum, Acacia georginae, 

Palicourea marcgravii, Gastrolobium spp. and Oxylobium spp. The influence of F location in a molecule on 

toxicity is discussed and the toxicities of a range of organofluorine compounds, both naturally occurring 

and synthetic, are summarized. Distribution of fluoroacetate in Acacia georginae is considered and the 

various findings are related to the incidence of poisoning of sheep and cattle in the field. Difficulties in 

detection of organofluorine compounds are emphasized and possible areas of further investigation are 

indicated 

116


Appendix C 

McGary, E. and Meloan, C. E. (1981). A rapid qualitative method for the detection of monofluoroacetic 

acid (1080) in liquid baits. Analytical letters 14, 1653-1657. 


McGirr, J. L. and Papworth, D. S. (1955). The toxicity of rodenticides I. Sodium fluoroacetate, Antu and 

warfarin. The Veterinary Record February 12, 124-131. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/warfarin 

McIlroy, J. C. (1981). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison II. Marsupial and Eutherian 

Carnivores. Aust.Wildl.Res. 8, 385-399. 

Keywords: 1080/fluoroacetate/mammals/marsupials/secondary poisoning/carnivores/non-target species 

Abstract: Eutherian carnivores were more sensitive to 1080 poison than marsupial carnivores. Both groups 

of animals displayed similar symptoms but there was wide intra- and interspecific variation in the time to 

onset, the sequence of occurrence and duration of the symptoms. The risks that individual carnivores face 

from primary and secondary poisoning have been assessed. Theoretically, dingoes probably face the 

greatest risk amongst the species studied, followed by members of the smaller dasyurids and feral cats. 

Members of the dasyurids and long-nosed bandicoots probably face the least risk. Factors likely to 

influence the actual effect of 1080-poisoning campaigns on carnivore populations are discussed. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1981). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison I. Intraspecific variation and 

factors affecting acute toxicity. Wildlife research 9, 369-383. 

Keywords: 1080/poison/acute toxicity 

McIlroy, J. C. (1982). The sensitivity of Australian carnivorous mammals to 1080 poison. In 'Carnivorous 

marsupials'. (Ed. M. Archer.) pp. 267-271. (Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales: Mosman, 

NSW.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/mammals/1080/marsupials 

McIlroy, J. C. (1982). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison IV. Native and introduced 

rodents. Aust.Wildl.Res. 9, 505-517. 

Keywords: 1080/tolerance/fluoroacetate/mammals/rodents/acute toxicity/diagnosis/baits/time to death 

Abstract: Most rodent species that have been tested in Australia and elswhere are highly sensitive to 1080 

poison. A few native species, particularly members of the 'pseudo-mouse group' (Conilurini), part of whose 

range is in Western Australia, are much more tolerant. These species may have developed this tolerance 

from being exposed to indigenous plants that contain fluoroacetate. The most common signs of poisoning 

amongst rodents are depression, hypersensitivity to stimuli, respiratory distress and convulsions. Signs of 

poisoning first appeared amongst the species tested in this study 0.4 - 38.1 h after dosing. Deaths occurred 

0.7 - 205.8 h after dosing. The susceptibility to 1080-poisoning of the 14 species of rodents tested in 

Australia depends on both sensitivity and body size, and is discussed in relation to typical baits and 

concentrations of 1080 used against vertebrate pests. Individuals of most species of rodents would appear to 

face a considerable risk if pest-poisoning campaigns are carried out within their range, but the crucial factor 

governing the actual effect on populaions will be how many individuals find and eat the baits. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1982). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison III. Marsupial and eutherian 

herbivores. Wildlife research 9, 487-503. 

Keywords: 1080/poison/carnivores/lethal dose/time to death/symptoms 

McIlroy, J. C. (1983). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison VI. Bandicoots. Australian 

wildlife research 10, 507-512. 

Keywords: non-target species/acute toxicity/1080 

McIlroy, J. C. (1983). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison V. The sensitivity of feral pigs, 

Sus scrofa, to 1080 and its implications for poisoning campaigns. Aust.Wildl.Res. 10, 139-148. 

Keywords: 1080/pigs/poisoning/lethal dose/analysis/mammals/poisons/baits/birds/non-target species/field 

efficacy 

Abstract: Acute oral LD50s (median lethal doses) and 95% confidence limits of 1080 poison for feral pigs, 

117


Appendix C 

Sus scrofa, obtained by moving average and probit analysis methods are 1.04 (0.84 - 1.27) mg/kg and and 

1.00 (0.72 - 1.28) mg/kg respectively. These values are slightly higher than LD50s obtained for pigs by 

intraperitoneal dosing but similar to those obtained by oral dosing for other eutherian mammals. Signs of 

poisoning, either vomiting or increasing lethergy and laboured respiration, appeared from 1.97 to 47.3 h 

(median 6.2 h) after dosing, and deaths from 2.8 to 80 h (median 16.1 h) after dosing. Although 1080 is one 

of the most toxic poisons for pigs it has disadvantages, including the relatively large amounts that must be 

distributed in baits to kill pigs, and the comparatively greater susceptibility to it of many non-target birds 

and mammals. For example, 36 species out of a selection of 40 non-target species likely to feed on 

poisoned baits are more suscpetible to 1080 than pigs. In practice many other factors such as bait 

acceptance will govern what proportions of target and non-target populations will be poisoned. Attention to 

methods of posioning or baiting techniques could minimise the risk non-target animals face from pigpoisoning 

campaigns. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1983). The sensitivity of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) to 1080 poison. New 

Zealand journal of ecology 6, 125-131. 

Keywords: 1080/possums/baits/aversion/lethal dose/field efficacy 

Abstract: A knwoledge of the sensitivity of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) to 1080 poison is 

important as a basis for planning effective control campaigns. This study assesses the effects that 

experimental procedure may have on determining the LD50 of 1080 for brushtail possums and reports on 

the variation in sensitivity within an between different populations of the species in Australia, where it is 

indigenous. LD50s obtained ranged from 0.39 -0.92 mg/kg with 95% confidence limits of from 0.29 -1.20 

mg/kg. These figures are similar to those obtained by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries researchers in 

New Zealand but are less than those obtained by the New Zealand Forest Service and bring into question 

which figures are valid for free roaming possums in the bush. This is important in regard to the toxic 

loading of baits, particularly given the reported aversion by some possums to baits containing the recently 

increased concentrations of 1080 recommended for possum control in New Zealand forest areas. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1984). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison VII. Native and introduced 

birds. Australian wildlife research 11, 373-385. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/acute toxicity/1080/lethal dose/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/tolerance/fluoroacetate/poisoning/convulsions/baits 

Abstract: Birds in Australia vary greatly in their sensitivity to 1080 poison (sodium monofluoroacetate). 

Median lethal doses (LD50s) range from 0.63 mg kg-1 for red-browed firetails, Emblema temporalis, to 

approximately 278 mg kg-1 for the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae. Significant differences occur 

between the sensitivity of different groups of birds and may be related to differences in their metabolic 

rates. A few species may also have developed a tolerance to 1080 from being exposed to indigenous plants 

that contain fluoroacetate, or to insects and other animals which have fed on such plants. The most 

common signs of 1080 poisoning among birds are depression, fluffed feathers, a reluctance to move and 

convulsions. Signs of poisoning first appeared among the species tested at 1-60 h after dosing, and deaths 

follow between 1 h to almost 11 days after dosing. The susceptibility of 48 species of birds in Australia to 

1080 poisoning is discussed in relation to typical baits and poison concentrations used against vertebrate 

pests. Theoretically, fewer types of birds are likely to be at risk from dingo-poisoning than pig-poisoning 

campaigns that also use meat baits but higher concentration of 1080. Individuals of 39 out of the 48 species 

could be at risk from rabbit and other pig-poisoning campaigns. The impact on the bird population will 

depend, among other factors, on the amount of bait individuals eat and on the poisoning methods 

employed. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1984). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison I. Intraspecific variation and 

factors affecting acute toxicity. Australian wildlife research 8, 369-383. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/rabbits/possums/birds/mammals/non-target species/1080 

McIlroy, J. C., King, D. R., and Oliver, A. J. (1985). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison 

VIII. Amphibians and reptiles. Australian wildlife research 12, 113-118. 

Keywords: non-target species/acute toxicity/1080/reptiles 

118


Appendix C 

McIlroy, J. C. (1986). The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison IX. Comparisons between the 

major groups of animals, and the potential danger non-target species face from 1080-poisoning campaigns. 


Keywords: non-target species/mammals/acute toxicity/1080 

Abstract: The sensitivity of a species to 1080 poison is difficult to predict from toxicity data for other, 

closely related species. LD50s of practical use for evaluating the risk species might face from 1080poisoning 

campaigns can be obtained for untested members of some groups by the use of either values fro 

similar species, regression equations involving body weight, or the lower 95% confidence limits of the 

distribution of LD50s of members in each group. 

Among the 171 species for which there are data there was considerable variability in the time until signs of 

poisoning became apparent (0.1 h ->7 days), the time to death (0.1 h-> 21days) and the time until animals 

began to show signs of recovery (2h-18 days). Marsupial carnivores generally showed signs earlier and 

died or recovered quicker than eutherian carnivores, eutherian herbivores and the marsupial herbivores of 

eastern Australia, even though the last three groups have lower LD50s. Reptiles and amphibians generally 

were the slowest to show signs of poisoning, to die or to recover, and the highest LD50s. 

All species in Australia for which toxicity data are available were ranked according to the percentage of 

their body weight they would have to eat of various poison baits to receive and LD50. Many non-target 

species require lower percentages than the target animals consumption of lethal bait may be affected by 

various factors. Finally, an evaluation is given of the major groups of animals potentially most at risk in 

1080-poisoning campaigns in Australia, based on their susceptibility to 1080. 

McIlroy, J. C., Gifford, E. J., and Cooper, R. J. (1986). Effects on non-target animal populations of wild 

dog trail-baiting campaigns with 1080 poison. Australian wildlife research 13, 447-453. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/mammals/1080 

McIlroy, J. C., Gifford, E. J., and Carpenter, S. M. (1988). The effect of rainfall and blowfly larvae on the 

toxicity of '1080'-treated meat baits used in poisoning campaigns against wild dogs. Australian wildlife 

research 15, 473-483. 

Keywords: bait degradation/poisoning/dogs 

McIlroy, J. C. and King, D. (1990). Appropriate amounts of 1080 poison in baits to control foxes, Vulpes 

vulpes. Aust.Wildl.Res. 17, 11-13. 

Keywords: 1080/baits/foxes/lethal dose/field efficacy 

Abstract: Data are presented on the sensitivity of foxes to 1080 poison, which, although not meeting the 

requirements for the calculation of a precise LD50, provide a bsis for determining the appropriate amount 

of 1080 to use in baits to control foxes. Amounts of 2.5 mg per bait appear ample, based on the lethal dose 

of c. 0.15 mg/kg for foxes, but further trials may be necessary to confirm whether this provides sufficient 

allowance for possible reduced bioavailability and reductions in 1080 concentration in meat baits under 

different environmental conditions. 

McIlroy, J. C. and Gifford, E. J. (1991). Effect on non-target animal popualtions of a rabbit trail-baiting 

campaign with 1080 poison. Wildlife research 18, 315-325. 

Keywords: 1080/birds/mammals/rabbits/foxes/non-target species/field efficacy 

Abstract: Populations of non-target birds and mammals on a semi-cleared grazing property near 

Braidwood, New South Wales, did not appear to be affected by a trail-baiting campaign against rabbits, 

Oryctolagus cuniculus, using pellet bait and 1080 poison. Rabbit numbers were reduced by about 90% and 

those of the fox, Vulpes vulpes, another exotic pest, by about 75%. Populations of both pest species began 

recovering soon after the campaign, indicating the need for continued control measures. 

McIlroy, J. C. and Gifford, E. J. (1992). Secondary poisoning hazards associated with 1080-treated carrotbaiting 

campaigns against rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Wildlife research 19, 629-641. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/non-target species/rabbits/acute toxicity/1080/cats/dogs/poisoning 

Abstract: The potential hazards that rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and other animals that may be poisoned 

during rabbit-control campaigns present to different carrion-eating animals were evaluated by comparing 

the amounts of 1080 that carrion-eaters could ingest from feeding on poisoned corpses with their measure 

sensitivity to the poison, Foxes, Vulpes vulpes, dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, dogs, Canis f. familiaris, 

119


Appendix C 

and cats, Felis catus, probably face greater risk of secondary poisoning than other animals from feeding on 

rabbits poisoned with 1080-treated carrots. The extent to which other carrion-eating animals, particularly 

what and how much of the different tissues and organs of poisoned animals they eat, whether they vomit or 

regurgitate partly digested food, and whether they quickly develop and aversion to the taste or smell of 

1080. Secondary poisoning hazards during rabbit-control campaigns can be minimised by using the 

minimum effective concentration of 1080 in baits for rabbits, by using the minimum effective number of 

'free foods' of bait, and by removing all dead animals that can be found from the treated area. 

McIlroy, J. C. (1994). Susceptibility of target and non-target animals to 1080. In 'Proceedings of the 

Science Workshop on 1080. 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand.'. (A. A. Seawright and C. 

T. EasonEds. ) pp. 90-96. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/poison/tolerance/fluoroacetate/birds/rabbits/possums/baits/poisoning 

Abstract: The likelihood of an animal being killed by pest-control programs with 1080 depends on many 

factors. The animal's sensitivity to the poison is a key factor, but this may vary according to the animal's 

age or breeding condition, or whether its ancestors developed a tolerance to 1080 through feeding on plants 

that naturally contain fluoroacetate. Measurements of sensitivity to 1080 can vary according to differences 

in the experimental procedure used to obtain them, and may not necessarily indicate sensitivity under field 

conditions. 

Body size is also important in influencing what amounts of 1080 may prove lethal to different animals; 

small animals, such as passerine birds, are often more tolerant to 1080 than pests such as rabbits, 

Oryctolagus cuniculus, and brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, but can be killed by eating much 

smaller total amounts of 1080. Their fate during a baiting program depends on many factors, but 

principally on how many baits or poisoned animals they encounter and how much 1080 they ingest. 

The susceptibility of animal populations to 1080-poisoning can be gauged also by assessing their ability 

(in terms of reproductive an dispersal capacities) to recover from reductions in numbers caused by 

poisoning programs. Predictions of potential susceptibility should be compared with measurements of the 

actual impact of poisoning programs on populations. Results from field studies indicate that such 

predictions are likely to overemphasise the risk that non-target animals face, but more studies are required 

on rare and endangered species. 

McIntosh, I. G. (1958). 1080 poison. Outstanding animal pest destroyer. New Zealand journal of 

agriculture 97, 361-366. 


Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) has been proved during the last 15 years to be an extremely 

effective poison against warm-blooded animal pests in America. In Australia and New Zealand it is being 

used sucessfully against the rabbit. Its properties are such as to commend it for the control of all 

mammalian pests and as it is likely to be used more widely in this country in the future, it is desirable that 

farmers, hunters, and others should be informed about its nature and properties 

McIntosh, I. G. and Staples, E. L. J. (1959). The toxicity of muscle, liver, and heart of deer poisoned with 

sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). New Zealand journal of science 2, 371-378. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/mammals/persistence in animals/deer/heart/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/1080/muscle/liver/humans 

McIntosh, I. G. (1963). 1080 Poison Baits for Animal Pests. Wallaceville shows that proper use will not 

bees or affect honey. New Zealand journal of agriculture 141-143. 

Keywords: 1080/poison/baits/honey 

Abstract: Trials by Wallaceville Animal Research Centre have shown that: Bees are attracted to jam baits in 

which 1080 is used as a poison, but the baits can be laid only by, or under the supervision of, approved 

operators. They are instructed not to lay baits within 1/4 mile of apiaries. Close watch on 1080 poisoning 

operations in the past six years has produced no evidence of mass mortalities of bees. 

McIntosh, I. G., Bell, J., Poole, W. S. H., and Staples, E. L. J. (1966). The toxicity of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) to the North Island weka (Gallirallus australis greyi). New Zealand journal of 

science 9, 125-128. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/birds/non-target species/persistence in animals/secondary poisoning/1080 

120


Appendix C 

McIntosh, I. G. (1976). "Ten-Eighty" poison for animal pests. New Zealand journal of agriculture 

September 1976, 65-69. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/humans/non-target species 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is an extremely effective poison against warm-blooded animal 

pests; it's properties are such as to commend it for the control of all animal pests. As it is used extensively 

used, in New Zealand and overseas, it is desirable that farmers, hunters and others should be informed 

about its nature and properties. This article examines its poisonous properties, the precautions to be take by 

users and the risks to humans, domestics animals and wildlife. 

McNaughton, A. and Greene, B. The effect of 1080 on the Hochstetter's frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri) 

population in the Hunua Ranges. ARC Parks Technical publication series, No 7. 1994. Auckland Regional 

Council. 


Keywords: 1080/non-target species/amphibian 

McTaggart, D. R. (1970). Poisoning due to sodium fluoroacetate ("1080"). The Medical Journal of 

Australia 2, 641-642. 

Keywords: diagnosis/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: A boy, aged eight years, was admitted to hospital in status epilepticus following the ingestion of 

sodium fluoroacetate ("1080"). Subsequently, he was resuscitated from cardiac arrest, but was left with 

severe neurological impairment. This widely-used agricultural poison is cardiotoxic and neurotoxic, and 

stringent precautions exist to control its use. 

Mead, R. J. and Segal, W. (1972). Fluoroacetic acid biosynthesis : a proposed mechanism. Australian 

journal of biological sciences 25, 327-333. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/product chemistry/biosynthesis 

Mead, R. J., Oliver, A. J., and King, D. R. (1979). Metabolism and defluorination of fluoroacetate in the 

brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Australian journal of biological sciences 32, 15-26. 

Keywords: metabolism/defluorination/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The brush-tailed possum from Western Australia was found to be nearly 150 times more resistant 

to fluoroacetate intoxication in vivo than the same species from South Australia. Acetone powder 

preparations from the liver of animals from both populations showed similar abilities to convert 

fluoroacetate into fluorocitrate. Aconitate hydratase activity in liver preparations from both Western 

Australian and South Australian animals was similarly and competitively inhibited by fluorocitrate. Both 

animals were capable of defluorinating fluoroacetate at similar rates by a glutathione-dependent enzymatic 

mechanism resulting in the formation of free fluoride ion and S-carboxymethylcysteine. Glutathione was 

also capable of partial protection against the toxic effects of fluoroacetate in vitro by a further unelucidated 

mechanism. 

Mead, R. J. The biochemistry and coevolutionary role of monofluoroacetic acid in plant animal interaction 

in Australia. 1980. University of Western AustraliaEditor. 


Keywords: biochemistry/monofluoroacetic acid/occurrence in nature/tolerance 

Mead, R. J., Moulden, D. L., and Twigg, L. E. (1985). Significance of sulfhydryl compounds in the 

manifestation of fluoroacetate toxicity to the rat, brush-tailed possum, woylie and estern grey kangaroo. 

Australian journal of biological sciences 38, 139-149. 

Keywords: mammals/mode of 

action/metabolism/fluoroacetate/citrate/rodents/marsupials/possums/kidney/liver/defluorination/toxicity/rat 

s/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/plasma/fluorocitrate/inhibition/tolerance 

Abstract: Levels of citrate in kidneys and livers of rats with normal glutathione levels increased 6.8 and 

1.7-fold respectively after dosing with 1.5 mg of compound 1080 (=95% sodium fluoroacetate) per 

kilogram bodyweight. In animals with liver glutathione levels 15% of normal increases in plasma and liver 

citrate levels after dosing with fluoroacetate were significantly greater than those of control animals. 

Cysteamine and N-acetylcysteine, like glutathione, partially prtoected aconitat hydratase from fluorocitrate 

121


Appendix C 

inhibition in rat liver preparations but were unable to replace glutathione as a substrate for the 

defluorination of fluoroacetate in vivo. _______ The in vivo defluorination patterns of four mammal species 

with differing sensitivities to fluoroacetate did not indicate a direct relationship between tolerance and rate 

of defluorination and it as also suggested that a high level of activity of glutathione-S-transferase 

responsible for the defluorination of fluoroacetate is not the major mechanism for circumventing 

fluoroacetate toxicity in resistant mammals. 

Mead, R. J., Oliver, A. J., King, D. R., and Hubach, P. H. (1985). The co-evolutionary role of fluoroacetate 

in plant-animal interactions in Australia. Oikos 44, 55-60. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/occurrence in nature/tolerance/mammals/marsupials 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate-bearing species of Gastrolobium and Oxylobium occur in SW but not SE Australia. 

Populations of grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus), bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) and rat kangaroos 

(Bettongia penicillata) whose ranges include these plants are highly resistant to fluoroacetate, while an 

island population of B. lesueur, separated from contact with fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation for at least 

7000 yr is moderately tolerant. The grey kangaroo includes these plants in its diet and it appears that the 

production of fluoroacetate as a protection against herbivore grazing pressure and the development of 

genetic resistance to the toxin is a co-evolutionary event which has occurred in Western Australia. SE 

Australian populations of B. gaimardi and R. fuscipes are highly susceptible to fluoroacetate and it is 

suggested that R. fuscipes and Bettongia radiated from the east into Western Australia, the western 

populations evolving a degree of resistance dependent upon the extent of exposure to fluoroacetate-bearing 

vegetation. Eastern populations of M. fuliginosus are as resistant as western populations and it is suggested 

that the grey kangaroo evolved in Western Australia and spread eastward, retaining tolerance to 

fluoroacetate in the absence of specific selection pressure. 

Mead, R. J., Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., and Oliver, A. J. (1985). The tolerance to fluoroacetate of 

geographically separated populations of the Quokka (Setonix brachyurus). Aust.Zool. 21, 503-511. 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature/marsupials/citrate 

Abstract: The tolerance to fluoroacetate of three geographically separated populations of the macropodid 

marsupial, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) in southwestern Australia is compared in terms of elevation of 

plasma citrate levels in response to dosing with 1080. 

The populations from mainland Western Australia and from Bald Island off the south coast of W.A. are 

currently in contact with fluoroacetate-bearing plants. These populations have a much higher tolerance to 

fluoroacetate and are more genetically homogenous for the resistance than the population on Rottnest 

Island off the west coast of Western Australia. The latter population has been isolated from contact with 

fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation from some 5,000-7,000 years, but is much more tolerant than are 

macropodids in southeastern Australia where fluoroacetate-containing plants are not known to occur. 

Mead, R. J., Feldwick, M. G., and Bunn, J. T. (1991). 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol: a potential replacement for 

1080 in fauna management programs in Australia. Wildlife research 18, 27-37. 

Keywords: 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol/1080/mode of action/rodents/treatment/antidote 

Abstract: Administration to rats of 100 mg per kilogram of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol (DFP), the major 

ingredient of the pesticide Gliftor, resulted in citrate accumulation on the kidley after a 3-h lag pahse. 

Inhibition of aconitate hydratase in the kidney and symptoms typical of sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in 

DFP-intoxicated rats suggested metabolism of DFP to (-)erythrofluorocitrate. The conversion of DFP to the 

toxic metabolite was found to involve defluorination by a microsomal mixed-function oxidase in the liver, 

induced by phenobarbitone and inhibited by piperonyl butoxide. Administration to rats of pyrazole (90 mg 

per kg body weight) decreased the activity of the mixed-function oxidase-dependent defluorination of DFP. 

When administered to rats either 2 h before or 2 h after DFP (100 mg per kg body weight) it eliminated 

symptoms of poisoning, prevented citrate and fluoride accumulation, and decreased aconitate hydratase 

inhibition in the kidney. The antidotal properties of pyrazole, the mode of toxic action of (- 

)erythrofluorocitrate and the potential for DFP to replace 1080 in fauna management programs in Australia 

is discussed. 

Meads, M. Effect of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in non-target invertebrates of Whitecliffs 

Conservation Area, Taranaki. Landcare Research Contract report LC9495, -15. 1994. 


122


Appendix C 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/1080/invertebrates/non-target species/temperature/persistence in 

plants 

Abstract: Results show that insects are most affected and molluscs the least. In descending order the taxa 

most severly repressed were; Coleoptera, Collembola, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Opiliones and 

earthworms. Mollusca, Amphipoda, Acarina and Araneida showed no change. The significant drop in 

insect numbers after heavy rain suggests stongly that the control plots had become contaminated with 1080. 

1080 adsorbs to cellulosic leaf litter, and persists in the litter for at least three months. Results show that the 

insects associated witht he breakdown of leaf-litter are the most severly affected by 1080. Breakdown of 

1080 can take more than 120 days at a temperature of 5 degrees celcius. Tests showed that after 113 days at 

5 degrees, 1080 still contained a concentration of 1.5 mMol/L. In the forest the average tempertaure fot he 

leaf litter in winter was at 5 degrees. Comparison of the Whitecliffs data with that of other lowland 

podocarp/broadleaf forests over one year, shows that 1080 has a severe impact on many other invertebrates. 

At Whitecliffs, insect larvae, comprising coleoptera, hymenoptera, diptera and lepidoptera dropped 

dramatically from July through to October, then stabilised for the remainder of the year at the crash level. 

Insect larvae in other forests followed the normal pattern of continual rise form July until the onset of the 

following winter. 

Meenken, D and Johnson, B. Effects on water quality of 1080 possum poisoning operation by manual bait 

application. 00/1, 1-23. 2000. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning 

Meenken, D, Johnson, B., and Eason, C. T. Effect of 1080 Hand-baiting on Water Quality. 00/1, 1-23. 

2000. Wellington, Wellington Regional Council. 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in water/baits/ground control/poisoning 

Abstract: Executive Summary 

A substantial database exists on water quality after aerial 1080 possum and rabbit poisoning operations 

in New Zealand (see Appendix 1.). However, no water quality investigations have been undertaken to 

assess the effect of a ground-based 1080 poisoning operation. This is due to the perception that manual 

application of toxic bait is less likely to result in significant quantities of bait entering watercourses 

compared to aerial application. 

A meeting with Dr Gillian Durham, the then Director of Public Health, at the Ministry of Health on 19 

February 1999, discussed model permit conditions, in particular the requirements for drinking water 

supplies and monitoring. At the meeting it was agreed that the perceived risk from ground applications of 

1080 was much lower than from aerial applications and that was why statutory requirements were much 

less involved for the former. It was agreed that the Wellington Regional Council (WRC) would monitor a 

ground 1080 operation and report on water quality effects, so that Ministry could promulgate national 

advice on the appropriate approach to ground application of 1080. 

The WRC subsequently designed a study to investigate a "worst case" scenario. A 14-ha catchment in 

the Wairarapa was poisoned with 1080 cereal baits (0.15% 1080 w/w) on 26 November 1999. Baits were 

hand-broadcast at approximately 10 kg/ha. 

Duplicate water samples were collected during and after bait application, and during subsequent rainfall 

events. Sample collection was automated using a Manning Sampler, with sampling intervals set for 15 or 

30 minutes. 

A total of 52 samples were analysed for 1080 by the Landcare Research laboratory at Lincoln. None 

contained detectable concentrations of 1080. 

This study provides support for the assertion that ground-based 1080 possum poisoning operations do 

not have a measurable effect on water quality. 

Meenken, D. and Eason, C. T. (1995). Effects on water quality of a possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) 

poisoning operation using toxin 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate). New Zealand journal of marine and 

freshwater research 29, 25-28. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080 

Abstract: A possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) control operation using aerially sown baits containing sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) was conducted in June 1993 in and adjoining Tararua Forest Park, New Zealand. 

123


Appendix C 

In total, 66 water samples from eight sites collected over a period of 4 months were analysed for residual 

1080 potentially resulting from the control operation. No 1080 was detected in any of the samples 

(quantifiable level 0.0003 mg l/sup -1 ). 

Meenken, D. and Booth, L. H. (1997). The risk to dogs of poisoning from sodium monofluoroacetate 

(1080) residues in possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). New Zealand journal of agricultural research 40, 573- 

576. 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/mammals/non-target species/persistence in 

animals/1080/stomach/dogs/scavenger 

Mehlman, M. A. (1968). Inhibition of pyruvate carboxylation by fluorocitrate in rat kidney mitochondria. 

The Journal of Biological Chemistry 243, 1919-1925. 

Keywords: inhibition/fluorocitrate/kidney/biochemistry/rodents 

Abstract: Rat kidney mitochondria, in the presence of ATP, Pi and magnesium ions, converted pyruvate 

and bicarbonate to malate, fumarate and citrate, and, in the presence of glutamate, also to aspartate. The 

addition of fluorocitrate strongly inhibited pyruvate utilisation and 14CO2 incorporation into organic acids. 

The inhibition of 14CO2 incorporation into organic acids in the presence of fluorocitrate appeared to be 

caused by malonyl coenzyme A produced by fluorocitrate stimulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. 

Meikle, L., Eason, C. T., Gooneratne, S. R., and Arthur, D. (1996). The short and long-term effects of a 

single exposure of 1080 in sheep September 1994 to September 1995 : 1 year report. (Manaaki Whenua - 

Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/mammals/pathology/diagnosis/1080/lethal dose/heart 

Abstract: Objectives: To establish whether the diagnosis of acute and long-term poisoning with 1080 in 

sheep can be improved; to determine any long term effects of acute 1080 poisoning on the health, 

productivity and survival of sheep. 

Conclusions: Phase 1 - Acute and Sub-acute effects of 1080 All the sheep that died of 1080 poisoning died 

within 4 days of exposure. There were no reliable bioindicators of 1080 exposure in sheep that survived 

the first 4 days after exposure. Gross and microscopic pathology of the lungs provides a good indicator in 

sheep dying from 1080 poisoning. Lungs were wet and heavy with clear fluid draining from the cut 

surface. The trachea was usually filled with frothy liquid. Pulmonary congestion and oedema was diffuse, 

affecting all lobes equally in all sheep that died. Cardiac damage was typified by necrosis and 

mineralisation within the mycoardium of the left ventricle in half of the sheep that died of 1080. there were 

no abnormalities in the heart or lungs of sheep that were killed 14 days after exposure. Residues of 1080 in 

blood, stomach, or muscle, and elevated serum citrate concentrations in the blood can be used as short-term 

indicators of 1080 exposure. Changes in electrocardiogram characteristics can be detected for 36 h after 

1080 exposure. An increase in heart rate can be measured for 48 h after exposure. Phase 2 - Long-term 

effects of a near lethal dose of 1080 If death does not occur within the first four days of exposure to a 

single dose of 1080, subsequent adverse effects on the health of sheep are unlikely. 

Meldrum, G. K. and Bignell, J. T. (1957). The use of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) for the control of the 

rabbit in Tasmania. The Australian Veterinary Journal 33, 186-196. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/rabbits/field efficacy/mode of action 

Mendz, G. L., Lim, T. N., and Hazell, S. L. (1993). Fluorinated probes to measure carboxylesterase 

activities using 19 F NMR spectroscopy: Application to erythrocytes and Helicobacter pylori. Archives of 

biochemistry and biophysics 305, 252-260. 

Keywords: NMR 

Abstract: Eight fluorinated compounds were tested as putative probes to measure carboxylesterase activity 

employing 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The method takes advantage of the sensitivity of 

fluorine resonances to the changes in the chemical bonding in the covalent structures where they are 

located. Determination of the kinetic parameters of ethyl fluoroacetate and diethyl fluoromalonate in 

hemolysates showed that these probes were well suited to study carboxylesterase activities in complex 

systems. The potential of these probes for noninvasive applications was demonstrated in measurements of 

carboxylesterase kinetic parameters in intact erythrocytes. The presence of carboxylesterases was 

established in several strains of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori employing 19 F nuclear magnetic 

124


Appendix C 

resonance spectroscopy, and the kinetic parameters of these enzymes for ethyl fluoroacetate and diethyl 

fluoromalonate were measured. 

Menn, J. J. and Still, G. G. (1977). Metabolism of Insecticides and Herbicides in Higher Plants. CRC 

Critical Reviews in Toxicology 5, 1-21. 

Keywords: metabolism 

Menon, K. I., Feldwick, M. G., Noakes, P. S., and Mead, R. J. (2001). The mode of toxic action of the 

pesticide gliftor: the metabolism of 1,3-difluoroacetone to (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate. Journal of Biochemical 

and Molecular Toxicology 15, 47-54. 

Keywords: metabolism/mode of action/1,3-difluoro-2-propanol/kidney/rats/fluoride/citrate/4methylpyrazole/aconitase/enzyme 

Abstract: The biochemical toxicology of 1,3-difluoroacetone, a known metabolite of the major ingredient 

of the pesticide Gliftor (1,3-difluoro-2-propanol), was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Rat kidney 

homogenates supplemented with coenzyme A, ATP, oxaloacetate, and Mg2+ converted 1,3-difluoroacetone 

to (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate in vitro. Administration of 1,3-difluoroacetone (100 mg kg(-1) body weight) to 

rats in vivo resulted in (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate synthesis in the kidney, which was preceded by an elevation 

in fluoride levels and followed by citrate accumulation. Animals dosed with 1,3-difluoroacetone did not 

display the 2-3 hour lag phase in either (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate synthesis or in citrate and fluoride 

accumulation characteristic of animals dosed with 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol. We demonstrate that the 

conversion of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol to 1,3-difluoroacetone by an NAD+-dependent oxidation is the ratelimiting 

step in the synthesis of the toxic product, (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate from 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol. 

Prior administration of 4-methylpyrazole (90 mg kg(-1) body weight) was shown to prevent the conversion 

of 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol (100 mg kg(-1) body weight) to (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate in vivo and to eliminate 

the fluoride and citrate elevations seen in 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol-intoxicated animals. However, 

administration of 4-methylpyrazole (90 mg kg(-1) body weight) to rats 2 hours prior to 1,3-difluoroacetone 

(100 mg kg(-1) body weight) was ineffective in preventing (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate synthesis and did not 

diminish fluoride or citrate accumulation in vivo. We conclude that the prophylactic and antidotal 

properties of 4-methylpyrazole seen in animals treated with 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol derive from its 

capacity to inhibit the NAD+-dependent oxidation responsible for converting 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol to 

1,3-difluoroacetone in the committed step of the toxic pathway 

Merks, P. F. and Calver, M. C. (1989). The effect of ant activity on meat baits impregnated with sodium 

monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) used for the control of dingoes and wild dogs. Australian Rangeland 

Journal 11, 83-87. 

Keywords: baits/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/dogs/bait degradation/invertebrates 

Abstract: Wild dog and dingo baits impregnated with the toxin 1080 and exposed at two different sites in 

the field suffered signficant reduction in weight compared with controls as a result of ant activity. In one 

case a bait was completely destroyed in five days, while others were reduced in weight by over 70% during 

the same period. Sun-drying of baits for 48h before laying did not significantly reduce damage by ants. Ant 

activity may detoxify baits before they are taken by wild dogs. 

Meyer, J. J. M. and Grobbelaar, N. (1990). The determination, uptake and transport of fluoroacetate in 

Dichapetalum cymosum. Journal of plant physiology 135, 546-549. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/high-performance liquid chromatography/fluoroacetate 

Meyer, J. J. M., Grobbelaar, N., and Steyn, P. L. (1990). Fluoroacetate-metabolizing pseudomonad isolated 

from Dichapetalum cymosum. Applied and environmental microbiology 56, 2152-2155. 

Keywords: metabolism/occurrence in nature 

Meyer, J. J. M. and Grobbelaar, N. (1991). Fluoroacetate degradation by Dichapetalum cymosum. Journal 

of plant physiology 138, 122-124. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/degradation/persistence in plants/occurrence in nature/bacteria 

Abstract: The fluoroacetate-containg plant, Dichapetalum cymosum, is capable of releasing CO2 from 

fluoroacetate. Fluoroacetate is more readily degraded by the old than the young leaves of the plant. An 

aseptic callus culture of D. cymosum is also capable of degrading fluoroacetate albeit at a much lower rate 

125


Appendix C 

than the leaves of the plant. Inoculation fo the cells with Psuedomonas cepacia isolated from the plant 

increased the rate of CO2 release from fluoroacetate about five-fold. 

Meyer, J. J. M. and O'Hagan, D. (1992). Conversion of fluoropyruvate to fluoroacetate by Dichapetalum 

cymosum. Phytochemistry 31, 499-501. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fluoride/occurrence in nature/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Studies utilising 19F NMR spectroscopy have demonstrated that callus culture of Dichapetalum 

cymosum can efficiently convert fluoropyruvate to fluoroacetate, fluorolactate and fluoride. The conversion 

of fluoropyruvate to fluoroacetate is unusual in a biological system and the possibel role of fluoropyruvate 

in the biosynthesis of fluoroacetate is discussed. 

Meyer, J. J. M., Grobbelaar, N., Vleggaar, R., and Louw, A. I. (1992). Fluoracetyl-coenzyme A hydrolaselike 

activity in Dichapetalum cymosum. Journal of plant physiology 139, 369-372. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/biosynthesis/enzyme 

Abstract: The presence of this enzyme in D. cymosum probably explains why this plant is not poisoned by 

its production of fluoroacetate. 

Meyer, J. J. M. and O'Hagan, D. (1992). Conversion of 3-fluoropyruvate to fluoroacetate by cell-free 

extracts of Dichapetalum cymosum. Phytochemistry 31 , 2699-2701. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/biosynthesis/persistence in plants/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: A cell-free extract derived from callus tissue of Dichapetalum cymosum was able to oxidatively 

decarboxylate fluoropyruvate to give fluoroacetate. By employing sodium monomethyl acetylphosphate, an 

inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) fluoroacetate production was increased and it was 

demonstrated unambiguously that PDC is not responsible for this transformation in D. cymosum. 

Meyer, J. J. M. Fluoroacetate metabolism of Dichapetalum cymosum. 1992. University of Pretoria (South 

Africa)Editor. 


Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/high-performance liquid chromatography/liquid 

chromatography/bacteria/enzyme/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: A fast and sensitive method was developed for the determination of fluoroacetate in 

Dichapetalum cymosum using high-performance liquid chromatography. The highest concentrations of 

fluoroacetate were found in the immature seeds, flowers and young leaves of the plant. The young leaves 

are more toxic than the older leaves. Foliarly applied fluoroacetate is also more readily accumulated by the 

young than by the older leaves of D. cymosum. Fluoroacetate can be taken up by the roots of D. cymosum 

and be transported to the leaves. It was, however, demonstrated in this study that aseptically grown D. 

cymosum seedlings, as well as an aseptic callus culture of the plant, is capable of producing fluoroacetate. 

A pseudomonad was isolated from D. cymosum and identified as Pseudomonas cepacia. It was established 

that an isolate of this bacterium could grow in fluoroacetate enriched solutions without any reduction in 

growth rate. This bacterium is capable of defluorinating fluoroacetate and also of liberating CO2 from 

fluoro-acetate. It seems as though the synthesis of N-methyl alanine and the occurrence of N- methyl serine 

in D. cymosum, is a result of the symbiosis between the plant and its endophyte. An aseptic callus culture 

of D. cymosum is capable of degrading fluoroacetate albeit at a much lower rate than the leaves of the 

plant. By contaminating the callus with P. cepacia, isolated from the plant, the rate of CO2 release from 

fluoroacetate was increased about five fold. A D. cymosum crude mitochondrial enzyme extract can release 

CoASH from fluoroacetyl-CoA at a rate of 29.5 nmoles/min/mg protein, indicating the presence in the 

extract of an enzyme which is probably fluoroacetyl-CoA hydrolase. This enzyme could not use acetyl- 

CoA as a substrate. The presence of the fluoroacetyl-CoA hydrolase-like enzyme in D. cymosum together 

with the ability of the plant and its endophyte to degrade the fluoroacetate, helps to explain why D. 

cymosum is not poisoned by the high fluoroacetate concentrations which occur in the plant at times 

Meyer, J. J. M. (1994). Fluoroacetate metabolism of Pseudomonas cepacia. In 'Proceedings of the Science 

Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. 

EasonEds. ) pp. 54-58. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: metabolism/occurrence in nature/NMR/1080 

Abstract: Pseudomonas cepacia was isolated from the stems and seeds of the fluoroacetate accumulating 

126


Appendix C 

plants Dichapetalum braunii and D. cymosum. The fluoroacetate concentration in the seeds of D. braunii 

was 8000 ppm. this is probably this highest concentration of fluoroacetate yet found in a living organism P. 

cepacia isolated from these extremely toxic seed can break down fluoroacetate and is able to grow in 

fluoroacetate concentrations up to 10mM. It metabolises fluoroacetate to several other fluorinated 

compounds, including fluorociatrate and fluoroglutamate. It is proposed to fluoroacetate enters the citric 

acid cycle as fluotoacetyl-CoA and is then converted to fluorocitrate, fluoroaconitate, 4-fluoro-isocitrate 

and 4 fluoro-2-ketoglutarate. The keto acid then undergoes a transamination reaction to form 4fluoroglutamate. 

P.cepacia isolated from the stems of D. cymosum only defluorinated fluoroacetate and did not metabolise it 

further, as was the case with the D.braunii isolate. The deflourination rate of the D.cymosum isolate was 

about five times faster than that of the D.braunii isolate. 

Meyer, J. J. M. and van Rooyen, S. W. (1994). Fluoroacetate metabolism of a bacterium from 

Dichapetalum braunii. In 'Plant-associated toxins : agricultural, phytochemical and ecological aspects'. (S. 

M. Colegate and P. R. DorlingEds. ) pp. 457-461. (CAB International, Wallingford: 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/metabolism/occurrence in nature/defluorination 

Meyer, J. J. M. and van Rooyen, S. W. (1996). Genetically transformed Bacillus subtilis with 

defluorinating ability. South African journal of botany 62, 65-66. 

Keywords: metabolism/occurrence in nature/NMR/bacteria/defluorination/biosynthesis 

Abstract: A 16-18 kb pairs plasmid was isolated from the fluoroacetate-metabolizing bacterium, 

Pseudomonas cepacia. This strain of P. cepacia is a natural symbiont of the fluoroacetate-producing plant, 

Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook.) Engl. After transformation of B. subtilis with this plasmid, the 

transformed bacterium was also able to defluorinate fluoroacetate when cultured in a fluoroacetate-enriched 

medium. The extent of defluorination was measured by a fluorine-specific electrode as well as by 19 Fnuclear 

magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 

Meyer, M. and O'Hagan, D. (1992). Rare fluorinated natural products. Chemistry in Britain 28, 785-788. 

Keywords: metabolism/occurrence in nature/fluoroacetate/invertebrates 

Abstract: In nature organofluorine metabolites are few and far between. Fluoroacetate is found in some 

plants and in one bacterial source. However, the remaining metabolites are normally unique to one 

particular organism. 

Meyer, S. G. E. (1978). Effects of heat, cold, anaerobiosis and inhibitors on metabolite concentrations in 

larvae of Callitroga macellaria. Insect Biochemistry 8, 471-477. 

Keywords: metabolism/inhibition/cyanide/citric acid/aconitase/invertebrates 

Abstract: Changes in different metabolite concentrations in non-feeding larvae of Cochliomyia macellaria 

(F.) (Callitroga macellaria) were investigated in their dependence on heat, cold, anaerobiosis and 

inhibitors. With the exception of dinitrophenol, all factors inhibited the oxidative metabolism to some 

extent. This was seen by the increased production of lactate, pyruvate and alanine. Polyolformation was 

correlated with the inhibition of the electron transport system whilst polyolphosphate formation depended 

on additional factors. Tests with 14Cl and 14C 6 -glucose showed the greater importance of the hexose-monophosphate shunt during anaerobiosis, 

cyanide and fluoroacetic acid blocked metabolism. After the application of fluoroacetic acid the concentrations of malate, asparagine, aspartate and citric acid were 

determined, and it was possible to suggest a diagram of metabolism during fluoroacetic acid action which shows a bypass of the aconitase step and the possibility of 

an oxidative ATP-production at a low rate 

Middendorf, P. J. and Dusenbery, D. B. (1993). Fluoroacetic acid is a potent and specific inhibitor of 

reproduction in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Journal of nematology 25, 573-577. 

Keywords: mode of action/invertebrates/reproductive effects/aconitase/fluorocitrate 

Miller, C. J. and Anderson, S. (1992). Impacts of aerial 1080 poisoning on the birds of Rangitoto Island, 

Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 16, 103-107. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/aerial control/1080/poisoning/poison/possums/wallaby/mammals 

Abstract: Bird popualtions were monitored for one year (October 1990-October 1991) to determine whether 

the 1080 poison used to eradicate possums and wallabies on Rangitoto Island had had any detrimental 

effects on them. There was no significant decline in bird numbers recorded immediately after poisoning, 

127


Appendix C 

with four species increasing in abundance (P


Appendix C 

Milne, L., Fisher, P., O'Connor, C. E., Wright, G. R. G., and Eason, C. T. Potential human exposure to 

vertebrate pesticides through contaminated meat or milk. LCR0203/010, -18. 2002. Landcare Research 

Lincoln. 


Keywords: 1080/blood/brodifacoum/cholecalciferol/cyanide/humans/liver/muscle/persistence in 

animals/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: • Brodifacoum was detected in the blood of high-dose ewes at 2 days and 4 days after 

dosing, but not from 8 days onwards. Five of eight high-dose ewes had detectable concentrations of 

brodifacoum in their milk 2 days after dosing. There was no brodifacoum detected in any ewe's milk from 4 

days after dosing. 

• At 4 hours after dosing, the concentration of 1080 in ewes' blood was approximately 30 times 

higher than in milk. No ewes had detectable 1080 in their milk at 72 hours after dosing. 

• At 10 days after dosing, concentrations (mean SE) of brodifacoum in possum muscle and liver 

were 0.06 0.02 g/g and 0.60 0.12 g/g respectively. Brodifacoum concentrations in both possum muscle 

and liver were not significantly affected by cooking.• At 8 hours after dosing, concentrations (mean SE) of 

1080 residue in possum muscle and liver were 0.64 0.14 g/g and 0.40 0.05 g/g respectively. 1080 

concentrations in both possum muscle and liver were not significantly affected by cooking. 

• At 5 minutes after dosing, concentrations (mean SE) of cyanide in possum muscle and liver were 

0.50 0.47 g/g and 1.60 0.56 g/g respectively. This was suggestive of a cooking effect, however the 

reduction of cyanide concentrations in possum liver and muscle were not statistically significant. 

• At 2 days after dosing, concentrations (mean SE) of cholecalciferol in possum muscle and liver 

were 0.04 0.01 g/g and 1.30 0.42 g/g respectively. Cholecalciferol concentrations in possum liver were 

reduced by cooking. 

• Brodifacoum and 1080 can be transferred to milk and are likely to detectable for 4 and 6 days, 

respectively. 

• Brodifacoum, 1080, cyanide and cholecalciferol can be transferred to liver and muscle tissue. 

• Risk to human consumers from 1080, brodifacoum or cyanide in muscle or liver is not likely to 

significantly reduced by cooking. 

• Risk to human consumers from cholecalciferol in liver is likely to be reduced by cooking. 

Minnaar, P. P., McCrindle, R. I., Botha, C. J., and Naudé, T. W. (2000). Investigation of biological samples 

for monofluoroacetate and Dichapetalum cymosom poisoning in southern Africa. Onderstepoort journal of 

veterinary research 67, 27-30. 

Keywords: diagnosis 

Minnaar, P. P., Swan, G. E., McCrindle, R. I., de Beer, W. H. J., and Naudé, T. W. (2000). A highperformance 

liquid chromatographic method for the determination of monofluoroacetate. Journal of 

chromatographic science 38, 16-20. 

Keywords: high-performance liquid chromatography 

Abstract: A simple isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitative 

analysis of monofluoroacetic acid (MFA), the toxic substance of Dichapetalum cymosum, in plant material, 

rumen contents (gastric contents), and liver samples is described. A suitable HPLC column that gives 

optimum sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and separation of MFA is identified. A C-610 organic acid 

analysis column at ambient temperature with 0.02M H3P)4 as an eluent and ultraviolet detection at 210 nm 

is utilised to quantitate MFA. Using the method, the average percentage recovery in plant material, bovine 

liver, and rumen samples is 94.8%, and a detection limit of 12 ug/L is achievable. 

Minnaar, P. P., McCrindle, R. I., Naude, T. W., and Botha, C. J. (2000). Investigation of biological samples 

for monofluoroacetate and Dichapetalum cymosum poisoning in southern Africa. Onderstepoort journal of 

veterinary research 67, 27-30. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/poisoning/liquid chromatography/stomach/temperature/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: A new high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for measuring 

monofluoroacetate (MFA) for a variety of biological samples. The method was used in the laboratory over 

24 months to investigate suspected MFA poisoning in 50 samples including stomach contents of cheetah 

129


Appendix C 

(1), bird (1), horse (1), man (2), sheep (2), cat (7), dog (13) and cattle (17), and in bait (5) and water (1). 

MFA was detected in 66% of samples from cases of suspected poisoning, reflecting the extent of the 

problem. Stability of MFA in samples was also determined so as to have a time-bound baseline for the 

acceptance of samples submitted. Level of MFA decreased with time so that, after 14 days at room 

temperature, only 50% of the spiked dose could be identified. It is suggested that samples be examined 

within 7 days of death if they cannot be kept frozen 

Misustova, J., Novak, L., and Hosek, B. (1969). Influence of lowered environmental temperature on 

metabolic and lethal effects of sodium fluoroacetate in mice. Physiologia bohemoslovaca 18, 319-324. 

Keywords: temperature/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/mode of action 

Abstract: The effect of a lowered environmental temperature on the manifestations of the effect of sodium 

fluoroacetate (FAc) was studied in male strain H mice aged 9-12 weeks. It was found that only a small 

decrease in the environmental tempertaure (from 23 degrees Celcius to 17 degrees) during FAc intoxication 

(5 mg/kg bodyweight) induced further depression of the already lowered level of respiratory excahnge and 

body temperature. Simultaneously it enhanced the toxic effect of the given dose of FAc. Mortality after 5 

mg FAc/kg rose from 3% (at 23 degrees C) to 47% (at 17 degrees C) while LD50/3 days fell on expsoure to 

cold from 12.1 mg/kg to 5.16 mg/kg. These results cna be used when studying the radioproective effect of 

FAc, to fix a suitable environmental temperature for the experiments. 

Misustova, J. and Novak, L. (1970). The importance of hypothermy in the mechanism of the protective 

action of sodium fluoroacetate. In 'Radiation protection and sensitization : Proceedings, Instituto Superiore 

di Sanita, Rome, 6-8 May 1969'. (H. Moroson and M. QuintilianiEds. ) pp. 344-347. (Taylor & Francis: 

London.) 

Keywords: metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/temperature 

Abstract: The role of temperature in the mechanism of protective action of sodium fluoroacetate (FAc), was 

studied on H-strain males, mice, aged 9-12 weeks. After FAc application (5 mg/kg body weight) animals 

were kept at temperatures 17º, 23º, and 30ºC and irradiated at these temperatures with 800 R. Change in 

the ambient temperature in the course of intoxication by FAc significantly influences the body temperature 

of experimental animals, but does not affect the degree of protection or its time course. These results 

correspond with the opinion that the degree of protection by FAc is determined by the consequences of 

blocking of aconitase, which is proportional to FAc dose, rather than hypothermy. 

Misustova, J., Hosek, B., and Kautska, J. (1980). Characterization of the protective effect of radioprotective 

substances by means of long-term changes in oxygen consumption. Strahlentherapie 156, 790-794. 

Abstract: A comparison of long-term hypothermic effects of radioprotective substances and their protective 

effectiveness was carried out in mice after acute and prolonged irradiation. As radioprotective substances 

were used AET, cystamine, serotonine, 5-methoxytryptamine, cysteamine-S-phosphate, sodium 

fluoroacetate and some double combinations of the substances. The irradiation was carried out with dose 

rates 38.3 and 612.5 mGy/min, the hypothermic reaction was evaluated according to total oxygen 

consumption, measured during 5 hours after the drug administration. The results demonstrated the 

existence of a correlation between the suppression of metabolic processes and both short-term and longterm 

protective effectiveness of radioprotective substances. The protective effectiveness of a drug is the 

higher, the greater decrease of oxygen consumption is induced by this substance in the investigated time 

interval. An analogous dependence was also demonstrated between the duration of hypothermic and 

radioprotective effects. The found correlation is valid for both acute and prolonged irradiation (correlation 

coefficient 0.79-0.87; p


Appendix C 

decrease the immediate predation pressure on native wildlife and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). 

Observed decreases in bovine tuberculosis reactor rates in deer and cattle herds after some poisoning 

operations may therefore result from killing of non-target mammals, especially ferrets, rather than possums. 

Moller, H., Clapperton, B. K., and Fletcher, D. J. (1997). Density of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) in 

the Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 21, 161-167. 

Keywords: rabbits/1080/baits/poisoning/efficacy/predators/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: The density of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the modified tussock grasslands of the 

Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand, in August-September 1991 was determined within 26 one-ha 

quadrats spread over 1000 ha. The area was poisoned with 1080 [sodium fluoroacetate]-carrot baits and 

dead and live rabbits counted. The overall kill rate was 93%. Wide variability in rabbit densities amongst 

the quadrats was correlated with burrow density, but vegetation was not a significant predictor of rabbit 

numbers. High density quadrats were not all spatially clumped together. Variation amongst quadrats of 0- 

43% of rabbits dying underground shows that searching burrows as well as the surface will provide the 

most accurate rabbit densities. Poisoning efficacy was _90% in 77% of the quadrats, but two low-density 

quadrats recorded kill rates


Appendix C 

extract was 53.8 (dose-lethality curve) and 64.1 (dose-latency to the 1st seizure curve). The water-soluble 

fraction contained a substance with hRf = 20 which was the same as that of authentic SMFA. The 19F 

NMR spectra of authentic SMFA and the P. marcgravii water-soluble fraction were identical. These data 

demonstrate the presence of SMFA in the water-soluble fraction of P. marcgravii leaves and show that 

monofluoroacetate is the active principle responsible for the signs and symptoms of acute intoxication 

Moran, S., Sofer, S., and Cohen, M. (1987). Control of rock hyrax, Procavia capensis, in fruit orchards by 

fluoroacetamide baits. Crop Protection 6, 265-270. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/baits/field efficacy 

Abstract: Populations of the rock hyrax, Procavia capensis, live in man-made rock terraces bordering fruit 

plots. They destroy fruit trees by browsing and breaking branches. In an experiment to control these 

animals using fluoroacetamide-treated fruit baits, rock hyrax damage was completely prevented in all 

treated plots. 

Moran, S. (1991). Toxicity of sodium fluoroacetate and zinc phosphide wheat grain baits to Microtus 

guentheri and Meriones tristrami. Bulletin OEPP 21, 73-80. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/ground control/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/zinc phosphide 

Moran, S. and Keidar, H. Assessment of toxic bait efficacy in field trials by counts of burrow openings. 

168-174. 1994. University of California, Davis. Proceedings of the 16th Vertebrate Pest Conference. 

Halverson, W. S. and Crabb, A. C. 


Keywords: efficacy/sodium fluoroacetate/brodifacoum/zinc phosphide/rodents 

Moran, S. (1995). Reducing sodium fluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide concentrations in field rodent baits. 

Phytoparasitica 23, 195-203. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide/baits/1080/1081/efficacy/rodents 

Abstract: Laboratory trials were carried out in order to estbalish the minimum active ingredient 

concentration of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and of fluoroacetamide (1081) in wheat baits employed 

against Microtus guentheri, the Levant vole, and Meriones tristrami, Tristram's jird, without interfering 

with the toxicants' efficacy. Using a mixture of treated and untraeted grain enabled a greater reduction in 

the a.i. concentration compared with that which could be acheived when all the grains offered conatined a 

lower a.i. concentration of the toxicants. For M. tristrami, the lowest efficient final a.i. concentration in the 

bait was 0.0125% for 1080 mixed bait (1:10 mixture of 0.05% poison grains mixed with filler grains) and 

0.01% for 1081 mixed bait (1:10 mixture of 0.1% poison grains with filler grains); and for M. guentheri, - 

0.005% mixed bait of 1080 or 1081 (1:10 mixture of 0.05% poison grains with filler grains). This leads to a 

reduction of the hazards involved in the use of prepared baits of these toxicants in the field. 

Moran, S. (1999). Rejection of dyed field rodent baits by feral pigeons and chukar partridges. 

Phytoparasitica 27, 9-17. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/baits/sodium fluoroacetate/rodents/birds 

Abstract: Whole wheat grain bait, treated with sodium fluoroacetate, is used to control field rodents in 

Israel. However, this bait constitutes a potential primary non-target hazard to seed-eating birds. In the 

present study black-, red-, green- and yellow-dyed whole wheat and sorghum grains, as well as undyed 

ones, were offered to feral pigeons, Columba livia, and to chukar partridges, Alectoris chukar, in the 

laboratory during 4 days. Grains were offered either piled on trays, or scattered. Consumption levels varied 

significantly (P0.05) was observed in the 

consumption of the differently dyed grains 

Morgan, D. R. (1982). Field acceptance of non-toxic and toxic baits by populations of the brushtail possum 

(Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr). New Zealand journal of ecology 5, 36-43. 

Keywords: possums/field efficacy/baits/bait shyness 

132


Appendix C 

Morgan, D. R., Batcheler, C. L., and Peters, J. A. Why do possums survive aerial poisoning operations? 

Salmon, T. P. 210-214. 1986. University of Davis, California. Proceedings of Twelfth Vertebrate Pest 

Conference. 


Keywords: possums/poisoning/baits/aversion/1080/field efficacy/aerial control 

Abstract: Major causes of failure of aerial poisoning operations against possums identified were; subletahl 

toxic loading, unsersize sublethal baits, nonlearned behavioural aversion to 1080, and failure to encounter 

bait. Dislike of bait was not a major cause of failure. Progress has been made towards solving these 

problems, but failure to encounter bait remains a likely major reason for possums surviving aerial 

poisoning. Improvements in the aerial sowing of bait are essential if the full benefit of this progress is to be 

realised. 

Morgan, D. R. and Warburton, B. Comparison of the effectiveness of hunting and aerial 1080 poisoning for 

reducing a possum population. Forest Research Institute. 1-17. 1987. Christchurch, Forest Research 

Institute. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning 

Abstract: Both achieved kills of 80%; Patchy distribution with the aerial drop; hunters made profit for half 

the total kill by averaging 8.2 possum skins /hr (selling skins) 

Morgan, D. R. (1990). Behavioural response of brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, to baits used in 

pest control. Australian wildlife research 17 , 601-613. 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/1080 

Abstract: The behaviourial responses of captive possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) was observed during first 

encounters with non-toxic and toxic carrot and pellet baits used in pest control programmes. Possum 

confronted with new baits first used smell in a highly discriminating way, and then taste, which sometimes 

changed their initial response. Toxic carrot baits were rejected by 27.5% of possums, equally by smell and 

taste aversion, and toxic baits. Such non-learned aversion mechanisms therefore have an important role in 

the feeding behaviour of possums. A range of flavours tested, using barely as a food base, showed that 

only orange-flavoured barley was significantly preferred to non-flavoured barley: 19 flavours had no 

significant effect, and 19 others significantly reduced barley consumption. Orange and cinnamon, which 

was ranked fourth and repels some bird species , were tested as masks for 1080 baits. Both flavours 

effectively masked the aversive smell and taste of 1080. The levels of toxic flavoured bait rejection were 

low and did not differ from those of non-toxic (flavoured or non-flavoured) baits. Very few possums were 

observed vomiting, a behaviour in other species that may assist survival. 

Morgan, D. R. (1994). Improving aerial control of possums by precision bait delivery. Proceedings of the 

Vertebrate Pest Conference 16, 287-292. 

Keywords: field efficacy/aerial control/possums/1080 

Abstract: Aerial delivery of 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) baits is the main technique for reducing 

populations of New Zealand's foremost vertebrate pest, the Australian brushtail possum, in large areas of 

inaccesible country. Surveys after pilot-controlled aerial sowing of baits in seven operations in forests 

showed that inaccurate navigation along the swaths left up to half the target zone untreated. Kill was 

estimated to average 75%. Inadequate coverage with baits was therefore believed to be a major factor in 

the survival of possums during aerial control operations. This was confirmed in field trials using 

rhodamine B as a biomarker to reveal acceptance of non-toxic baits. More possums were unmarked in 

partially treated blocks than in completely treated blocks. After a large scale aerial control operation, 

proportionally more possums survived in untreated gaps than it treated areas. 

Six operations that used navigation guidance systems (Decca Flying Flagman and GPS) yielded complete 

coverage and high levels of kill (mean of 92%) in five. Precision sowing of possum baits prevents survival 

of possums by failure to encounter baits, and enables lower rates of bait application. This will give large 

cost savings and improved environmental safety. A small proportion of a population may still not be 

targeted because of individual dislike of bait or failure to encounter baits because animals stayed in the 

forest canopy during operations. Development of more palatable and longer lived baits may facilitate local 

extermination of possums. 

133


Appendix C 

Morgan, D. R. (1994). Improving the efficiency of aerial sowing of baits for possum control. New Zealand 

journal of agricultural research 37, 199-206. 

Keywords: field efficacy/aerial control/treatment/possums 

Abstract: Four aerial sowing treatments of non-toxic possum bait were compared in a pine plantation of flat 

terrain. Baits were dyed with Rhodamine B and treatment were assessed by the proportion of dy-marked 

possums captured. Sowing was least accurate where flight paths were not marked, but the resulting baitfree 

patches did not prevent possums from finding and eating bait. Where larger gaps were deliberately 

created in bait dispersion acceptance of bait by possums was slower and overall, less than where coverage 

was assisted by flight line marking. Sowing bait at a rate of 3 kg/ha was as effective as 10kg/ha. These 

results have two main implications for routine aerial control. First, because incomplete coverage of a target 

are will yield poorer kills, navigation aids should be used in systematic sowing and sowing equipment 

improved. Second a cost-saving can be achieved by reducing sowing rate to 3kg/ha and possibly lower. 

Trials are required in other habitat types to test the general applicability of this result. 

Morgan, D. R. and Goodwin, M. Field trials of 1080 paste treated with a bee repellent. [LC9394/101], -15. 

1994. Christchurch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract report. 


Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/ground control/1080/possums 

Abstract: Objectives: To extend the initial field testing of the efficacy of IVA (isovaleric acid) as a bee 

repellent in 1080 apple paste; to extend the initial field testing of the efficacy of IVA-treated 1080 paste in 

killing possums. Conclusions: IVA reduces the likelihood of bees being poisoned or hives being 

contaminated. However, we have not established the level of hazard remaining. The likelihood of bees 

feeding on 1080 paste varies seasonally, and IVA itself may also vary seasonally in repellancy to bees. 

IVA can be included in possum paste without reducing the effectiveness of control operations. 

Morgan, D. R. (1994). Improved cost-effectiveness and safety of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) possum 

control operations. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, 

New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 144-150. (Royal Society of New Zealand: 

Wellington.) 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/aerial control/1080/possums/birds/non-target species 

Abstract: Maintenance of many of New Zealand's fragile ecosystems and a large proportion of its 

agricultural production are presently dependent on the use of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) poison for 

controlling possums. The growing demand for possum control by land managers has highlighted the need 

of maximum efficiency in operational methods and minimum environmental impact. Several major 

improvements in control techniques have been made in the last five years. Specifications for bait 

production have reduced the possibility of possums being sublethally poisoned, costly waste, and the risk of 

birds and other non-target species eating small toxic fragments. Aerial distribution of baits has become 

more accurate through the use of navigation guidance systems. This has led to high kills being attained 

using reduced application rates of toxic bait and to a consequent further reduction in environmental risks. 

Hand-laid bait "feeders" have been developed as restricted sources of toxic bait for use in some areas where 

wide-spread aerial poisoning may be inadvisable. Bait formulations are also being improved by using 

water or inexpensive materials, repellents that deter non-target animals not possums, and polymer coatings 

that improved bait-life. Such improvements will help sustain the use of 1080 until superior alternative 

control techniques are developed. 

Morgan, D. R. and Goodwin, M. Identification of 1080 paste suitable for use in the presence of bees. 

[LC9596/003], -20. 1995. Lincoln, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract 

report. 


Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/ground control/1080/possums/birds 

Abstract: Objectives: To test new formulations of low-sugar pastes against bees and possums; to assess the 

safety of promising pastes to fruit- and nectar-eating birds and bats; to assess the shelf- and field-life of 

promising pastes. 

Conclusions: Two pastes, BB3 and BB16, are suitable as possum baits and are more target-specific than 

BB13. They can also be used as prefeed paste, but this may reduce efficacy, perhaps because of the more 

obvious change in taste when 1080 is added compared with the sugar-rich BB13. It is unlikely that bees 

134


Appendix C 

will feed on the pastes and contamination of hives and honey from using these bait types is therefore also 

unlikely. The two new pastes were less attractive than BB13 to most captive and wild birds. The runny 

texture of BB3 and the development of fluid on the surface of BB16 present a hazard as leakage from both 

applicator guns and containers may occur. Furthermore, 1080 is rapidly lost from baits in the field by 

drainage of fluid. 

Morgan, D. R., Morriss, G., and Hickling, G. J. (1996). Induced 1080 bait-shyness in captive brushtail 

possums and implications for management. Wildlife research 23, 207-211. 

Keywords: field efficacy/1080/possums/brodifacoum 

Abstract: The probable cause of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) becoming 'shy' towards 1080 [sodium 

fluoroacetate] bait, a growing problem in the control of this pest, was determined. Possums captured from 

North Canterbury, New Zealand, (n = 131) were offered sublethal baits (1 or 2.5 g) followed by lethal (6 g) 

baits 2 days later. Most possums became bait shy and the proportion becoming shy appeared to be related 

to the size of the initial sublethal dose. Most of a group of survivors retested after 3 months with toxic 

pellets were still shy. Shyness was not overcome by changing to a different mask (orange flavour, as 

opposed to cinnamon flavour) or toxin (brodifacoum), but changing to both a different bait base (carrot) 

and mask (orange) resulted in most shy possums eating a lethal quantity of bait. Possums therefore 

appeared to learn to recognise the bait base as the cue for avoiding poisoning. More shy possums than naive 

possums rejected non-dyed, non-masked, non-toxic pellets, confirming that shy possums recognised the 

bait base. Green dye appears to act as a secondary cue for avoiding pellets as a higher percentage of 'shy' 

possums than naive possums rejected dyed baits. 

Morgan, D. R., Thomas, M. D., Meenken, D., and Nelson, P. C. (1997). Less 1080 bait usage in aerial 

operations to control possums. Proceedings of the New Zealand Plant Protection Conference 50, 391-396. 

Keywords: field efficacy/aerial control/1080/possums 

Abstract: Field trials showed that high application rates (20-35 kg/ha) of 1080 pellet and carrot baits for 

possum control were unnecessary, wasteful, and environmentally unsound. Reducing the standard 

operation rate to 5-10 kg/ha has saved conservatively, $8.9 million/year. In our most recent trials, kills 

averaging 95% were gained with 2 kg/ha indicating further potential savings of $3 million/year or more. A 

new helicopter bait-application bucket has been developed to overcome the common problem of buckets 

becoming blocked below rates of 3-4 kg/ha. The new bucket can apply baits uniformly at rates as low as 

0.5 kg/ha, promising not only great efficiency but enhanced environmental safety. 

Morgan, D. R. (1999). Risks to non-target species from use of a gel bait for possum control. New Zealand 

journal of ecology 23, 281-287. 

Keywords: non-target species/field efficacy/ground control/1080/baits 

Abstract: The risks to non-target species of a newly developed bait containing either 0.15% 1080 or 0.6% 

cholecalciferol in a gel matrix were assessed. Very few of them ate gel bait. The safety of the gel bait is 

further enhanced by its placement in the purpose-designed bait station from which little spillage occurs, and 

which can be placed so that it is out of reach of most non-target animals. Comparative data show that 

nontarget species are considerably less susceptible to cholecalciferol than to sodium monofluoroacetate 

(1080). Risks to non-target species could be further reduced by use of the cholecalciferol form of the bait. 

Morgan, D. R. Assessment of 1080 pastes for possum control. [LC9900/117], -24. 2000. Lincoln, Manaaki 

Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract report. 


Keywords: field efficacy/bait degradation/non-target species/invertebrates/ground control/1080 

Abstract: Objectives: To test three possum pastes (BB3, BB16 and CP (I.e. cyanide prefeed) against AHB 

specificatons for attractiveness to bees; dehydration; toxicity; bait shape; field stability, including wind 

resistance, detoxication, and rain resistance; palatability; and efficacy. Following renegotiation with AHB, 

to assess two further variations on BB3 coded as SB(i) and SB3(ii), against selected specifications. 

Results: The performance of paste baits against the nine specifications is summarised. CP and SB(ii) were 

the best performing pastes. BB3, although superceded by the SB3 pastes, is regarded as potentially useful, 

while BB16 and SB3(i) performed poorly. 

135


Appendix C 

Morgan, D. R. and Eason, C. T. 1080: A review of its properties, usage, lethal and sublethal effects, 

environmental fate, and non-target poisoning risks in New Zealand. 2002. Advances in Vertebrate Pest 

Management III. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/monofluoroacetate/sodium monofluoroacetate/mammals/USA/Krebs 

cycle/heart/brain/non-target species/livestock/blood/liver/brodifacoum/regulatory 

toxicology/rats/soil/invertebrates/baits/dogs 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetate, the active component of 1080, occurs naturally in toxic plants in Australia, 

South Africa, and South America. Manufactured 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) is used to control 

introduced mammals in New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Mexico and the USA. It is a broad-spectrum poison 

that acts by interfering with the energy-producing Krebs cycle in cell mitochondria, particularly in the 

heart, lungs and brain. Used correctly, it is a highly cost-effective vertebrate pesticide. Because 1080 is 

used more widely in New Zealand than elsewhere, its fate in water and its effect on non-target species, 

especially livestock and native fauna, have been comprehensively assessed. Sub-lethal doses of 1080 

consumed by livestock do not cause persistent toxic residues in meat, blood, the liver, or fat. This is in 

marked contrast to the prolonged persistence of the anticoagulant toxicant brodifacoum. Nevertheless, if 

livestock become exposed to 1080 bait, a minimum withholding period of 5–10 days is advised to permit 

elimination. Regulatory toxicology studies, conducted to assess human health hazards, indicate that 

prolonged exposure of rats to sub-lethal doses of 1080 may lead to malformations in developing embryos, 

but no evidence of mutagenic effects was detected. Environmental studies show that operational use of 

1080 causes minimal long-term water and soil contamination, and current evidence suggests that 

populations of common bird species and invertebrates are not adversely affected, but further monitoring of 

rarer species after aerial application of baits is continuing. In cold or dry conditions, 1080 may persist in 

baits or in possum carcasses for several weeks or months, posing a hazard to dogs, which are particularly 

susceptible to the poison. The greatest potential risks from 1080 are therefore to scavenging dogs, and to 

bait manufacturing workers with a high degree of exposure to 1080. Constant vigilance is required to 

minimise these risks. 

Morgan, D. R. (2004). Enhancing maintenance control of possum populations using long-life baits. New 

Zealand journal of zoology in press. 

Keywords: 

baits/Tb/possums/analysis/toxicity/efficacy/cholecalciferol/livestock/1080/brodifacoum/degradation/bait 

degradation 

Abstract: Possum populations must be maintained at very low density if the aims of Tb eradication and 

conservation of particularly vulnerable native species are to be met. The present tactic of initial 

'knockdown' followed by annual maintenance control allows for reinfestation in between annual operations. 

Development of toxic baiting methods for 'continuous' control of possum populations is therefore desirable. 

Six baittype/ presentation-methods designed for prolonged field life were exposed to field conditions at a 

forest-edge site in Westland. Samples of baits were collected at 2-monthly intervals for up to 26 months, 

and assessed for palatability to possums and toxicant concentration. Regression analysis was used to predict 

the time at which reductions in palatability and toxicity would lead to inadequate bait efficacy. Field life 

varied between 2 and >26 months, the most durable option tested being a solid gel bait containing 

cholecalciferol. This bait type was selected for assessment in 'continuous' control of possums in forest-edge 

habitat in Westland. Baits were placed up trees beyond the reach of livestock and left in place for 10 

months. Trap-catch monitoring showed baits were effective in reducing the number of possums, but this 

was achieved only after improving the visibility, attractiveness, and accessibility of bait stations. As the 

study predicted that cholecalciferol gel bait should remain effective for longer than 2 years in the field, 

there appears to be considerable potential for improving the efficiency (and probably environmental safety) 

of long-term control using this new tool. 

Mori, M., Nakajima, H., and Seto, Y. (1996). Determination of fluoroacetate in aqueous samples by 

headspace gas chromatography. Journal of chromatography A 736, 229-234. 

Morohashi, Y. and Shimokoriyama, M. (1972). Physiological studies on germination of Phaseolus mungo 

seeds. 1. Development of respiration and changes in the contents of constituents in the early stages of 

germination. Journal of Experimental Botany 23, 45-53. 

136


Appendix C 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/citric acid/persistence in plants 

Abstract: In laboratory experiments, O2 uptake by P. mungo seeds germinated at 30 deg C, (a) rose sharply 

for 4-5 h, then (b) remained constant for 1-2 h and (c) again increased. Iodoacetate and fluoroacetate 

inhibited the inrease in (c), but did not affect (a) or (b). Aspartic-acid content decreased from 16.2 to 7.7 

moles/100 seeds in 9 h. Citric acid and malic acid were the main organic-acid constituents. Citric-acid 

content decreased while that of malic acid was unchanged, although it was leached freely into the medium, 

especially in the first 6 h 

Morris, M. C. and Weaver, S. A. (2003). Minimizing harm in possum control operations and experiments 

in New Zealand. Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Ethics 16, 367-385. 

Keywords: welfare/poisoning/possums/degradation 

Abstract: Pest control operations and experimentation on sentient animals such as the brushtail possum can 

cause unnecessary and avoidable suffering in the animal subjects. Minimizing animal suffering is an animal 

welfare goal and can be used as a guide in the design and execution of animal experimentation and pest 

control operations. The public has little sympathy for the possum, which can cause widespread 

environmental damage, but does believe that control should be as painless as possible. Trapping and 

poisoning provide only short-term solutions to the possum problem and often involve methods that cause 

suffering. Intrusive experiments connected with these methods of control and published in the last 6 years 

are reviewed. Many of the experiments do not attain the welfare standards required by members of the 

public. Possums also act as vectors for bovine tuberculosis. While this is not as important in the minds of 

the public as environmental degradation, as long as people wish to continue raising cattle, this disease 

needs to be controlled. Immunocontraception is a humane means of controlling possums with wide public 

acceptance. The use of vaccines for cows and/or possums would also cause far less suffering than present 

eradication operations. Research into these methods does require some intrusive experimentation. This can 

be reduced if live animals are not used for secondary antibody harvesting, if adequate analgesia is provided, 

and if potential vaccines or contraceptives are tested under conditions that would be experienced in the 

field. 

Morrison, J. F. (1954). The purifaction of aconitase. Biochemistry Journal 56, 99-105. 

Keywords: aconitase/biochemistry 

Morrison, J. F. and Peters, R. A. (1954). Biochemistry of fluoroacetate poisoning : the effect of 

fluorocitrate on purified aconitase. Biochemical journal 58, 473-479. 

Keywords: metabolism/biochemistry/fluoroacetate/poisoning/fluorocitrate/aconitase/mode of 

action/enzyme/inhibition 

Abstract: 1. The competitive inhibition of aconitase by natural fluorocitrate has been established. 

2. On the other hand, synthetic fluorocitrate has been shown to inhibit aconitase in both a competitive and 

an apparent irreversible fashion. 

3. The dissociation constants of the aconitase-fluorocitrate complexes for both the natural and synthetic 

fluorocitrates have been measured. The affinity of aconitase for the synthetic compound is much greater 

than for the natural compound. 

4. The possible reasons have been discussed for the difference between the two preparations of fluorocitrate 

in inhibiting the isolated aconitase and also for the difference between the action of these compounds on the 

isolated aconitase system as compared to their action in vivo and on the kidney-particle system. 

Morselli, P. L., Garattini, S., Marcucci, F., Mussini, E., Rewersky, W., Valzelli, L., and Peters, R. A. 

(1968). The effect of injections of fluorocitrate into the brains of rats. Biochemical Pharmacology 17, 195- 

202. 

Keywords: mode of action/acute toxicity/fluorocitrate/brain/rats/fluoroacetate/target organ/symptoms 

Moss, S. J., Murphy, C. D., Hamilton, D. J., McRoberts, W. C., O'Hagan, D., Schaffrath, C., and Harper, D. 

B. (2000). Fluoroacetaldehyde: a precursor of both fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in Streptomyces 

cattleya. Chem Comm 2281-2282. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Fluoroacetaldehyde is converted to fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in Streptomyces cattleya 

indicating that it is the biosynthetic precursor of both of these secondary metabolites 

137


Appendix C 

Moss, Z. N., O' Connor, C. E., and Hickling, G. J. (1998). Implications of prefeeding for the development 

of bait aversions in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). 

Abstract: Development of aversions, or learned 'bait-shyness', in frequently poisoned possum (Trichosurus 

vulpecula) populations is becoming increasingly detrimental to the efficacy of pest-control operations in 

New Zealand. This experiment aimed to identify the effects of prefeeding, a common management 

procedure, on the subsequent development of aversions in possums. Wild possums (n = 96) were captured 

and acclimatised, then allocated to one of three treatments groups that for seven days received either (i) no 

prefeed, (ii) plain RS5 cereal baits, or (iii) green-dyed and cinnamon-lured RS5 cereal baits. The possums 

were then offered a standard green-dyed and cinnamon-lured RS5 bait that contained a sublethal dose (0.4 

mg kg-1) of the toxin sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). The possums were tested for development of an 

aversion towards a toxic RS5 1080 bait, a prefeed bait, and a prefeed bait containing an alternative toxin, 

brodifacoum. Most (96%) of the non-prefed possums became averse to the 1080 bait after two exposures, 

compared with only 55% and 9% of the two prefed groups. Similarly, 90% and 92% of the non-prefed 

possums were averse to prefeed and brodifacoum baits, respectively, compared with 8% and 14% of the 

prefed possums. This suggests that pest managers can reduce the risk of 'bait shyness' by prefeeding. A 

further advantage of prefeeding is that if poison shyness develops, use of an alternative toxin such as 

brodifacoum in the original bait base may still be successful 

Mount, M. E. and Feldman, B. F. (1984). Practical toxicologic diagnosis. A guide to improving the 

diagnosis of chemical toxicosis in veterinary practice. Unknown. 

Abstract: Diagnosis of poisoning with strychnine, fluoroacetate, rodenticides, insecticides, ethylene glycol, 

urea, monensin, salt, lead, arsenic, copper and poisonous plants is summarized. The samples required for 

chemical analysis are also tabulated 

Munday, B. L. (1978). Marsupial disease. In 'Proceedings No. 36 of a course for Veterinarians (the J.P. 

Stewart course for 1978)'. (Sydney University Post Graduate Committee in Veterinary Science: 

Keywords: lethal dose/1080 

Murphy, C. D. Biological fluorination and defluorination in Streptomyces cattleya. 185. 1998. Queen's 

University of Belfast (Northern Ireland)Editor. 


Keywords: defluorination/fluoroacetate/NMR/metabolism/acetate/fluorine/enzyme 

Abstract: Little is understood about the mechanism by which fluorinated compounds are biologically 

formed, although the existence of such natural products was established over 50 years ago. This 

investigation concerns the biochemical pathways involved in fluoroacetate and -fluorothreonine production 

by the actinomycete Streptomyces cattleya and the enzymatic defluorination of 4-fluoroglutamate by the 

same organism. By employing GC/MS and $sp{19}$F NMR methodologies it was possible to determine 

the incorporation of isotopic label into the fluorometabolites after various $sp{13}$C and $sp2$H-labelled 

precursors were incubated with resting cell suspensions. The incorporation of isotopic label from (3- 

$sp{13}$3C) -serine was consistent with the metabolism of glycine via serine and pyruvate to the 

fluorometabolites, as previously suggested and investigations with (2-$sp{13}$C) -acetate indicated that 

pyruvate does not enter the TCA cycle before yielding the carbon substrate for flurination. Observations 

from resting cell studies with (R)- and (S)-(1,1-$rmsp2Hsb2$) -glycerol suggested that (a) the carbon 

substrate for fluorination is closely related to an intermediate of the glycolytic pathway linking glycerol and 

pyruvate and (b) the mechanism of fluorination probably involves the replacement of phosphate with 

fluorine. It was tentatively concluded from isotopic dilution experiments and studies with various stable 

isotope labelled glucoses that either dihydroxyacetone phosphate or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (or a close 

derivative) is the carbon substrate for fluonnation. When fluoroacetaldehyde was incubated with resting cell 

suspensions, it was largely oxidized to fluoroacetate and, more importantly, significant amounts of 4fluorothreonine 

were formed, consistent with the hypothesis that fluoroacetaldehyde is the immediate 

fluorinated precursor of both fluorometabolites. Cell-free extracts of S. cattleya were found to defluorinate 

4-fluoroglutamate, a compound that may be formed inside the cell via TCA cycle metabolism of 

fluoroacetyl CoA and which may act as an analogue of L-glutamate. The defluorinating system does not 

appear to require a cofactor and partial purification of the cell free extract by anion-exchange 

chromatography demonstrated that the defluorinating activity could be separated from deaminating activity. 

Passage of the enzyme through a gel filtration column indicated a molecular weight of $sim$80,000 

138


Appendix C 

Murphy, C. D., Moss, S. J., and O'Hagan, D. (2001). Isolation of an aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in 

the oxidation of fluoroacetylaldehyde to fluoroacetate in Streptomyces cattleya. Applied and environmental 

microbiology 67, 4919-4921. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/biosynthesis/metabolism/bacteria/enzyme/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Streptomyces cattleya is unusual in that it produces fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine as 

secondary metabolites. We now report that the isolation of an NAD+-dependent fluoroacetaldehyde 

dehydrogenase from S.cattleya that mediates the oxidation of fluoroacetaldehyde to fluoroacetate. This is 

the first enzyme to be identified that is directly involved in fluorometabolite biosynthesis. Production of the 

enzyme begins in late exponential growth and continues into the stationary phase. Measurement of kinetic 

parameters shows that the enzyme has a high affinity for fluoroacetaldehyde and glycoaldehyde, but not 

acetaldehyde. 

Murphy, C. D., Schaffrath, C., and O'Hagan, D. (2003). Fluorinated natural products: the biosynthesis of 

fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in Streptomyces cattleya. Chemosphere 52, 455-461. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/fluoroacetate/bacteria/enzyme 

Abstract: Organofluorine compounds are rare in Nature, with only a handful known to be produced by 

some species of plant and two microorganisms. Consequently, the mechanism of enzymatic carbon-fluorine 

bond formation is poorly understood. The bacterium Streptomyces cattleya biosynthesises fluoroacetate and 

4-fluorothreonine as secondary metabolites and is a convenient system to study the biosynthesis and 

enzymology of fluorometabolite production. Using stable-isotope labelled precursors it has been shown that 

there is a common intermediate in the biosynthesis of the fluorometabolites, which has recently been 

identified as fluoroacetaldehyde. Studies with cell-free extracts of S. cattleya have identified two enzymes, 

an aldehyde dehydrogenase and a threonine transaldolase, that are involved in the biotransformation of 

fluoroacetaldehyde to fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine. 

Murphy, E. C., Clapperton, K., Bradfield, P., and Speed, H. (1998). Effects of rat-poisoning operations on 

abundance and diet of mustelids in New Zealand podocarp forests. New Zealand journal of zoology 25, 

315-328. 

Keywords: ferrets/1080/brodifacoum/pindone/secondary 

poisoning/poisoning/stomach/rats/birds/invertebrates/possums/field efficacy 

Abstract: This study aimed to quantify the changes in numbers and diet of stoats, weasels and ferrets 

following rat and possum poison operations in two podocarp-hardwood forests between 1989 and 1995. 

Poison operations were classified according to their success in reducing rat numbers, and if they used an 

acute toxin (1080) or an anticoagulant (brodifacoum or pindone). Stoat catch rates followed the same 

seasonal patterns as rat footprint tracking rates, and stoat catch rates were positively correlated with rat 

catch rates. Rat numbers in spring had no significant relationship with the number of juvenile stoats caught 

in summer. Stoat catch rates did not vary significantly with poison-operation type over a six month period, 

but all three successful anticoagulant operations resulted in lower stoat catch rates than did unsuccessful 

operations. Brodifacoum in bait stations may have lowered stoat numbers by secondary poisoning for the 

first 2-3 months, but there after there was no apparent effect. The sex ratio of stoats caught varied 

significantly amongst the poison operations. The fewest females were caught following anticoagulant 

operations. Stoat stomachs and intestines contained mostly rats, and some birds and mice. Weasels ate 

mostly mice, while ferrets predominantly ate lagomorphs and invertebrates. Male and female stoats ate 

similar proportions of rats, but females ate more mice. Both sexes, but particularly females, ate fewer birds 

in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Stoats shifted between eating rats and birds, depending on 

the abundance of rats. Thuis successful rat-poisoning operations resulted in higher bird consumption than 

unsuccessful ones. Combining the numerical and functional responses of stoats into a 'bird predation index' 

showed that stoats are likely to have the greatest effect on birds after successful 1080 operations. Diet shifts 

could not be demonstrated in weasels or ferrets because sample sizes were too small for quantitative 

assessments. The risk of increased predation pressure on birds from diet-shifting by stoats must be balanced 

against the predation pressure on birds and other ecological impacts of rats and possums from different 

poison operations. 

Murphy, E. C., Robbins, L., Young, J. B., and Dowding, J. E. (1999). Secondary poisoning of stoats after 

an aerial 1080 poison operation in Pureora forest, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 175- 

182. 

139


Appendix C 

Keywords: secondary poisoning/mammals/1080/birds 

Abstract: Stoats were monitored by three methods through an aerial 1080 poisoning operation at 

Waimanoa, Pureora Forest in August 1997. Tracking rates and number of live captures were used as indices 

of abundance, and radio-transmitters were used to follow individual animals. All 13 stoats with radiotransmitters 

within the poisoned area died between 2-18 days after the operation. No mustelids were 

tracked or live-trapped after the operation for three months. Of the radio-tracked stoats that died, rat 

remains occurred in 67%, passerine birds in 17%, cave weta in 17% and possum in 8%. Residues of 1080 

were found in 12 of the 13 dead stoats. Our findings have important implications for the management of 

threatened species. Stoats are known to be a major factor in the continuing decline of some native birds. 

Previously, the potential of secondary poisoning to control stoats land other predators) in New Zealand had 

focused on the use of anticoagulants, as these compounds persist and can accumulate in predators over a 

longer period. However, our results suggest that secondary poisoning with an acute toxin can also be highly 

efficient. This may also have greater public acceptability. 

Murray, L. R. and Woolley, D. R. (1968). The uptake of fluoride by Acacia georginae E.M. Bailey. 

Australian Journal of Soil Research 6, 203-210. 

Keywords: fluoride/persistence in plants/fluorine 

Abstract: Chemical and physical measurements were made on soil samples and leaft material from Acacia 

georginae in order to investigate a number of factors which were considered to be possibly influencing the 

uptake of fluoride by the plant in the field. No correlation was found between leaf fluorine levels and any 

of the factros measured. The available evidence suggests that the 100-fold variation in leaf fluorine levels 

found is not due to variation in soil composition; this conclusion was supported by pot trials using soil from 

trees with high and low leaf fluorine levels. High leaf fluorine levels (> 10 ppm or air dry material) were 

found in the filed only where the trees grow over carbonate bedrock (limestone or dolomite); however only 

a small percentage of teh trees in such areas have elevated leaf fluorine levels. 

Nachman, M. and Hartley, P. L. (1975). Role of illness in producing learned taste aversions in rats: a 

comparison of several rodenticides. J.Comp.Physiol.Psychol. 89, 1010-1018. 

Keywords: bait shy/aversion/rats/lethal dose/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/warfarin/cyanide/strychnine/symptoms 

Abstract: Several toxic agents were compared in order to test the effect of various types of illness in 

producing learned taste aversions. After a 10-min sucrose drinking trial, groups of rats were injected 

intraperitoneally with lithium chloride or with a strong, near lethal dose of a rodenticide. Strong sucrose 

aversions were acquired by groups injected with lithium chloride, copper sulfate, sodium fluoroacetate, or 

red squill, and very weak or no aversions were learned by groups injected with thallium, warfarin cyanide, 

or strychnine. The results were discussed in terms of onset of symptoms, duration of symptoms, and kinds 

of physiological effects necessary to produce aversions. It was concluded that the effects of different drugs 

may be mediated by different physiological systems learned taste aversions 

Nadler, J. V., Horwitch, P., and Cooper, J. R. (1972). Effects of sodium fluoroacetate on the metabolism of 

N-acetylaspartate and aspartate in mouse brain. Journal of neurochemistry 19, 2107-2118. 

Keywords: mode of action/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/metabolism/brain/Krebs cycle 

Abstract: ......We consider the results to be consistent with a selective inhibition both by sodium 

fluoroacetate and by exogenous aspartic acid of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the brain associated with the 

biosynthesis of glutamine. We suggest that the activity of this pathway may regulate the metabolism of Nacetylaspartate 

and aspartate. 

Negherbon, W. O. (1959). Sodium fluoroacetate. In 'Handbook of Toxicology Volume III Insecticides'. 

(Ed. W. O. Negherbon.) pp. 694-695. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/invertebrates 

New Zealand Veterinary Association. 1080 necessary. Vets@Work [June 2004], -2. 2004. Wellington, 

New Zealand, New Zealand Veterinary Association. 


Keywords: 1080/pest/New Zealand 

140


Appendix C 

Abstract: Until a better way of killing noxious pest animals comes along, New Zealand had no alternative 

but to continue with the widespread use ot 1080, according to the New Zealand Veterinary Association. 

Nichols, H. C., Thomas, E. F., Brawner, W. R., and Lewis, R. Y. (1949). Report of poisoning two dogs 

with 1080 rat poison. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 115, 355-356. 

Keywords: poisoning/dogs/1080/symptoms/convulsions/welfare/treatment/diagnosis 

Abstract: From these observations and the cases brought to our clinic, we consider the following symptoms 

to be characteristic of 1080 poisoning; extreme pain manifested by running and barking, convulsions of the 

tetanic type with ophisthotonos. Death follows first symptoms in thirteen to thirty minutes. We have had 

two cases to recover from 1080 poisoning, which in our opinion received only a very small amount of the 

poison. The health department has discontinued the use of 1080 in our county. 

Nieschalk, J., Hamilton, J. T. G., Murphy, C. D., Harper, D. B., and O'Hagan, D. (1997). Biosynthesis of 

fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine by Streptomyces cattleya. The stereochemical processing of glycerol. 

Chemical Communications 799-800. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: When both (2R)-[1- 2 H2]- and (2S)-[1- 2 H 2]-glycerol are incubated with resting cell suspensions of 

S. cattleya, only the 2R-enantiomer labels the fluoromethyl groups of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine, 

with retention of both deuterium atoms, placing metabolic and mechanistic limitations on the process of 

biological fluorination. 

Nigrovic, V. and Cafruny, E. J. (1974). Renal concentration of citrate as a negative modulator of diuretic 

response to mercurials. Nature 247, 381-383. 

Keywords: citrate/metabolism/excretion/kidney/dogs/persistence in animals 

Noguchi, T, Ohnuki, Y., and Okigaki, T. (1966). Effect of sodium fluoroacetate on myocardial cells in 

vitro. Nature 209, 1197-1198. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/heart/mode of action/cardiac/Krebs 

cycle/metabolism/poisoning 

Abstract: It is not known whether the response of the cardiac tissue is mediated through an interruption of 

the vagus control or through its own dependence on Krebs cycle metabolism. Myocardial cells in vitro were 

utilised to examine this question. It is interesting to note that cardiac fibrillation observed in cases of 

sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in man and animals is also recorded in isolated myocardial cells treated in 

tissue culture. The absence of nerve tissue in this in vitro preparation indicates that fibrillation results from 

a direct effect on the myocardial cells. 

Noguchi, T, Hashimoto, Y., and Miyata, H. (1968). Studies of the biochemical lesions caused by a new 

fluorine pesticide, N-ethyl-N-(I-napthyl)monofluoroacetamide. Toxicology and applied phamacology 13, 

189-198. 

Keywords: fluorine/fluoroacetamide/mammals/testes/monofluoroacetic 

acid/citrate/heart/kidney/rats/liver/metabolism/acute toxicity/enzyme 

Abstract: N-ethyl-N-(I-napthyl)monofluoroacetamide (MNFA), a derivative of monofluoroacetic acid, is an 

effective pesticide with low toxicity for most mammals. The biochemical effect of this compound was 

investigated. After a single dose the citrate levels rose in the heart of the rat and monkey and in the kidney 

of the guinea-pig. A chronic toxicity experiment showed that there was an increase in the citrate level only 

in the testis of rats receiving 10 mg/kg/day of MNFA for 180 days and a decrease in the level in the liver 

and kidney as compared with animals receiving a single dose. The lack of toxicity associated with chronic 

administration may be due to accelerated detoxication (sic) in the liver and kidney as a consequence of 

metabolism in the animal body. The hydrolysis on MNFA by liver homogenates was closely related to the 

acute toxicity. The enzyme activity in the guinea-pig was about 35 times that of the rat or mouse. The 

product of the hydrolysis of MNFA by liver homogenates of guinea-pigs, rats and mice was N-methyl-1napthylamine. 

The LD50 of MNFA, a N-CH3 compound of NFA, was 3.1 times that of NFA, and the 

amount hydrolysed after 30 minutes incubation was about one-fifth. 

Norbury, G. L. The use of 1080 to control feral goats in Western Australia. Agriculture Protection Board of 

Western Australia. 1992. 

141


Appendix C 


Keywords: 1080/goats 

Abstract: The minimum conc. of 1080 to kill 100% of goats was estimated from yard trials to be 7 mg of 

1080 per litre of water. This equates to a dose of 1.4 mg/kg. There appeared to be minimal suffering from 

poisoning. 

If precautions are not taken to prevent non-target species from drinking, Zebra Finches, Budgerigars and 

some Galahs will be at risk of poisoning. Other bird species are resistant to 1080 at the poisoning rates 

required to kill goats. When inverted sheet metal guttering was applied to the edges of poisoned troughs, 

birds could not perch safely when attempting to drink. Provided an alternative watering trough was 

available, birds rarely drank from the poisoned troughs. Some kangaroos will also be at risk from 

poisoning unless poison is removed at the recommended time of 1200 hr. 

It is technically feasible to selectively poison feral goats with 1080 provided the appropriate safeguards are 

adopted to protect non-target species. Six guidelines are recommended for goat poisoning campaigns. 

Norris, R. The federal animal damage control program. Audubon Wildlife Report 1987, 223-238. 1987. 


Keywords: 1080/ground control/regulatory toxicology/livestock protection collar/legislation/USA 

Norris, W. R., Temple, W. A., Eason, C. T., Wright, G. R., Ataria, J., and Wickstrom, M. L. (2000). 

Sorption of fluoroacetate (compound 1080) by colestipol, activated charcoal and anion-exchange resins in 

vitro and gastrointestinal decontamination in rats. Veterinary and human toxicology 42, 269-275. 

Keywords: treatment/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/antidote 

Notman, P. (1989). A review of invertebrate poisoning by compound 1080. New Zealand entomologist 12, 

67-71. 

Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/1080/birds/mammals/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: Compound 1080 is widely used in New Zealand for the control of wild animals. The tendency of 

1080 to poison non-target birds and mammals is recognised, but its effects on invertebrates have gone 

mostly unnoticed. At least 9 invertebrate orders are prone to 1080 poisoning. Invertebrates have been 

observed eating baits, and their habitats are contaminated by residues leaching from baits, and from animal 

by-products and carcasses. Poisoned insects leaching from baits, and from animal by-products and 

carcasses. Poisoned insects provide a means of secondary poisoning for insectivores . Therefore 1080 

should not be used where susceptible invertebrate species or rare insectivores are found. 

Novak, L., Misustova, J., and Hosek, B. (1968). The effects of sodium fluoroacetate on the respiratory 

exchange in mice and rats. Physiologia bohemoslovaca 17, 97-103. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/rats/sodium fluoroacetate/temperature/citric acid/mode of action 

Abstract: It was found in mice and rats that an intraperitoneal injection of sodium fluoroacetate in sublethal 

doses of 2.5 to 7.5 mg/kg produces a sharp decrease in the resting vales of carbon dioxide output and 

oxygen consumption within 60 to 90 minutes after application. In mice, the values of respiratory echange 

decrease within 2 to 5 hours following the injection of sodium fluoroacetate to a mere 15 to 20 per cent of 

the initial values. The decrease of respiatory exchange coincides with the decrease of rectal temperature and 

falls into the period when citric acid accumulates in the body tissues and when the sensitivity of the 

organism to irradiation occurs. The results are interpreted in favour of the hypothesis on the importance of 

the level of metabolic processes in the organism for its sensitivity to irradiation. 

Novak, L., Sikulova, J., Hosek, B., and Misustova, J. (1969). Radioprotective effect of sodium 

fluoroacetate in mice. Radiation Research 40, 430-439. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/mode of action 

Abstract: A quantitative study of the radioprotective effect of sodium fluoroacetate (FAc) in white mice of 

H-strain, 9-12 weeks old was made. The results of the experiment showed that FAc administered 

intraperitoneally 3 hours before irradiation in the amount of 7.5 mg/kg increases the average LD 50(30) 

values from 648 R (controls) to 998 R (protected). A comparison of the obtained results with data on the 

radioprotective effect of cysteine, cysteamine, AET, serotonin and hypoxia indicates that the 

radioprotective effect of FAc is not statistically different from the effect of these compounds. The 

protective effect of FAc , however, requires much smaller doses (50-75 u moles/kg). At the same time, the 

142


Appendix C 

duration of protection after FAc administration is much longer, lasting roughly from 30 minutes to 7 hours 

after the application of the substance, with maximum protection between the first and second hour. 

Novak, L., Misustova, J., and Hosek, B. (1972). Course of respiratory exchange and body temperature in 

mice after repeated administration of fluoroacetate: an indicator of aconitase activity in vivo. Physiol 

Bohemoslov 21, 53-61. 

Keywords: temperature/fluoroacetate/aconitase/fluorocitrate/enzyme/Krebs cycle 

Abstract: Fluorocitrate formed by lethal synthesis from injected fluoroacetate blocks the enzyme aconitase 

and hence the course of Krebs cycle reactions. This is manifested in a temporary decrease in respiatory 

exchange and body temperature. In male strain H mice given doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, respiratory 

exchange recovered and returned to the initial level 24-72 hours after the injection. On administering a 

second FAc injection at different intervals after the first, a further and greater decrease in respiratory 

exchange and body temperature was found. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide prolonged the recovery 

period. This means that the observed recovery of respiratory exchange and body temperature are an 

expression of renewed aconitse activity and that the block of the enzyme is followed not by an adequate 

compensatory by-pass reaction, but by the induction of new aconitase molecules. 

Novak, L., Kolacny, I, Sikulova, J., and Vlkova, G. (1974). Resistance of the fluorocitrate-aconitase 

complex to natural inactivation and heat denaturation in vivo. Physiologia bohemoslovaca 23, 555-565. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/aconitase/biochemistry/temperature/heart/kidney/liver/enzyme/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: In experiments with heart, kidney and liver homogenates from male strain H mice (aged nine 

weeks), it was found that the addition of synthetic sodium fluorocitrate to organ homogenates in vitro 

raised the in vitro resistance of aconitase to inactivation during storage of crude extract of the enzyme at 

low temperatures, in the same way as fluorocitrate formed in the organs in vivo by Peter's lethal synthesis 

from injected sodium fluoroacetate (FAc). Raised resistance of aconitase to heat denaturation at 50, 55, 60 

and 65 degrees celcius was likewise demonstrated in homogneates or organs removed at 2 hours after the 

i.p. injection of a radioprotective dose of FAc (50 u mol/kg). The results support the authors hypothesis that 

the presence of the FCTR molecule, bound to the aconitase molecule "protects" the enzyme against natural 

inactivation during storage at low temperatures and raises its resistance to heat denaturation. 

Nugent, G., Fraser, K. W., Asher, G. W., and Tustin, K. G. (2001). Advances in New Zealand mammalogy 

1999-2000: deer. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 31, 263-298. 

Keywords: deer/non-target species/1080/aerial control 

Nugent, G. and Yockney, I. Fallow deer deaths during aerial poisoning of possums in the Blue Mountains, 

Otago. Landcare Research Contract Report LC0102/044, -27. 2001. 


Keywords: deer/aerial control 

Nugent, G. and Yockney, I (2004). Fallow deer deaths during aerial-1080 poisoning of possums in the Blue 

Mountains, Otago, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of zoology 31, 185-192. 

Keywords: deer/poisoning/possums/New Zealand/brushtail possum/baits/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/Tb 

Abstract: Incidental kills of deer during aerial-1080 poisoning of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) 

using baits containing sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) causes widespread hunter opposition to this 

control method. We document the deaths of a large number of fallow deer (Dama dama) after aerial-1080 

poisoning in the Blue Mountains, Otago. Three deer fitted with radio collars all died during the poisoning. 

Eight randomly located "search cells" (25-57 ha) were each searched twice. One pig (Sus scrofa), 53 deer, 

58 possum, and 20 bird (three native) carcasses were found. Deer-carcass density varied widely between 

cells (2.2-38.6/km 2 ), reflecting differences in deer density but apparently also the amount of ground cover. 

The total number of deer killed was estimated using Lincoln indices. More fawns were killed than larger 

adult deer. Comparison with historical harvest data suggested that between two-thirds and three-quarters of 

the deer present had been killed. This unintended by-kill will have reduced deer impacts on native plants 

and the risk of Tb spread or persistence in deer. However, such incidental benefits may not offset the 

143


Appendix C 

increased indirect "social" costs likely to arise from increased hunter opposition to use of aerial-1080 

poisoning. 

Nwude, N. and Parsons, L. E. (1977). Nigerian plants that may cause poisoning in livestock. Veterinary 

Bulletin 47, 811-817. 

Keywords: poisoning/livestock/cardiac/fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: This review covers 60 spp. of plants which are potential sources of poisoning to livestock in 

Nigeria. The plants are listed, with a little information on each, under the toxic constituents, as follows: 

cyanogenetic glycosides, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, fluoroacetate, oxalates, saponins, miscellaneous and 

unknown toxic constituents. Also included are some spp. which cause mechanical injury, through sharp 

awns, burrs, spines or thorns, or cause ulcers or hair balls in the digestive tract 

Nwude, N., Parsons, L. E., and Adaudi, A. O. (1977). Acute toxicity of the leaves and extracts of 

Dichapetalum barteri (Engl.) in mice, rabbits and goats. Toxicology 7, 23-29. 

Keywords: acute 

toxicity/toxicity/rabbits/goats/convulsions/liver/kidney/spleen/heart/monofluoroacetate/occurrence in 

nature 

Abstract: Acute toxicity of the leaves and extracts of Dichapetalum barteri for mice, rabbits and goats was 

investigated. Consumption of 0.5 g/kg and 2.2 g/kg body weight of dried leaves was lethal to rabbits and 

goats, respectively, within 4 h. Plants collected in the dry season were more toxic than those collected 

during the wet season. Clinical signs observed were initial depression followed by restlessness, 

convulsions, and death. The main lesions observed were acute vasculitis and congestion of the liver, lung, 

kidney, spleen as well as extensive oedema and congestion of the myocardium. The water extract of the 

leaves was lethal to mice at 2.0 g/kg, to rabbits at 0.1 g/kg and toxic to isolated rabbit heart at 2 mg/ml of 

Locke's solution. Monofluoroacetate was detected in the plant material and is probably the toxic principle 

of D. barteri 

O' Connor, C. E., Airey, A. T., and Littin, K. E. Relative humaneness assessment of possum poisons. 

LC0203/158, -20. 2003. Lincoln, New Zealand, Landcare Research. 


Keywords: poisons/poison/brodifacoum/cyanide/possums/1080/welfare/poisoning/cholecalciferol 

Abstract: (outcomes) In summary, cyanide caused mild abnormal breathing in 52% of the poisoned 

possums and convulsion occurred in all animals after they had become unconscious. For 1080 there is 

potential welfare compromise for 9.5 hours following poisoning. A small percentage of possums posioned 

with 1080 had mild to moderate retching , most became uncoordinated and then all had mild to moderate 

tremors or spasms. The main welfare concern with phosphorus is the congestion is the congestion of the 

gastric mucosa, which was linked to the adoption of a crouching posture. This was probably assocaited with 

some mild pain and lasted for 10 h until possums became prostrate. Cholecalciferol caused mineralisation 

in the organs of 67% of possums and lung damage in 59% of the animals. Seventy-one percent of possums 

had abnormal breathing for 1.5 days before death. They did not eat for 7 days, on average, and 21% lost 

more than 30% of their bodyweight. Finally, brodifacoum caused widespread haemorrhages of varying 

severity in all animals. The welafre consequences depended on the site and severity of the haemorrhages, 

which makes it difficult to generalise the welfare impact of this poison. Nevertheless, all animals had at 

least one severe haemorrhage in an area that would cause or contribute to pain, distress or weakness. In 

addition, in order to describe a refined humane end-point for effeicayc testing, we determined that the 

behaviour shown by most possums across all poisons was a prolonged period of prostration or lying, on the 

side, back or belly. We have defined prolonged in this case as a continuous 2 hours or more. If this refined 

end-point (prolonged period of prostration), had been used there would have been a significant reduction, 

of several hours, in the period of suffering for many animals tested. 

O'Brien, P. and Korn, T. (1995). 1080 - for pest control in New South Wales. Agfacts Department of 

Agriculture, New South Wales No. A9.0.18, 1-4. 

Keywords: 1080/mode of action/humans/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Details are given of the characteristics, mode of action, persistence in the environment, suitability, 

usage in New South Wales and risk to humans of sodium monofluoroacetate [sodium fluoroacetate] 

(known as 1080), which is used widely to control vertebrate pests in Australia 

144


Appendix C 

O'Brien, P. H., Kleba, R., Beck, J. A., and Baker, P. J. (1986). Vomiting by feral pigs after 1080 

intoxication: nontarget hazard and influence of anti-emetics. Wildlife Society bulletin 14, 425-432. 

Keywords: pigs/1080/symptoms/non-target species/efficacy 

Abstract: We examined vomiting by feral pigs after 1080 intoxication and tested the effectiveness of 

metoclopramide in suppressing emesis. Most pigs vomited repeatedly after 1080 intoxication. At the doses 

tested (1,4 and 16 mg/kg) metoclopramide did not reduce the frequency of vomiting, but decreased the 

proportion of a pig's 1080 dose that was ejected by decreasing the amount of vomitus produced. Becuase of 

wide individual variability in response, and the small sample size, there was no signficant effect of 

metoclopramide on mortality. Overall mortality was lower than expected. Vomitus varied widely in mass, 

1080 concentration and 1080 content. Typical levels of 1080 in vomitus would be hazardous to a number of 

nontarget species and peak levels hazardous to most. Other feral pigs are unlikely to be poisoned by 

consuming vomitus. 

O'Brien, P. H., Beck, J. A., and Lukins, B. Residual tissue levels of warfarin and 1080 in in poisoned feral 

pigs. 1987. Australian Vertebrate Pest Control Conference, Coolangatta, Queensland. 


Keywords: residues/pigs/warfarin/1080/distribution/liver 

Abstract: We measured the distribution and persistence of warfarin and 1080 in the tissues of captive feral 

pigs offered toxins in wheat in a choice experiment. Compound 1080 was found in low levels in all tissues 

tested except fat. Warfarin was concentrated in the liver of poisoned animals. Liver levels of warfarin were 

well correlated with levels in other tissues. Liver may be a useful tissue for asaay for diagnostic purposes. 

Both toxins declined to very low levels over time, with no evidence of persistence. Samples obtained from 

pigs in the field had extermely high warfarin levels, indicating cumulation with repeated dosing. 

O'Brien, P. H., Lukins, B. S., and Beck, J. A. (1988). Bait type influences the toxicity of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) to feral pigs. Australian wildlife research 15, 451-457. 

Keywords: high-performance liquid chromatography/acute toxicity/mammals/1080/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/pigs 

Abstract: The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) to captive feral pigs was compared in wheat 

and pellet bait. Morality following 4-34 mg 1080 kg-1 was significantly higher among pigs receiving 1080 

in wheat bait (60%, 24/40) than in pellet bait (28% 11/40, x2 = 7.31, 1 d.f., P< ,0.05). There were no 

significant differences between pigs receiving each bait type in terms of time until vomiting began, 

frequency, mass of vomitus produced. or in time until death. The amount and concentration of 1080 in 

vomitus and the proportion of 1080 dose ejected were unrelated to bait type. Surviving pigs produced 

vomitus with a greater 1080 concentration but smaller mass than those that died. Bait type is an important 

determinant of the toxicity of 1080 to captive feral pigs and should be closely evaluated before speicifc bait 

types are used in the field. 

O'Brien, P. H. (1988). The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) to captive feral pigs, 

Sus scrofa. Australian wildlife research 15, 163-170. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/monofluoroacetate/1080/pigs/symptoms 

Abstract: The toxicity of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) to captiveferal pigs was assessed over a range of 

doses (1.50 - 21.3 mg/kg) administered orally in wheat bait to 80 animals. Calculated LD50 dose was 4.11 

mg/kg (95% fiducial limits 3.02 - 5.34 mg/kg) and LD90 was 11.25 mg/kg (8.05 - 21.69 mg/kg). The 

incidence (985) and frequency of vomiting were high. Frequency of vomiting was unrelated to log10 dose, 

although time until vomiting began and time until death had a significant neagtive association with log10 

dose. Medina latency was 49 mintes and median timeuntil death was 244 minutes.Sex and bodyweight had 

no effect on frequency of vomiting, time until death or prognosis. Feral pigs were much less sensitive to 

1080 under these test conditions than those in earlier studies. 

O'Brien, P. H. and Lukins, B. S. (1988). Factors influencing the intake of sodium monofluoroacetate 

(Compound 1080) by free-ranging feral pigs. Australian wildlife research 15 , 285-291. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/pigs/stomach/baits 

Abstract: Post-mortem investigations of 207 feral pigs poisoned in the field were conducted to assess the 

influence on 1080 dose of bait type, site, sex, bodyweight and distance from bait stations. The stomachs of 

most (126/207) pigs contained only bait material. Bait type significantly affected intake and 1080 dose, 

145


Appendix C 

with pellet intake greater than cereal baits. Sex and bodyweight also influenced intake: females ingested 

significantly larger 1080 doses than males; and larger pigs tended to consume more bait in absolute terms 

but lower doses of 1080 (mg kg-1). Average intake of 1080 varied widely at different locations. Pigs that 

died close to bait stations had higher 1080 doses but smaller proportions of bait in their stomach contents 

than those that died away from bait stations 

O'Connor, C. E., Milne, L. M., Arthur, D. G., Ruscoe, W. A., and Wickstrom, M. (1999). Toxicity effects 

of 1080 on pregnant ewes. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 59, 250-253. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target 

species/mammals/pathology/1080/treatment/livestock/baits/poisoning/reproductive effects/developmental 

toxicity 

Abstract: There are no data on the potential for 1080 used for pest control to cause delayed deaths or 

impaired productivity in livestock following multiple, sub-lethal doses. Recent losses of late-gestation 

ewes exposed to weathered 1080 baits has also led to speculation that pregnant ewes may be unusually 

sensitive to the toxin. TO address these data gaps, groups of 20 Perendale ewes, non-pregnant or pregnant 

with twins, were administered either a single (0.25 mg/kg) or multiple oral doses (0.05 mg/kg over 3 

consecutive days) of a 1080 cereal pellet. The highest mortality occurred in the single does groups 

(pregnant 45%, non-pregnant 21%) compared to the multiple doses groups (pregnant 35%, non-pregnant 

0%). There was no mortality in the control group of pregnant ewes. Log-linear modelling showed highly 

significant treatment effects (P+0.0003) and differences (P=0.045) in acute mortality rates between 

pregnant (40%) and non-pregnant ewes (10%), which was linked to increase bioavailability. There were no 

differences in the incidence of metabolic diseases, lambing percentages, lamb survival, or growth rates 

between dosed and undosed pregnant ewes. This study demonstrated that extra care should be taken to 

avoid exposure to pregnant ewes to even small bait fragments, but also provides further evidence that there 

are no long term health effects in animal that survive accidental 1080 poisoning. 

O'Connor, C. E., Morgan, D. R., and Wickstrom, M. (1999). The development of alternatives to 1080 for 

possum control. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: possums/acute toxicity/1080/zinc phosphide/lethal dose 

Abstract: Objectives: To develop alternative poisons to 1080 for the effective and humane control of 

possums, by determining the palatability and efficacy of a zinc phosphide cereal bait to possums; 

determining the palatability and efficacy of a cholecalciferol gel bait to possums; determining the efficacy 

and cost effectiveness of these new zinc phosphide and cholecalciferol baits for possums control, in field 

trials. Conclusions: Zinc phosphide cereal bait Zinc phosphide is an effective toxicant in cereal baits for 

possums. It is uniformly lethal to animals ingesting only 3 g of bait containing 2% active ingredient. Many 

possums apparently detect the odour and / or taste of zinc phosphide, and reject the bait in spite of efforts to 

mask the toxicant. About 40% of captive ani9mals offered the best cereal bait formulation in two-choice 

trials did not ingest a lethal dose. Zinc phosphide-coated grain bits developed for rodent control are not 

appropriate for possums. Cholecalciferol gel bait The cholecalciferol gel bait is palatable and effective in 

pen trials with captive possums. There is no difference in efficacy of formulations containing from 0.66% 

and 1.0% cholecalciferol. The LD50 for possums for cholecalciferol in the gel matrix is < 12mg/kg, which 

is similar to LD50 values obtained with current formulations of Campaign cholecalciferol cereal bait. 

Cholecalciferol gel was at least as effective as prefed 1080 pellets in replicated field trials. The most likely 

cause was the poor kills in these trials was the abundance of natural foods in the summer and possums' 

consequent disinterest in artificial baits. 

O'Connor, C. E. and Matthews, L. R. (1999). 1080-induced bait aversions in wild possums: influence of 

bait characteristics and prevalence. Wildlife research 26, 375-381. 

Keywords: possums/1080/baits/efficacy/aversion/bait shyness 

Abstract: The current experiment aimed to determine the proportion of wild-caught from previously 

poisoned and non-poisoned populations that developed aversions to 1080 baits. In addition, we aimed to 

identify the bait characteristics mediating the ongoing aversions. In an initial test, animals from areas 

previously exposed to a 1080 control-operation avoided 1080 baits (60-80%), whereas few naive animals 

(0-20%) avoided these baits. The baits comprised a green-dyed, cinnamon-lured cereal loaded with 0.08% 

1080. As a result of the exposure to the toxic baits, over 80% of the naive animals subsequently developed 

aversions to those baits. Sixty-nine of these averse animals were allocated to on of 16 bait-treatment groups 

146


Appendix C 

in a factorail design balanced for population, age,sex and bodyweight. Each bait was characterised by one 

of four factors a) presence or absence of 1080 b) presence or absence of green dye c) lure type (cinnamon 

or orange) and d) bait type (No.7 or carrot). The presence or absence of 1080 or green dye did not influence 

the degree of bait avoidance. Lure type had a signficant effect on consumption, with 53% of possums 

avoiding an orange bait compared with 73% for cinnamon baits. Bait type also has a significant effect on 

avoidance rates, with carrot baits being avoided by 42% of possums compared with 83% for No. 7 baits. 

Changing the bait type would appear to hold the greatest promise for overcoming aversiosn by possums to 

cereal baits. 

O'Connor, C. E., Eason, C., and Fountain, J. S. Assessing exposure risks to 1080 workers in New Zealand. 

LC9900/98, 1-19. 2000. Landcare Research Contract Report. 


Keywords: 1080/blood/urine/carrot/humans/analysis/occupational exposure 

Abstract: In those areas where either the Workplace Exposure Standard has been exceeded, or a 

Level 3 exposure has been found, standard procedures need to be reviewed and more rigorously enforced. 

We recommend further immediate monitoring, at the factories and aerial carrot operation sites, to 

ensure that improvements in procedures do reduce the 1080 exposure risk. 

$ The exposure level of workers involved in laying 1080 paste bait needs to be determined (i.e. 

determine if detectable levels of 1080 are present in urine samples). 

$ A goal should be no measurable biological exposure (Level 1), which can be achieved by 

encouraging the use of work practices (e.g. foot pedal taps, face masks, clean gloves) that can be shown to 

minimise risk of worker exposure to 1080. 

$ A representative sample of staff working with 1080 should be monitored at least annually to 

ensure continual minimal risk of exposure. 

$ The risk to worker health needs to be assessed by comparing measured daily exposures with 

acceptable maximum doses for chronic exposure derived from ongoing animal dietary exposure studies. 

$ The health of highly exposed 1080 workers should be monitored through occupational physicians 

or an epidemiological investigation. 

$ A human health risk assessment should be undertaken that includes hazard identification, doseB 

response relationship and risk characterisation (acute and chronic). 

$ These unique data should be published in a peer-reviewed clinical toxicology journal to 

demonstrate the recognition of these risks by our pest control industry. 

O'Connor, C. E., Littin, K., and Eason, C. Assessing the humaneness of poisons used for possum control. - 

53. 2000. Lincoln New Zealand, Landcare Research New Zealand. Australasian Wildlife Management 

Society 13th Annual Conference, 28 Nov-1 Dec 2000, Queenstown New Zealand. 


Keywords: 

poisons/wildlife/possums/poisoning/cyanide/1080/cholecalciferol/brodifacoum/behaviour/poison/welfare/ti 

me to death 

Abstract: Wildlife managers have the responsibility to use the most humane methods available for pest 

control. However, data have not been available to identify practices that meet these expectations. We have 

assessed the behavioural, biochemical and pathological chnages in caged possums following poisoning 

with cyanide, 1080, phosphorus, cholecalciferol or brodifacoum. The eman time until death, mean duration 

of illness, and the type and prevalence of changes in behaviour differed between poisons. On average death 

occurred 18 minutes after cyanide, 11.5 hours after 1080, 18 hours after phosphorus, 9 days after 

cholecalciferol and 20 days after brodifacoum poisoning. Main behavioural changes included: 

incoordination and unconsciousness within 7 minutes after cyanide poisoning; retching during an 8-hour 

illness period after 1080; restlessness and a crouching posture for 16 hours after phosphorus; inappetance 

and listlessness for 47 before death after cholecalciferol; and listlessness and abnormal postures for 6 days 

before death after brodifacoum poisoning. Cyanide is therefore the most preferred posion from a welfare 

perspective. Phosphorus and brodifacoum appear less humane than 1080, cholecalciferol, or cyanide. 

O'Connor, C. E., Milne, L., Wright, G., and Eason, C. Poison residues in our meat and milk. He Korero 

Paihama - Possum Research News 15, 10. 2001. Landcare Research, PO Box 69, Lincoln, New Zealand. 

147


Appendix C 


Keywords: 1080/humans/secondary poisoning/persistence in animals 

O'Connor, C. E., Fountain, J. S., and Eason, C. Worker exposure to 1080. LC0001/56, 1-9. 2001. Landcare 

Research Contract Report. 


Keywords: 1080/carrot/humans/analysis/urine/blood/occupational exposure 

Abstract: • 'False' positives through contamination need to be conclusively eliminated, by increased 

diligence during sampling (e.g., monitored washing before all sampling) in the future. 

• The source of worker exposure needs to be identified and then isolated through (i) engineering 

controls (e.g., splash guards) and (ii) more rigorous use of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., glove 

liners, or to continually wear a clean face mask). 

• The three exposure levels used to describe the results in this study must not be considered as 

classified hazard levels. A Biological Exposure Index for future routine monitoring will be developed by 

the Occupational Safety and Health Service. 

• Work practices that can be shown, by biological monitoring, to adequately protect workers need to 

be determined. 

• Further immediate biological monitoring at more aerial carrot operation sites is required to ensure 

that changes in procedures and practices do reduce the 1080 exposure risk to acceptable levels. 

• Once these levels are achieved, annual or biannual biomonitoring of a representative sample of all 

1080 workers to ensure continual good practice and minimal risks of exposure should be enforced. 

O'Hagan, D., Perry, R., Lock, J. M., Meyer, M., Dasaradhi, L., Hamilton, D. J., and Harper, D. B. (1993). 

High levels of monofluoroacetate in Dichapetalum braunii. Phytochemistry 33, 1043-1045. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/fluoride/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetate occurs in young leaves and seed of Dichapetalum braunii Engl. & K. Krause 

from southeat Tanzania at concentrations of 7200 and 8000 ppm, respectively, on a dry weight basis. This 

is the highest level so far reported from a plant source. The fluoride and monofluoroacetate (MFA) 

concentrations in this species are comapred with those of six other Dichapetalum spp. collected from the 

same locality in Tanzania. The seeds of D. braunii, unlike D. toxicarium, so not contain any w-fluorinated 

fatty acids. 

O'Hagan, D. and Harper, D. B. (1999). Fluorine-containing natural products. Journal of fluorine chemistry 

100, 127-133. 


Abstract: It is now more than 50 years since the first fluorinated natural product was identified. In that time 

only about a dozen fluorinated natural products have been isolated, the last one over a decade ago. Very 

little is known about the mechanism of biological fluorination although significant progress has been made 

in elucidating the pathway by which biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine occurs in the 

bacterium Streptomyces cattleya. In this article we review the fluorinated natural products and the current 

status of our understanding of fluorometabolite biosynthesis. 

O'Hagan, D., Goss, R. J. M., Meddour, A., and Cortieu, J. (2003). Assay for the enantiomeric analysis of [H- 

2(1)]-fluoroacetic acid: Insight into the stereochemical course of fluorination during fluorometabolite 

biosynthesis in Streptomyces cattleya . Journal of the American Chemical Society 125, 379-387. 

Keywords: analysis/biosynthesis/fluoroacetate/bacteria/enzyme/fluoride 

Abstract: A sensitive method for the configurational analysis of (R)- and (S)-[H-2(1)]-fluoroacetate has been 

developed using H-2{H-1}-NMR in a chiral liquid crystalline solvent. This has enabled biosynthetic 

experiments to be conducted which reveal stereochemical details on biological fluorination occurring during 

the biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in the bacterium Streptomyces cattleya. In particular, 

feeding experiments to S. cattleya with isotopically labeled (1R, 2R)- and (1S, 2R)-[1-H-2(1)]-glycerol 3d and 3e 

and [2,3-H-2(4)]-Succinate 4a gave rise to samples of enantiomerically enriched [2-H-2(1)]-fluoroacetates 1a. 

The predominant enantiomer resulting from each experiment suggests that the stereochemical course of 

biological fluorination takes place with an overall retention of configuration between a glycolytic intermediate 

and fluoroacetate 1. Consequently, this outcome suggests that the stereochemical course of the recently 

148


Appendix C 

identified fluorinase enzyme which mediates a reaction between fluoride ion and S-adenosyl-L-methionine 

(SAM), occurs with an inversion of configuration. 

O'Halloran, K., Jones, D., and Fisher, P. Project number: R-10581. Ecotoxicity of 1080 to Soil 

Microorganisms and Plants. Landcare Research Contract Report: LC00304/057, -23. 2003. Landcare 

Research, Lincoln. 


Keywords: 1080/soil/inhibition/urine/possums/lethal dose 

Abstract: The lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of 1080 on lettuce seedlings was 7 

mg/kg dry weight soil, at which the time to emergence significantly increased. A significant decrease in 

seedling shoot growth also occurred. A median effective concentration (EC50) value of 10 mg 1080/kg dry 

weight soil was derived for lettuce shoot growth. Lettuce seedlings appeared to be relatively more sensitive 

to 1080 soil concentrations than oat seedlings, for which LOEC and EC50 values were 22 and 42 mg/kg dry 

soil weight, respectively. 

No 1080-related inhibition of soil nitrate production was found. 

The addition of possum urine to soils enhanced basal nitrate production, probably by supplying 

soil microbes with an easily convertible source of nitrogen (N) as nitrate (NH). The urine from possums 

that had received a lethal dose of 1080 caused a 15% reduction in substrate-induced nitrate production 

compared with that in soils spiked with control urine. However, in terms of ecotoxicological hazard, this 

reduction was considered neither statistically nor biologically significant. 

O'Halloran, K., Jones, D., and Booth, L. H. Project number: R-10608, Reproductive Ecotoxicity of 1080 to 

Earthworms. LCR0304/046, -17. 2003. Landcare Research, Lincoln. 


Keywords: 1080/soil/residues/invertebrates/toxicity 

Abstract: •• No mortality or growth changes were observed in earthworms after a 28-day exposure to 

any of the soil concentrations of 1080 tested. 

• The NOEC, LOEC and EC50 for Eisenia fetida exposed to 1080 in a chronic test were 50, 100 and 

160 mg/kg, respectively, for juvenile production, and 50, 100 and 90 mg/kg, respectively, for cocoon 

production. 

• Residues of 1080 in soil were reduced after 28 days to


Appendix C 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is a toxin used throughout New Zealand for the control of 

possums Trichosurus vulpecula. Its rate of degradation was measured in stream water in aquaria in the 

presence and absence of the endemic aquatic plant Myriophyllum triphyllum together has a significant 

effect on 1080 degradation rate, with concentrations decreasing below detectable levels in 1 day at 23°C 

and 3 days at 7°C. M.triphyllum is therefore capable of playing a significant role in 1080 degradation, 

bu1080 introduced into the environment at colder times of the year is likely to take longer to degrade than 

if introduced in warmer temperatures. 

Ogilvie, S. C., Hetzel, F., and Eason, C. T. (1996). Effect of temperature on the biodegradation of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) in water and in Elodea canadensis. Bulletin of environmental contamination and 

toxicology 56, 942-947. 

Keywords: persistence in water/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/temperature/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/degradation/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The influence of temperatures of 21 and 11øC on the biodegradation of sodium 

monofluoroacetate [sodium fluoroacetate] in water and in Elodea canadensis was studied in the laboratory, 

using stream water and plant material collected from the field in New Zealand. Concn of the rodenticide 

remained relatively constant in deionised water at both temperatures but decreased with time in stream 

water. Degradation was more rapid in the stream water at 21 than at 11øC. Elodea canadensis was 

considered to play a mediating role in the degradation of sodium fluoroacetate. 

Ogilvie, S. C., Thomas, M. D., Fitzgerald, H., and Morgan, D. R. Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baitshyness 

in a wild brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) population. 143-146. 1996. Proceedings of 

49th NZ Plant Protection Conference. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/bait shyness/possums/carrot/poisoning/field 

efficacy 

Abstract: Bait-shyness was investigated in wild possums by comparing the consumption of diced carrot 

with the consumption of non-toxic cereal bait before and after the population had been poisoned with the 

same cereal bait containing 0.04% sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). Before poisoning, 64% of the total 

bait consumed was cereal, whereas after the poisoning cereal bait consumption declined to 3-4%. To 

determine whether any individual component of the cereal bait cues possum aviodance, the consumption of 

plain cereal bait, cereal bait with green dye and cereal bait with cinnamon lure were also measured. 

Possums remained shy of the cereal bait even when the dye and lure were absent. Ways to overcome bait 

shyness are discussed in light of these new findings. 

Ogilvie, S. C., Booth, L. H., and Eason, C. T. (1998). Uptake and persistence of sodium monofluoroacetate 

(1080) in plants. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 60, 745-749. 

Keywords: persistence in plants/1080/rabbits/secondary poisoning 

Abstract: In New Zealand, large-scale control of introduced possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rabbits 

(Oryctolagus cuniculus) is based on aerial application of baits containing the toxin sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). The high solubility of 1080 has caused concerns about the environment effects 

of 1080 leaching from baits to soil and waterways (Livingstone 1994). 

Sodium monofluoroacetate which has leached into soil may be absorbed by plants (Atzert 1971; Rammel 

and Fleming 1978). Cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) has been shown to systemically accumulate 

1080 through its roots, and subsequently become toxic to aphids (Negherborn 1959). Herbivores may be at 

risk of secondary poisoning if they consume plants which have taken up 1080 that has leached from bait. 

Depending on the period of time 1080 persists within plant tissues, plants could remain toxic to herbivores 

after the risk of primary poisoning had gone, i.e., after baits had degraded and become non-toxic. 

We have investigated the potential risks of 1080 poisoning to herbivorous species by determining the 

uptake and persistence of 1080 in two plant species, the native New Zealand broadleaf (Griselinia 

littoralis), a dicotyledon, and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), a monocotyledon. 

Ogilvie, S. C., Thomas, M. D., Morriss, G. A., Morgan, D. R., and Eason, C. T. (2000). Investigation of 

sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) bait shyness in wild brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) 

populations. International journal of pest management 46, 77-80. 

Keywords: field efficacy/1080/bait shyness/monofluoroacetate/poisoning 

150


Appendix C 

Abstract: Bait shyness is a significant threat to the sustainable control of vertebrate pests. New Zealand's 

foremost vertebrate pest is the introduced brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Bait shyness was 

identified in two wild possum populations by comparing the consumption of two non-toxic bait types 

before and after each population was presented with one of the bait types containing the toxin sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080). Before poisoning, approximately 60% of total bait consumption was of the type 

which 1080 was later presented in, whereas after poisoning this bait type made up only 2-4% of total 

consumption. This shyness persisted for at least 11 weeks in one of the populations. No individual 

component (bait base, cinnamon lure or green dye) of the toxic bait could be isolated as the primary cue 

eliciting bait shyness as the response. Possible means of overcoming bait shyness are discussed in light of 

these findings. 

Ogilvie, S. C., Ataria, J. M., Waiwai, J., Doherty, J., Lambert, N., and Lambert, M. Uptake and persistence 

of 1080 in plants of cultural importance. Lincoln University Contract Report ?, -16. 2004. 


Keywords: 1080/baits/humans/aerial control/poisoning/pest/Tb/persistence in plants 

Abstract: (Conclusions) 1080 can move out of Wanganui No. 7 baits when the baits are applied in the field. 

There is no evidence that either pikopiko or karamuramu contain endogenous 1080. There was no evidence 

of pikopiko plants taking up 1080 that has elached out of baits. Karamuramu plants will take up 1080, 

however based on this experiment only a very small proportion (0.0004%) of the original 1080 present in 

baits is likely to be seen in the leaves and the shoots. The highest 1080 concentration measured in the 

karamuramu was 5 ppb, in leaf material 7 days after bait placement. 1080 did not persist, plants containing 

1080 reduced levels to zero after 25 days. At the highest measured concentration of 5 ppb, a person would 

need to consume 28 tonnes of this material to receive an LD50. There is negligible risk of humans being 

poisoned by consuming plants that have taken up 1080 from baits during an aerial control operation. 

(Recommendations) The poisoning of humans by consuming pikopiko or karamuramu plants after aerial 

application of 1080 should not be considered as a significant risk. Consideration should be made for Maori 

groups to adopt a withholding period of 30 days after the aerial application of 1080, during which plants 

from within the 1080 application area are not used for rongoa (medicinal) purposes. Support should be 

given to further collaborative research projects involving Maori groups, as this allows these groups to play 

an informed role in considering the acceptability of 1080 as a vertebrate pest control technique, thus 

potentially strengthening efforts to reduce Tb vector numbers. 

Okuno, I, Connolly, G. E., Savarie, P. J., and Breidenstein, C. P. (1984). Gas chromatographic analysis of 

coyote and magpie tissues for residues of compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). Journal of the 

Association of Official Analytical Chemists 67, 549-553. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/birds/mammals/analysis/1080/sodium 

fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/muscle/heart/kidney/liver/gut/temperature 

Oliver, A. J., King, D. R., and Mead, R. J. (1977). The evolution of resistance to fluoroacetate intoxication 

in mammals. Search 8, 130-132. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/mammals/tolerance/occurrence in nature/marsupials 

Oliver, A. J., King, D. R., and Mead, R. J. (1979). Fluoroacetate tolerance, a genetic marker in some 

Australian mammals. Aust.J.Zool. 27, 363-372. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/tolerance/mammals/marsupials 

Abstract: The toxin fluoroacetate occurs naturally in many south-western Australia species of the legume 

genera Gastrolobium and Oxylobium. No fluoroacetate-bearing species are known from south-eastern 

Australia. Herbivores have evolved a high level of genetic tolerance to this toxin; this has persisted in some 

mammalian herbivores whose range now extends beyond the range of the toxic plants. Other species of 

mammals have acquired tolerance since extending their range into south-western Australia. This tolerance 

can be used as a genetic marker to identify the geographic origin and trace the subsequent spread of 

herbivorous mammals in southern Australia. In this paper, this marker has been used to clarify the recent 

evolutionary history of the western grey kangaroo, the tammer wallaby and the bush rat. 

Oliver, A. J., Wheeler, S. H., and Gooding, C. D. (1982). Field evaluation of 1080 and pindone oat bait, and 

the possible decline of effectiveness of poison baiting for the control of the rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. 

151


Appendix C 


Keywords: field efficacy/target species/bait degradation/1080/pindone/rabbits 

Oliver, A. J. and King, D. R. (1983). The influence of ambient temperatures on the susceptibility of mice, 

guinea pigs and possums to compound 1080. Australian wildlife research 10, 297-301. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/possums/1080/non-target species/lethal dose 

Abstract: The susceptibilities of mice Mus musculus, guinea-pigs Cavia porcellus and brushtail possums 

Trichosurus vulpecula to sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) were determined at various ambient 

temperatures in the range 4-33EC. Toxicity was greater at both ends of the range than in the middle. In 

mice the LD50 at 24EC was five times that at 12.2EC, in guinea-pigs the LD50 at 17EC was twice that at 

4EC, in possums the LD50 at 23.5EC was two and a half times that at 10.5EC. It is important to consider 

these differences when assessing the efficacy of 1080 for pest control, and potential hazards to non-target 

species in situations where such temperature ranges may be commonly expected. 

Omara.F. and Sisodia, C. S. (1990). Evaluation of potential antidotes for sodium fluoroacetate in mice. 

Veterinary and human toxicology 32, 427-431. 

Keywords: treatment/sodium fluoroacetate/lethal dose 

Abstract: Pathogenesis in fluoroacetate poisoning is multifactorial. Biochemically it is characterized by 

lethal synthesis of fluorocitrate, causing hypocalcemia, and energy deficiency through blockade of the TCA 

cycle. Calcium gluconate (CaG) was chosen to antagonize hypocalcemia, while sodium alpha kelogluterate 

(NaKG) and sodium succinate (NaSuc) were selected as potential antidotes to revive the TCA cycle. 

Effectiveness of each of these antidotes individually and in certain combinations was tested in mice 

exposed to lethal doses (15 mg/kg ip) of sodium fluoroacetate (NaFAC). Antidotal treatments were 

administered at 15 min, 4 h, 10 h, 24 h, and 36 h after NaFAC. All 3 of the antidotes alone, as well as a 

combination of CaG with NaKG, were ineffective in reducing morality in mice after NaFAC. On the other 

hand, a combination of CaG (130 mg/kg) with NaSuc (240 mg/kg) was effective if the 2 solutions were 

either injected at separate sites or mixed in the same syringe just prior to injections. Similar solutions, if 

mixed for 24 h or longer before administrations, were ineffective. Increasing the dose of NaSuc to 360 or 

480 mg/kg with CaG (130 mg/kg) was unrewarding. These results indicate that CaG in combination with 

240 mg NaSuc/kg offer a promising therapy modality in NaFAC intoxication. Additional studies involving 

biochemical parameters and other species are needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanism(s) of action of 

this combination. 

Orr, M. and Bentley, G. (1994). Accidental 1080 poisonings in livestock and companion animals. 

Surveillance 21(1), 27-28. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/1080/poisoning/livestock/witholding period/target 

species/carrot/welfare 

Abstract: It appears that compound 1080 is relatively humane and efficient and its use by approved 

operators ensures that it is relatively target species specific. The operators usually advise that livestock and 

pet animals should be withheld from the poisoned areas for at least 8 weeks and preferably until at least 10 

cm of rain has fallen. In low rainfall areas, it may be appropriate to extend the withholding time until 

laboratory testing of weathered bait indicates that it is safe to restock. Extra precautions should be taken 

before livestock are allowed to graze airstrips from which 1080 carrot has been flown. 

Owen, N. E., Chaure, P. T., and Connerton, I. F. (1992). Isolation and characterization of new fluoroacetate 

resistant/acetate non-utilizing mutants of Neurospora crassa. Journal of general microbiology 138, 2599- 

2608. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/fungus/resistance/acetate/analysis/enzyme 

Abstract: Sixty-two mutants of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa were isolated on the basis of 

resistance to the antimetabolite fluoroacetate. Of these, 14 were unable to use acetate as sole carbon source 

(acetate non-utilizers, acu) and were the subject of further genetic and biochemical analysis. These mutants 

fell into four complementation groups, three of which did not complement any known acu mutants. 

Mutants of complementation group 3 failed to complement acu-8, demonstrated similar phenotypic 

properties and provided to be closely linked (less than 2% recombination) but not allelic. Representatives of 

groups 2 and 4 were mapped to independent loci; the single representative of group 1 could not be mapped. 

The four complementation groups were therefore designated as genes acu-10 to acu-13, respectively. All 

152


Appendix C 

the mutants demonstrated normal acetate-induced expression of acetyl-CoA synthetase and the unique 

enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis. The nature of these mutations is therefore quite 

different to those reported for other fungal species. Mutant acu-11 was unable to fix labelled acetate, 

indicating the loss of an initial transport function; partial enzyme lesions were observed for acu-12 (acetyl- 

CoA hydrolase) and acu-13 (acetate-inducible NAD+-specific malate dehydrogenase) 

Ozawa, H. and Tsukioka, T. (1987). Gas chromatographic determination of sodium monofluoroacetate in 

water by derivatization with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Analytical Chemistry 59 , 2914-2917. 

Keywords: persistence in water 

Abstract: A method is described for the determination of trace amounts of sodium monofluoroacetate 

(MFA-Na) in water. MFA-Na was converted to the dichloroanilide derivative in a water sample acidfled 

with hydrochloric acid by using N,N' -dl- cyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 2,4-dichloroanilide (DCA) 

and the derivative was extracted from the sample water and cleaned up by the silica gel column 

chromatography. The derivative was quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection 

(GC-ECD). The limit of detection was 0.0006 ug/mL, with a 50-mL water sample. The recoveries from 

environmental waters spiked at concentrations of 0.005-0.01 ug/mL were 93-97% with less than 4% 

relative standard deviation. 

Ozawa, H. and Tsukioka, T. (1989). Determination of sodium monofluoroacetate in soil and biological 

samples as the dichloroanilide derivative. Journal of chromatography 473, 251-259. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/soil 

Abstract: A method is described for the determination of trace amounts of sodium monofluoroacetate 

(MFA-Na) in soil and biological samples. Soil samples were sonicated with distilled water in the presence 

of basic magnesium carbonate. Biological samples were extracted with distilled water by sonication and 

the extracts were coagulated by addition of equal volumes of alcohol and centrifuged. MFA-Na in each 

sample solution was absorbed on Dowex 1-X8 anion-exchanged resin and eluted with 2% (w/v) sodium 

chloride. The eluate was acidified with hydrochloric acid and treated with 2,4-dichloroaniline and N,N'dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. 

The dichloroanilide derivative of MFA-Na was extracted with ethyl acetate and 

quantified by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection and gas chromatography-mass 

spectrometry. The detection limits were 0.0015 and 0.003 ug/g in 20 g of soil and 10 g of biological 

sample, respectively. 

Palmer-Jones, T. (1958). Laboratory methods for measuring the toxicity of pesticides to honey bees. New 

Zealand journal of agricultural research 1, 290-300. 

Keywords: honey/invertebrates/lethal dose/stomach/poisons/1080 

Abstract: A description is given of laboratory tests designed to study the effect upon honey bees of 

pesticides acting as stomach and dry contact poisons. Methods are also given for measuring direct spray 

and fumigant action. Compound 1080 is highly toxic to bees as a stomach poison. 

Parfitt, R. L., Eason, C. T., Morgan, A. J., Wright, G. R., and Burke, C. M. (1994). The fate of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) in soil and water. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 

December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 59-66. (Royal 

Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: persistence in soil/persistence in water/1080 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) was added to streamwater at a rate of 0.1 mg 1-1 in an 

aquarium, and 3-8 mg (representing typical baits) was added to small cores of soil in the laboratory, and the 

concentration of 1080 in solution measured with time. For the streamwater at 21EC, biodegradation was 

complete within 2-6 days; in the soils biodegradation took longer, and increased with temperature and 

moisture content. In laboratory experiments 1080 was found to be leached through soils bu at three field 

sites no 1080 was detected in groundwater after aerial application of baits. Surface waters as well as 

groundwaters were monitored after four possum-control operations and one rabbit-control operation 

between 1990 and 1993. No 1080 was detected in the water after three of the possum-control operations. 

Extremely small, but variable, traces (


Appendix C 

both taken with 24 hours of the application, probably as a result of baits falling into streams. The amount 

of 1080 used per has is extremely low (less than 15 g) and if any 1080 is not degraded because of low 

biological activity (e.g., at low temperature) it will be diluted by soil water and streamwater to very low 

concentrations. 

Parfitt, R. L., Eason, C. T., Hoff, H., and Heng, L. K. (1995). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) leaching 

through soils. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 55, 162-169. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/1080/non-target species 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is used in New Zealand for the control of animals 

such as rabbit and the brush-tail possum. Since more than one tonne of this pesticide is applied annually in 

New Zealand a clear understanding of possible risks to the environment is essential. Research has been 

conducted on the toxicity of 1080 to a number of target and non-target species (Atzert 1971; Rammel and 

Flemming 1978; Eason et al. 1993). Work on biodegradation of 1080 has shown that it is defluorinated 

both by organisms which have been isolated from soil (Walker and Bong 1981; Wong et al. 1991) and 

within soils themselves (David and Gardiner 1966; Parfitt et al. 1994). In Australia where fluoroacetate 

occurs naturally in 41 plant species from two genera of Leguminosae at concentrations of from


Appendix C 

Parkin, P. J., McGiven, A. R., and Bailey, R. R. (1977). Chronic sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 

1080) intoxication in a rabbiter. New Zealand medical journal 85, 93-96. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/pathology/1080/humans/kidney 

Abstract: A rabbiter who was repeatedly exposed to sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) 

developed renal failure and evidence of other organ damage. This is believed to be the first report of 

chronic sodium monofluoroacetate intoxication occurring in man. 

Parton, K., Bruere, A. N., and Chambers, J. P. (2001). Veterinary Clinical Toxicology. (Foundation for 

Continuing Education of the N.Z. Veterinary Association: Massey University, Palmerston North, New 

Zealand.) 

Keywords: symptoms/poisoning/treatment/mode of action/1080 

Parton, K. Toxicology Update: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) poisoning. Vetscript New Zealand 

September 2002, -1. 2002. 


Keywords: treatment/antidote/1080/poisoning/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/dogs/convulsions/poison 

Abstract: Until an effective antidote is licensed for use in domestic animals, veterinarians must use their 

professional judgement and skills in the treatment of animals poisoned by 1080. IN the past, glycerol 

monoacetate (GMA) was used to treat people and animals but GMA had a short shelf life and is no longer 

available. Alternatively, acetamide treatment appears to be effective in the treatment of dogs as reported by 

john McLaren in Vetscript March 1999. Because many practices do not have a ready supply of acetamide 

available for poisonings, symptomatic treatment of convulsions and metabolic acidosis arising from 1080 

ingestion may require anaesthesia and fluids containing sodium bicarbonate. Of importance in all cases of 

poisoning, the use of decontamination to prevent absorption and eliminate the poison is often the key to 

success. An emetic may be indicated before clinical signs appear to reduce the amount of poison available 

for absorption. The use of activated charcoal with sorbitol binds to, and aids, the elimination of 1080 in the 

intestinal tract. 

Patel, A. and Koenig, H. (1968). The neurochemical effects of fluorocitrate. Neurology 18, 296. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/Krebs cycle/symptoms/brain 

Abstract: Fluorocitrate (FC) an inhibitor of the Krebs cycle that acts by blocking aconitase, the enzyme 

which catalyzes the conversion of citrate to isocitrate, exerts potent neurobiological effects. Injected 

intracerebrally in rat, FC (5 - 10 ug) causes lethargy followed by convulsive seizures and death. When 

injected intrathetcally in cat, FC (10 - 30 ug) produces a spinal status epilepticus featuring clonic-tonic 

seizures of hindlimbs and trunk after a latent period of 1-2 hour. 

Patel, A. and Koenig, H. (1971). Some neurochemical aspects of fluorocitrate intoxication. Journal of 

neurochemistry 18, 621-628. 

Keywords: metabolism/cats/fluorocitrate 

Paulsen, R. E., Contestabile, A., Villani, L., and Fonnum, F. (1988). The effect of fluorocitrate on 

transmitter amino acid release from rat striatal slices. Neurochemical research 13, 637-641. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/treatment/brain/metabolism/inhibition 

Abstract: In order to study the role of glutamine from glial cells for the synthesis of transmitter amino 

acids, the effect of the gliotoxic substance fluorocitrate on amino acid release from slices was investigated. 

In vivo treatment with 1 nmol fluorocitrate reduced the Ca 2+ dependent K + evoked release of endogenous 

glutamate and GABA from the slices, whereas the glutamine efflux decreased and alanine efflux increased. 

The K + evoked release of [ 3 H]D-aspartate increased during fluorocitrate treatment. The latter is consistent 

with an inhibited uptake of D-aspartate into glial cells. Incubation of striatal slices with fluorocitrate (0.1 

mM) decreased the glutamine efflux and increased the alanine efflux. Similar to the in vivo condition, 

fluorocitrate increased the K + evoked [ 3 H]D-aspartate release, but the K + evoked release of endogenous 

glutamate and GABA increased rather than decreased. The ratio between the K + evoked release of 

exogenous D-aspartate to endogenous glutamate increased in both cases. The results suggest an important 

role of glial cells in the synthesis and inactivation of transmitter amino acids. 

155


Appendix C 

Payne, W. J., Wiebe, W. J., and Christian, R. R (1970). Assays for biodegradability essential to unrestricted 

usage of organic compounds. BioScience 20, 862-865. 

Keywords: enzyme/soil/resistance/analysis 

Abstract: Most organic compounds are degraded in nature either by chemical interactions or by the 

enzymes of microoganisms distributed widely in soils and waters; but some are not. Alexander (1965) has 

used the term "recalcitrant" to characterize the compounds that can resist inactivation and biodegradation, 

and accumulate in nature as a consequence. Within the past decade, certain of the components of 

commercial detergents were found to be recalcitrant in this sense and were replaced by the manufacturers in 

the formulation of products sold in the United States. Synthetic surfactants largely susceptible to microbial 

attack are now used, and this problem has been eased without diminishing the quality of the product. 

Today, organic herbicides and insecticides are the most troublesome of the persistent organic compounds 

routinely broadcast in nature. 

It is tempting to speak of these lingering substances as unqualified nuisances, but attitudes toward 

pesticides must necessarily be ambivalent. It is certain, for example, that employment of DDT and other 

pesticides has resulted in more effective disease control and greatly increased agricultural productivity. 

The resistance of these compounds to biodegradation and their adverse effects on the environment have 

typically come to light only after some years of just such extensive and effective use. The unintentional, 

and originally unexpected, persistence of many of these agents and their progressive concentration in 

organisms in successive trophic levels must now be cause for growing alarm. Once perceived, hazards as 

clear as these should be regarded as danger signals that place us on guard against future offenses. 

Pekelharing, C. J. (1979). Fluctuation in opossum populations along the north bank of the Taramakau 

catchment, New Zealand, and its effect on the forest canopy. New Zealand journal of forestry science 9, 

212-224. 

Keywords: 1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/carrot/aerial control/possums 

Abstract: Fluctuations in density patterns of opossum populations were studied by fecal pellet counts, along 

the North Bank of the Taramakau catchment from 1970-1977. The study area contained 2 major vegetation 

associations, rata(Podocarpus hallii)/kamahi forest and red beech (Nothofagus fusca) forest. Variations in 

density patterns over the years indicated that peak population numbers in the beech forests were 

approximately half those in the rata/kamahi forests. The upper transitional forests above both major forest 

types reached similar peak densities. Canopy defoliation was studied by aerial photography in 1960 and in 

1973. Within 13 yr over 40% of the canopy in these protection forests was defoliated. This large-scale 

defoliation coincided with a build-up and peaking of the opossum population. In the winter of 1974 the 

whole area was poisoned by air with 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) impregnated carrot. Approximately 

85% of the opossum population was removed by this operation. The greatest decline in pellet densities was 

recorded in the lower and mid-forest strata 

Pekelharing, C. J. and Batcheler, C. L. (1990). The effect of control of brushtail possums (Trichosurus 

vulpecula) on condition of a southern rata/kamahi (Metorsideros umbellata / Weinmannia racemosa) forest 

canopy in Westland, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 13, 73-82. 

Keywords: possums/poisoning/field efficacy/aerial control 

Abstract: Brushtail possums began colonising a rata/kamahi forest in the Taramakau catchment, Westland 

about 1950 and by 1973 had caused widespread conspicuous forest canopy defoliation. They were 

poisoning in one block of this forest in 1970, at about the time they reached peak denisyt, and again in 

1974. In an adjacent block they were poisoning in 1974 only. A survey of forest canopy condition in 1985 

showed that, in the block poisoned at peak density, 21% of the basal area of palatable trees had died, 

compared with 47% in the block where poisoning was deferred for 4 years. This suggested that control at or 

before populations attain peak denisty is critically important for limiting canopy mortality. After the 1974 

poisoning, possum numbers in both blocks recoverd to within 20% of their pre-control levels in 10 years, 

indicating that control should be carried out at about decade intervals. Defoliation indices and species 

condition patterns showed that canopy dieback was least evident on relatively unpalatable trees. Of the 

palatable trees, kamahi was in best overall condition with least canopy dieback, followed by cedar, southern 

rata and Hall's totara. 

156


Appendix C 

Pelfrene, A. F. (1991). Synthetic organic rodenticides : 19.2 Fluoroacetic acid and its derivatives. In 

'Handbook of pesticide toxicology. Volume 3. Classes of pesticides'. (W. J. Hayes and E. R. LawsEds. ) pp. 

1272-1283. (Academic Press: San Diego.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/treatment/pathology/metabolism 

Perez, G. O. and Frindt, G. (1976). The effect of fluorocitrate on urinary calcium and citrate excretion. 


Keywords: fluorocitrate/citrate/metabolism/dogs/biochemistry/excretion/persistence in animals 

Abstract: The renal handling of calcium and citrate was studied in dogs after the administration of 

fluorocitrate. The drug produced a significant increase in urinary calcium and citrate excretion. Net renal 

secretion of citrate occurred during the infusion of fluorocitrate since citrate clearances exceeded the 

glomerular filtration rate. 

Perfect, J. Aspects of the ecology of the native frogs Leiopelma archeyi and l. hochstetteri, and the impacts 

of compound 1080. 1996. Victoria University of Wellington. 


Keywords: 1080/non-target species/amphibian 

Peters, J. A. Some Toxicological Aspects of Protection Forestry: A Treatise. 93, 1-58. 1970. Rangiora, 

Forest Research Institute. 


Keywords: 1080/systemic toxicity 

Peters, J. A. Chemical control of vertebrate pests. Report on overseas tour of study. 117, 1-32. 1973. 

Rangiora, Forest Research Insitute, New Zealand Forest Service. 


Abstract: On the basis of an overseas tour of study an insight is conveyed into the complexity of regulating 

vertebrate wildlife populations by lethal chemical control alone. In the United States, the pendulum of 

public opinion has swung away entirely from this type of control. This has led to a drastic revision of 

research-into-control priorities. The use of acutely lethal compounds has been severely restricted. In 

Europe and Japan, this situation has long been established fact. 

Abroad major changes are in the offing in which the trend of research-into-control is toward integrated 

manipulation of pest populations by bio-chemical means. This trend takes into account the influence of 

biological attractants and deterrents (pheromones), and the decrease of birth rates by means of reprodution 

inhibitors (chemosterilants). 

With respect to research-into-control in the New Zealand situation, fruitful contact has been made with 

Japan to augment Compound 1080 with other organo-fluorine derivatives. It is envisaged that these 

derivatives will impose secondary hazards of lesser consequence than hitherto possible. 

Peters, J. A. and Baxter, K. J. (1974). Analytical determination of compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) 

residues in biological materials. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 11, 177-183. 

Keywords: product chemistry/ion chromatography/fluorine/analysis 

Abstract: A rapid and accurate method is described to determine toxic organofluorine residues in biological 

materials. Sample preparation is minimal. The sample is degraded by oxygen combustion and the liberated 

inorganic fluorine determined by ion-specific electrode. 

Peters, J. A. (1974). Chemical control of vertebrate pests : a perspective. New Zealand journal of forestry 

19, 233-245. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/non-target species/legislation/cost-benefit 

Abstract: With growing emphasis on environmental impacts, the control of vertebrate pest populations by 

lethal chemicals is examined in the light of some overseas and local situations. The current philosophy 

embodied in legislation and policy of developed countries abroad is that a compound should be proven 

safe, rather than be found by use and experience not to be harmful. Such a level of scientific certainty is so 

unreasonable that, functionally, it may never be achieved. Such a concept of safety ignores dosage/response 

relationships and takes no account of the need or benefits. Given the multiple values of a situation and the 

ultimate problem of not having all the answers (and sometimes not even being aware of the appropriate 

157


Appendix C 

questions), it is not surprising that issues spill over from one problem to anaother. In such a situation the 

charge of bias as active prejudice must be clearly distinguished from bias inferring a certain set of 

presuppositions. New chemicals will undergo much more intensive scrutiny than those already approved, as 

criteria previously ignored, not identified, or not considered significant are developed and applied. The 

ramifications of environmental policies and attitudes overseas are discussed particularly in relation to future 

developments of chemical tools in the New Zealand situation. It may be that, by the time all the options 

have been thoroughly assessed, some will have quietly slipped away 

Peters, J. A. (1975). Contamination of forest ecosystems by sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080). 

Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society 22, 34-41. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/persistence in water/sodium fluoroacetate/1080 

Abstract: Predictive and conceptual models are used to examine the contamination, toxicology, and 

residues of sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) in relation to its application in vertebrate pest control 

programmes on forest and pastoral lands. 

As a pesticide, the toxin appears to be neither mobile nor persistent. Exceedingly slender opportunities 

exist therefore for significant contamination of susceptible components of the environment. 

Peters, J. A. (1977). 1080 poisoning. New Zealand medical journal 85, 295-296. 

Keywords: 1080/poisoning/analysis/humans 

Abstract: Letter to the editor in response to article by Parkin, McGiven and Bailey in 9 February 1977 issue 

of New Zealand Medical Journal. 

Peters, J. A. and Fredric, B. J. Susceptibility of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) to sodium 

fluoroacetate (Compound 1080 or SFA). 1983. 


Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/aversion/carrot/lethal dose/possums 

Abstract: The susceptibilities to sodium fluoroacetate of 10 regional possum populations in captivity are 

determined by acute and chronic dose experiments. Circadian rhythyms and desynchronisation (capture 

stress) have major influences on susceptibility. The relationships between susceptibility and bait acceptance 

are examined. Toxic anorexia (loss of appetite) induced by sub-lethal doses inhibits further bait-seeking, 

and smell and taste aversion diminishes bait-eating when the toxic load in bait is high. Susceptibility 

determined under experimental conditions in captivity is not significantly from susceptibility measured in a 

wild population. The varying suscpetibilities in regional populstions are considered in the light of field 

control operations, A general toxic load of 6 mg SFA/ carrot bait is recommended, but specific toxic loads 

determined for individual regional populations may often be more effective. 

Peters, J. A. Susceptibility determinations to Compound 1080 in captive wallabies. Forest Research 

Institute Report, 5p. 1984. 


Keywords: 1080/lethal dose/efficacy 

Peters, R A., Wakelin, R. W., Buffa, P., and Thomas, L. C. (1953). Biochemistry of fluoroacetate poisoning 

: the isolation and some properties of the fluorotricarboxylic acid inhibitor of citrate metabolism. 

Proceedings of the Royal Society of London.Series B 140, 497-507. 

Keywords: mode of action/acute toxicity/metabolism 

Abstract: It has been suggested that the toxicity of fluoroacetate is due to the enzyme synthesis of a 

fluorotricarboxylic acid, which 'jams' the tricarboxylic acid cycle at the citrate stage. This communication 

presents the proof of this hypothesis. The inhibitory substance for citrate metabolism synthesized by 

enzymie action from fluoroacetate has been isolated as a compound in crystalline form of great potency. 

Under The conditions of test it inhibits The disappearance of approximately 300 times its weight of citric 

acid in 30 min. The final isolation involved a separation from citric acid by The use of ion-exchange resin. 

and fractional extraction with ether. It is a monofluorotricarboxylic acid, as shown by its migration on a 

paper chromatogram, by its fluorine content (estimated spectrochemically), and by its titration curve. It 

does not give the colour reaction with sodium sulphide for penta-bromacetone produced from citric acid by 

The usual methods. It gives an infra-red band which may be expected from a C-F bond. By a process of 

exclusion, it is considered to be a fluorocitric acid; a final decision must await synthesis. 

158


Appendix C 

Peters, R A., Wakelin, R. W., Rivett, D. E. A., and Thomas, L. C. (1953). Fluoroacetate poisoning: 

comparison of synthetic fluorocitric acid with the enzymically synthesized fluorotricarboxylic acid. Nature 

171, 1111-1112. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/chemistry/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: As the spectra of the enzymically synthesized compound show no bands which cannot be 

accounted for by the bands seen with the synthetic fluorocitric acid together with bands expected from 

traces of barium salts, the compound made enzymically must be actually monofluorocitric acid; it has 

approximately twice the activity of the synthetic specimen. 

Peters, R A., Hall, R. J., Ward, P. F., and Sheppard, N. (1960). The chemical nature of the toxic compounds 

containign fluorine in the seeds of Dichapetalum toxicarium. Biochemical journal 77, 17-23. 

Keywords: fluorine/occurrence in nature 

Peters, R A. (1961). Further experiments on the inhibition of aconitase by enzymatically prepared 

fluorocitric acid. Biochemistry Journal 79, 261-268. 

Keywords: inhibition/aconitase/fluorocitrate/enzyme 

Abstract: A new method has been worked out for testing the activity of fluorocitrate on soluble aconitase. 

In this a cruder enzyme preparation is used taken to an intermediate stage of fractionation which does not 

require reactivation with ferrous salts and cysteine. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1964). Fluoride metabolism in plants. Nature 202, 21-22. 

Keywords: fluoride/metabolism/persistence in plants 

Abstract: Grass seedlings exposed to inorganic fluoride solutions do not take up appreciable amounts of 

fluoride until concentrations of more than 1.0 mM (19 ppm) are used. No formation of organic fluoride has 

been found even with exposure to 15.75 mM fluoride, indicating that there is no formation of fluoroacetate 

or similar compounds. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1966). Note upon the behaviour of rat brain tissue treated with 

fluoroacetate in vitro. Biochemical Pharmacology 15, 2130-2131. 

Keywords: brain/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: We could not therefor demonstarte an effect of fluoroacetate in vitro, and conclude that any 

synthesis of fluorocitrate must be very slight if it occurs at all. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1967). Observations of the metabolism of fluoride in Acacia georginae 

and some other plants. Nature 216, 80-81. 


Abstract: When working with homogenates of Acacia georginae in an attempt to trace the pathway of 

fluoroacetate synthesis, we found that there was a loss of fluoride, and we extended our experiments to 

some other plants to study this effect. This communication describes experiments which have led us to 

believe that plants can convert fluoride, possibly in part, to a volatile form. 

Peters, R A. (1967). Experiments upon the biochemistry of the synthesis of fluoroacetate in the Australian 

Georginae and their significance. Revue roumaine de Biochimie 4, 79-91. 

Keywords: biochemistry/fluoroacetate 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1969). An organically combined fluorine compound in bone. The 

Biochemical Journal 113, 9P. 

Keywords: fluorine/bone/fluoride/aconitase/liquid chromatography/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: We have now found that some extracts of fluorosed bones from cattle contained small amounts of 

fluorocitric acid, which have been identified by their capacity for inhibiting aconitase and by gas liquid 

chromatography. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1970). Aconitate hydratase. Some new observations with especial relation 

to its use as a test system for fluorocitrate, together with studies on the electrophoretic separation of 

components of the crude enzyme. Biochimica et biophysica acta 220, 569-579. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/enzyme/aconitase/analysis/biochemistry 

159


Appendix C 

Abstract: Preparations of aconitate hydratase from pig heart, purified to the first ethanol stage have been 

studied, and evidence supporting the existence of two centres has been confirmed; wide variations in the 

ratio of the isocitrate hydro-lase to that of the citrate hydro-lase have been found. Additive effects occur on 

the enzymatic action when on of the substrates is added to the other, both additions being at vmax. 

Fluorocitrate never inhibits these mixed enzymes completely. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1972). Fluorocitrate in plants and food stuffs. Phytochemistry 11 , 1337- 

1338. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in plants/occurrence in nature/biosynthesis/defluorination 

Abstract: Monofluorocarbon acids can be formed from inorganic fluoride by single cell cultures of Acacia 

georginae and tea. Fluorocitrate is also present in small amounts in commercial specimens of tea and 

oatmeal. The significance of these observations is discussed, especially in relation to the toxic plants. 

Peters, R A. and Shorthouse, M. (1972). Formation of monofluorocarbon compounds by singel cell cultures 

of Glycine max growing on inorganic fluoride. Phytochemistry 11, 1339. 

Keywords: fluoride/biosynthesis/persistence in plants 

Peters, R. (1952). Lethal synthesis. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London 139, 142-170. 

Peters, R. (1954). Biochemical light upon an ancient poison : a lethal synthesis. Endeavour 13, 137-154. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/metabolism/mode of action 

Peters, R., Shorthouse, M., Ward, P. F. V., and McDowell, E. M. (1972). Observations upon the 

metabolism of fluorocitrate in rats. Proceedings of the.Royal.Society.of London.Series.B. 182, 1-8. 

Keywords: metabolism/acute toxicity/fluorocitrate/rats 

Peters, R. A. (1952). The puzzle for therapy in fluoroacetate poisoning. British medical journal 1165-1170. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/treatment/sodium fluoroacetate/metabolism/enzyme 

Peters, R. A. (1957). Mechanism of the toxicity of the active constituent of Dichapetalum cymosum and 

related compounds. Advances in enzymology and related subjects of biochemistry 18, 113-159. 

Keywords: mode of action/occurrence in nature/metabolism/biochemistry 

Peters, R. A. and Morselli, P. L. (1965). Observations on the use and action of monoacetin in fluoroacetate 

poisoning. Biochemical Pharmacology 14, 1891-1893. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/fluorocitrate/monoacetin 

Peters, R. A. and Shorthouse, M. (1971). Oral toxicity of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate in rats. Journal of 

physiology 216, 40-41. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/rats 

Peters, R. A. (1972). Some metabolic aspects of fluoroacetate especially related to fluorocitrate. In 'Carbonfluorine 

compounds : chemistry, biochemistry and biological activities : a Ciba Foundation symposium'. pp. 

55-76. (Associated Scientific Publishers: Amsterdam; London; New York.) 

Keywords: product chemistry/mode of action/occurrence in 

nature/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/chemistry/biochemistry 

Peters, R. A., Spencer, H., and Bidstrup, P. L. (1981). Subacute fluoroacetate poisoning. Journal of 

occupational medicine 23, 112-113. 

Keywords: diagnosis/occupational exposure/fluoroacetate/poisoning 

Peterson, D. R. and [team leader] (1994). Possum management in New Zealand. (Parliamentary 

Commissioner for the Environment: Wellington.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/aerial control/aquatic species/bait degradation/birds/cats/deer/field 

efficacy/ground control/invertebrates/mammals/non-target species/occurrence in nature/persistence in 

160


Appendix C 

animals/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/persistence in water/possums/rabbits/secondary 

poisoning/target species/welfare 

Abstract: This investigation has confirmed the magnitude of the threat posed by possums, which should not 

be underestimated. New Zealand's native biota and natural values are at risk from the damaging effects of 

possums and, although the incidence of bovine Tb may not have serious financial effects on individual 

farmers, it could significantly affect the New Zealand economy. Ongoing possum control over more than a 

third of New Zealand, using current techniques, will be essential until there is a breakthrough in the search 

for new methods of control. 

Peterson, J. E. (1975). A gas chromatographic method for sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) in 

biological materials. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 13, 751-757. 


Abstract: Title says it all 

Phillips, A. H. and Langdon, R. G. (1955). Incorporation of monofluoroacetic acid into the nonsaponifiable 

lipids of the rat liver. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 58, 247-249. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/liver 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetic acid is found to be efficiently utilized as a substrate for the biosynthesis of 

fluorine-containing nonsaponifiable lipids by a cell-free preparation of rat liver. 

Phillips, M. A. and Worden, A. N. (1957). The mammalian oral toxicity of fluoroacetamide. Journal of the 

science of food and agriculture 8, 653-657. 

Keywords: mammals/acute toxicity/treatment/fluoroacetamide 

Phillips, M. A. (1960). Fluoroacetamide and some derivatives as pesticides. Agricultural and Veterinary 

Chemicals 1, 151-153. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide 

Pierce, R. J. and Montgomery, P. J. The fate of birds and selected invertebrates during a 1080 operation. 

[121], -17. 1992. Wellington, Department of Conservation. Science and research internal report. 


Keywords: non-target species/birds/invertebrates/1080/possums 

Abstract: An aerial 1080 poison operation for possums at Waipoua Forest in spring 1990 applied cereal 

pellets lured with cinnamon. Numbers of brown kiwi, moreporks, fernbirds, kokako and common diurnal 

birds were monitored before, during and after the operation, while small numbers of insects and kauri snails 

were tested for 1080 uptake. Of the birds only blackbird and tomtit showed possible declines after the 

poisoning. Although some kiwi had consumed non-toxic baits, no 1080 related deaths were detected 

following the poison operation. Low concentrations of 1080 were found in the insects, but none of the 

kauri snails had detectable levels of 1080. 

Polter, C. (1967). Influence of monofluoroacetic acid on oxygen uptake of pea roots after cultivation under 

different conditions. Biologisches Zentralblatt 86, 567-581. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetic acid/citrate/citric acid/metabolism/mode of action/persistence in plants 

Abstract: After sufficiently long influence of 10mM/l monofluoroacetic acid (MFA) (pH 4.5), the oxygen 

consumption in segments of seedling roots is nearly completely blocked. By addition of citrate and citric 

acid measurements it was found that MFA probably exerts the sime effect on pea roots as known for animal 

tissues. 1 mMol MFA has no effect. If no substrate is offered during the MFA action, oxygen consumption 

is less hampered than at presence of sucrose. Roots cultivated in vitro behave similar to seedling roots; their 

O2 consumption is not as much suppressed by MFA. Addition of 2.10-8 molar 2,4-dichlorophenoxycetic 

acid (2,4-D) to the nutrient solution does not induce considerable changes in the sensitivity of O2 

consumption of roots against MFA. After 6 hours of MFA action all segments contained less dry matter 

than the controls. They were the smaller the stronger O2 uptake had been blocked, which fact is explained 

to be the result of suppressed uptake of substrate. From the experiment it is concluded that in 3 days old 

seedling roots most of the O2 consumption is combined with dehydration in acid-metabolism and that there 

is no difference in dehydration-type between the root segments of meristems. elongation and differentiation 

161


Appendix C 

zones. When substrate is lacking even small amounts of substances not being decomposed via isocitrcic 

acid, probably proteins are oxidised. 

Poole, W. E. (1963). Field enclosure experiments on the technique of poisoning the rabbit, Oryctolagus 

cuniculus (L.) : V. A study of concentrations of "1080" in bait material. CSIRO wildlife research 8, 154- 

165. 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/rabbits/poisoning 

Abstract: Four 4-acre enclosures were kept stocked with rabbits and used to compare, under different 

seasonal conditions, the effectiveness of bait, cheifly carrot poisoned at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02% or 

the usual field strength of 0.04% of sodium fluoroacetate. 

Poole, W. E., Carpenter, M., and Simms, N. G. (1990). Subspecific separation in the Western Grey 

Kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus: a morphometric study. Aust.Wildl.Res. 17, 159-168. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/tolerance/marsupials 

Abstract: Morphometric analyses of cranial and body measurements from western grey kangaroos were 

undertaken as a possible means of determining the taxonomic status of the described forms. The kangaroos 

were assigned arbitrarily to one of four geographic groups, those from Kangaroo Island (Macropus 

fuliginosus fuliginosus) and three from the mainland, comprising animals taken from the western 

(Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus) and eastern Macropus fuliginosus melanops) extremities of their 

distribution together with an intermediate geographic group. Four types of analysis - analysis of variance, 

canonical variate analysis, principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis - were utilised 

and their outcome assessed. Earlier findings based on diverse criteria such as aspects of reproductive 

cycles, distribution of red-cell lactate dehydrogenase types, and responses to ingestion of fluoroacetate, 

revealed that M.f.fuliginosus was quite distinct from M.f.melanops on the adjacent mainland and to a lesser 

extent from M.f.ocydromus in Western Australia. The present results confirm these levels of affinity and 

suggest that western grey kangaroos comprise at least two principal subspecific forms, a uniform group, 

M.f.fuliginosus, from Kangaroo Island and a composite group on the mainland that intergrades clinally in 

its morphological traits along a longitudinal (west-east) gradient. M.f.melanops Gould is the senior name 

for the mainland complex. 

Popa, D. (1978). Research concerning the action of sodium monofluoroacetate on the protoplasmic 

streaming in barley Hordeum-vulgare root hairs, part 2. Stud Univ Babes-Bolyai Biol 1, 9-15. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/mode of action/persistence in plants 

Abstract: The author has studied the evolution of protoplasmic streaming in barley root hairs treated with 

sodium monofluoroacetate (MFA), in three experimental variants. 

In the first variant, the treatment with a 10- 2 M solution of MFA for 60 minutes was followed by a 30 

minute washing with buffer solution and by treatment with a 10- 4 M solution of ATP for 30 minutes. The 

results obtained indicate that the exogenous ATP added after the removal of the MFA has increased the 

speed of protoplasmic streaming. 

In the second variant the root hairs were treated simultaneously with MFA (10 -2 M) and ATP (10 -4 M) for 

120 minutes. The combined treatment resulted in strong inhibition of protoplasmic streaming. In the third 

variant, administration of MFA in 10 -2 M concentration for 60 minutes was followed by washing with buffer 

solution for 30 minutes andby addition of LiCl (10 -2 M) for 30 minutes. The results show that LiCl was not 

able to remove completely the modification caused by MFA in the protoplasmic structure. 

The author has drawn the conclusion based on the experimental data that MFA decreases the speed od 

protoplasmic streaming by inhibiting respiration and by increasing the vicosity of protoplasm. 

Posner, C. J. and Berman, D. A. (1967). A mathematical analysis of the interval-strength relationship in the 

rat ventricle strip and its modification by fluoroacetate. Journal of pharmacology and experimental 

therapeutics 156, 166-177. 

Keywords: pathology/analysis/fluoroacetate 

Potter, V. R. and Busch, H. (1950). Citric acid content of normal and tumor tissues in vivo following 

injection of fluoroacetate. Cancer Research 10, 353-356. 

Keywords: citric acid/fluoroacetate/citrate/Krebs cycle/metabolism 

Abstract: Previous investigations have indicated that tumor tissues are deficient in enzymes which oxidise 

162


Appendix C 

pyruvate via the Krebs citric acid cycle. The work of Buffa and Peters offered a means for testing the 

ability of tumor to produce citrate in vivo, since oxidation of citric acid is rpevented and the compound 

accumulates following injections of sodium fluoroacetate. 

Powlesland, R. G., Knegtmans, J. W., and Marshall, I. S. J. Evaluating the impacts of 1080 possum control 

operations on North Island robins, North Island tomtits and moreporks at Pureora- preliminary results. 

Science for Conservation 74, -22. 1998. Department of Conservation New Zealand. 


Keywords: 1080/non-target species/poison/carrot/baits/possums/birds/poisoning 

Abstract: This report describes results from the first two years of a three-year programme to determine 

whether the costs and benefits of aerial 1080 possum control operations to North Island robins (Petroica 

australis longipes), North Island tomtits (Petroica macrocephala toitoi) and moreporks (Ninox 

novaeseelandiae) in Pureora Forest Park. Prior to this study, the five-minute count technique had been used 

to quantify mortality of forest passerines during aerial possum control operations. During this study robins 

were individually colour-banded, and moreporks radio tagged at both treatment and non-treatment study 

areas. The poison operation took place in mid-September 1996 (carrot baits, 15 kg/ha, 1080 0.08% ww). 

An audit after the operation indicated that only 9.9% wastage (chaff) by weight was produced, rather than 

the expected c. 20%. This suggests that the other 50% of teh expected chaff was not screened out and so 

was made toxic and distributed with the baits. No possums were trapped in the treatment area during 

October and December 1996. Rodent population indices from foot-print tracking tunnels indicated the rat 

population (known to be mainly Rattus rattus) had declined markedly in the treatment area (95% in June 

1996 to 5% in October 1996) following the poison operation, and indices remained low (5-10%) during the 

robin nesting season (October - February).Twelve (54.5%) of the 22 banded robins in the treatment area 

disappeared during the fortnight immediately following the poison operation, but none of 24 in the nontreatment 

area. If the mortality is considered with regard to the number of banded and unbanded ronins in a 

defined area, 12 (42.8%) of 28 robins disappeared from the treatment area, but none in the non-treatment 

area. All three robins found dead following the operation tested positive for 1080. In the treatment area, 

nesting success (72%, n=18 nests) was much greater than in the non-treatment area (11%, n=35 nests; 0.4, 

n=14 pairs). The high nesting success in the treatment area resulted in the number of robins present just 

before the start of the next nesting season (August 1997) being 36, a 28.6% increase in the number present 

prior to the posion operation. In contrast, teh numbers present in the non-treatment area remained much the 

same., 32 in September 1996 as compared with 33 in August 1997. All five tomtits, including two banded 

birds, that were regularly fed in the treatment area disappeared immediately after the poisoning operation. 

No tomtits were monitored in the non-treatment area. One of six radio-tagged moreporks (16.7%) in the 

treatment area was found dead during the poison operation and tested positive for 1080. The single radiotagged 

mroepork in teh non-treatment area was alive several months afterwards. 

Powlesland, R. G., Knegtmans, J. W., and Marshall, I. S. J. (1999). Costs and benefits of aerial 1080 

possum control operations using carrot baits to North Island robins (Petroica australis longipes), Pureora 

Forest Park. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 149-159. 

Keywords: field efficacy/non-target species/birds/1080/treatment/possums 

Powlesland, R. G., Knegtmans, J. W., and Styche, A. Impacts of Aerial 1080 possum control operations on 

North Island robins and moreporks at Pureora in 1997 and 1998. Science for Conservation 133. 1999. 

Department of Conservation, New Zealand. 



Powlesland, R. G., Knegtmans, J. W., and Styche, A. (2000). Mortality of North Island tomtits (Petroica 

macrocephala toitoi) caused by aerial 1080 possum control operations, 1997-98, Pureora Forest Park. New 

Zealand journal of ecology 24, 161-168. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080/treatment/possums/poisoning/carrot/baits/rodents 

Powlesland, R. G., Wills, D. E., August, A. C. L., and August, C. K. (2003). Effects of a 1080 operation on 

kaka and kereru survival and nesting success, Whirinaki Forest Park. New Zealand journal of ecology 27, 

125-137. 

163


Appendix C 

Keywords: 1080/birds/treatment/poison/carrot/baits/possums/rats/predators/non-target species 

Abstract: To measure the costs and benefits of an aerial 1080 possum control operation to kereru and kaka 

in Whirinaki Forest Park, individuals of both species were radio-tagged from October 1998 to June 2002. 

We monitored birds in one treatment and one non-treatment study area to compare toxin-related mortality, 

nesting success and survival. The poison operation involved the spreading of non-toxic carrot baits on 1 

May 2000, and the toxic baits on 17/18 May 2000. Possums and rats were moderately abundant in both 

study areas prior to the poison operation, but afterwards few possums and rats remained in the treatment 

area. All radio-tagged kaka and kereru in the treatment area survived the poison operation. No radio-tagged 

kereru and too few radio-tagged kaka bred in either study area during the 2000/01 nesting season to show 

whether reduced possum and rat populations would enable the birds to nest more successfully. A reduction 

in possum and rat densities in the non-treatment area (and an increase in densities in the treatment area) 

during 2001/02 meant that during the second nesting season after the poison operation, possum and rat 

densities were similar in the two study areas. The nesting effort and success of kaka and kereru is described 

for each of four nesting seasons, with the main cause of nesting failure for both species being predation. 

While no radio-tagged adult male kaka died during the study, 6 females did, giving them a mean life 

expectancy of 9.5 years. In contrast, radio-tagged adult kereru suffered high mortality, resulting in a mean 

life expectancy of just 1.5 years. Predation by introduced mammalian predators was the main cause of 

mortality of kaka eggs, chicks, fledglings and adult females, and of kereru eggs, chicks, fledglings and 

adults. Effective control of introduced mammalian predators, including control by aerial 1080 operations, 

just before mast fruiting events that invariably promote prolific kaka and kereru breeding, should benefit 

these bird populations. 

Prestwich, G. D., Gayen, A. K., Phirwa, S., and Kline, T. B. (1983). 29-Flurophytosterols: novel proinsecticides 

which cause death by dealkylation. Biotechnology 1, 62-65. 

Keywords: invertebrates/USA/poison/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Unlike invertebrates, phytophagous insects lack the capacity for de novo synthesis of the steroid 

nucleus and rely on C28 and C29 phytosterols as sources for C26 cholesterol. The authors report on recent 

work in the USA to exploit the phytosterol dealkylation pathway to release, in vivo, the latent poison 

fluoroacetate, which undergoes 'lethal synthesis' to fluorocitrate. Four 29-fluorophytosterols were prepared 

in diastereometrically pure form by total synthesis from stigmasterol, and 1 was prepared from 24oxocholesterol. 

The recrystallised 29-fluorosterols were dissolved in dichloromethane and applied as a 

coating to wheat germ in the artifical diet of larvae of Manduca sexta (Joh.). Control larvae received either 

50 p.p.m. stigmasterol or no additional sterols. First-instar larvae were kept on the diet from the 7th day 

(test day 0) after egg collection at 26 deg C, RH 65% and LD 17:7. All 5 29-fluorophytosterols 

significantly impaired larval growth and development. The doses affording 50% reduction in maximum 

larval weight, survival to test day 21 and pupation were 110, 300 and 150 p.p.m., respectively for 29fluorositosterol, 


Appendix C 

Keywords: fluorine/fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/inhibition/acetate/fluoride/invertebrates 

Abstract: Substitution of fluorine for hydrogen in essential sterols, juvenile hormones and pheromones can 

lead to materials that interfere with insect growth, development or communication, in novel and potentially 

useful ways. In this paper, examples drawn from work in these areas are used to illustrate fluorocitrate 

generation via dealkylation of 29-fluorophytosterols; fluoroacetate release by beta-oxidation of fatty 

alcohols and acids; inhibition of juvenile hormone esterase by trifluoromethyl ketones; inhibition of 

antennal esterases that hydrolyse acetate pheromones; and sensory disruption by acyl fluorides that mimic 

aldehyde pheromones 

Preuss, P. W. The metabolism of fluoroacetic acid in plants. Chemistry 28[12], 4910. 1967. 


Keywords: metabolism/fluoride/fluorine/persistence in plants/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Acacia georginae, a plant native to Australia, is known to contain monofluoroacetic acid. We 

have shown that this compound is synthesised when seedlings of Acacia georginae are grown axenically 

and supplied with sodium fluoride. The metabolsim of monofluoroacetic acid was studied in Acacia 

georginae, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), and Pinto bean (Phaseolus 

vulgaris). When 2- 14 C-fluoroacetate was supplied to seedlings of the above four plants, it was demonstrated 

that the radioactive carbon is evolved as 14 CO2 and incorporated into various water-soluble and lipid 

fractions. Evolution of 14 CO2 from germinated seeds of the four plants was studied on a time-course basis. 

Incorporation of radioactivity and fluorine into lipids was studied by means of thin-layer chromatography, 

gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results idnicate that Acacia and otehr plants can metabolise 

monofluoroacetic acid and cleave the carbon-fluorine bond. The data obtained are not consistent with the 

generally accepted scheme of fluoroacetate utilisation and toxicity in animals and a hypothesis is presented 

to explain the metabolism of fluoroacetate in plants. The synthesis of several fluoroorganic compounds is 

suggested and the metabolic reactions leading to such syntheses are discussed 

Preuss, P. W., Lemmens, A. G., and Weinstein, L. H. (1968). Studies on fluoro-organic compounds in 

plants. I. Metabolism of 2- 14 C-fluoroacetate. Contributions from Boyce Thompson Institute 23, 25-31. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/enzyme/persistence in plants/defluorination 

Abstract: The metabolism of 2- 14 C-sodium fluoroacetate was studied in Acacia georginae, peanut, castor 

bean and 'Pinto' bean. When this compound was supplied to sterile seedlings of the four plants, 14 CO2 was 

evolved and 14 C was incorporated into water-soluble fractions and lipids. Results indicate that the plants 

studied contained an enzyme system capable of cleaving the carbon-fluorine bond. 

Preuss, P. W. and Weinstein, L. H. (1969). Studies on fluoro-organic compounds in plants II. 

Defluorination of fluoroacetate. Contributions from Boyce Thompson Institute 24, 151-155. 

Keywords: persistence in plants/metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to 1) confirm the germinating peanut seeds contain enzymes which 

split the carbon-fluorine bond of fluoroacetic acid and 20 determine if fluoroacetic acid can by metabolized 

to fluorofatty acids in Acacia georginae. About 15 per cent of the fluorine supplied to germinating peanut 

seeds as sodium fluoroacetate was found in the inorganic form in the seedlings or in the incubation medium 

after 48 hours. Only 2 to 5 per cent was detected aft incubation of boiled seeds. The gas chromatographic 

patter of fatty acids control of fluoroacetate-treated Acacia seeds was the same and analysis of each peak by 

mass spectrometry provided no evidence for the presence of a fluorine atom attached to the fatty acids. 

Pridmore, S. A. (1978). Fluoroacetate poisoning: nine years later [letter]. Medical Journal of Australia 2, 

269-270. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/humans 

Pronk, A. Isolation and characterisation of 1080-degrading bacteria from New Zealand soils. -17. 2001. 


Keywords: bacteria/soil/degradation 

Abstract: A range of soil bacteria is capable of using 1080 as their sole carbon source. Both soils and 

isolation techniques raised a number of different isolates. The descriptions and ID-kit results indicate that 

the isolates belong to a range of species. Some of the isolates with simialr results might belong to the same 

species. For the true identification of the isolates the amplified 16S gene should be sequenced. Due to the 

165


Appendix C 

inability of the majority of natural microorgansims to grow under artificial conditions the obtained 

collection of isolates is not a good representation of all 1080 degrading bacteria in soil. With the primers 

used in this study it could not be shown that any of the isolates contained a gene similar to dehH1 in 

Moraxella. Results from PCRs with the 16S and dehalogenase primers indicate that inhibitory substances 

were present in both soil samples as well as in the enrichment culture of soil B (Manawatu). 

Quin, J. I. and Clark, R. (1947). Studies on the action of potassium monofluoroacetate (CH2FCOOK) 

[Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook) Engl.] toxin on animals. Onderstepoort journal of veterinary science and 

animal industry 22, 77-82. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/heart/rabbits/cardiac/mammals/acute toxicity/bacteria/poison/sublethal 

effects/chronic poisoning 

Abstract: Considerable variation in susceptibility to potassium monofluoroacetate has been found to exist 

among various species of laboratory animals. The compound is not affected by actively fermenting ruminal 

flora nor does its presence affect such fermentation. Direct observations on the heart of rabbits and sheep 

injected with this compound have proved it to be a heart poison probably affecting the cardiac conducting 

mechanism thus leading to partial or complete heart block. 

Ramirez, M. (1986). Inebriation with pyridoxine and fluoroacetate: a case report. Veterinary and human 

toxicology 28, 154. 

Keywords: poisoning/fluoroacetate/humans 

Rammell, C. G., Fleming, P. A., and O'Hara, P. J. (1977). 1080 poisoning. New Zealand medical journal 

85, 295-296. 

Keywords: 1080/poisoning/fluorine/urine/humans 

Abstract: Letter to the editor in response to article by Parkin, McGiven and Bailey in 9 February 1977 issue 

of New Zealand Medical Journal. 

Rammell, C. G. and Fleming, P. A. (1978). Compound 1080 : properties and uses of sodium 

monofluoroacetate in New Zealand. (Animal Health Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries: 

Wellington.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/aerial control/aquatic species/bait degradation/birds/cats/deer/diagnosis/field 

efficacy/ground control/invertebrates/mammals/metabolism/mode of action/non-target species/occurrence 

in nature/pathology/persistence in animals/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/persistence in 

water/possums/product chemistry/rabbits/secondary poisoning/target species/treatment/welfare/1080 

Abstract: Preparation of this book grew out of the need to provide a ready reference source for the answers 

to many of the questions that were being asked about the use of 1080 in New Zeland. Much of the 

information on 1080 was scattered throughout a variety of publications and unpublished reports. This book 

is an attempt to present, in a readily digestible form, the available information as it applies to the New 

Zealand situation. 

Rammell, C. G., Hoogenboom, J. J. L., Julian, A. F., and Livingstone, P. G. (1985). Treatment of 1080 

poisoning in dogs with glycerol monoacetate. New Zealand veterinary journal 33, 149-150. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/1080 

Abstract: Therapy using glycerol monoacetate, as is used for humans, has been applied to dogs. 

Observation of circulating acetate levels indicated that GMA doses of more that 100mg/kg are required. 

Rammell, C. G. (1993). Persistence of compound 1080 in sheep muscle and liver. Surveillance 20(1), 20- 

21. 

Keywords: metabolism/non-target species/persistence in animals/1080/lethal dose 

Abstract: Forty sheep were dosed orally with compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) at or near the 

lethal dose rate and then sacrificed 2 to 32 hours after dosing to determine the 1080 residues in the muscle 

and liver. Compound 1080 concentrations in the muscle from sheep dosed at 200 u g/kg reached a 

maximum of about 110 ppb in 4 hours and decayed exponentially thereafter with a half-life of about 12 

hours. In liver, the maximum concentration of about 40 ppb was found at 2 hours with an exponential 

decay thereafter and half-life of about 3 hours. The data imply that 1080 should be undetectable (less than 

3 ppb) in meat from any sheep which inadvertently consumed 1080 more than 5 days pre-slaughter. 

166


Appendix C 

Ramsay, J. (1977). 1080 poisoning. New Zealand medical journal 85, 295. 

Keywords: humans/1080/poisoning/kidney 

Ramsey, L. L. and Patterson, W. I. (1951). A new qualitative test for monofluoroacetic acid. Journal of the 

Association of Official Analytical Chemists 34, 827-831. 


Ramsey, L. L. (1954). Report on sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Journal of the Association of Official 

Analytical Chemists 37, 581-586. 


Randerson, J. (2002). Resistant rabbits are fighting back. New scientist 17th August, 13. 

Keywords: 1080/lethal dose/rabbits/resistance/tolerance 

Abstract: Rabbits in Australia are developing resistance to a widely used poison, raising fears that the 

authorities are losing their battle to control the invaders. It's the first time a small mammal other than mice 

has become resitant to the pesticide, and serves as a warning to countries such as New Zealand that use 

huge quantities of it. 

In some areas of the outback there are as many as 3000 rabbits per square kilometre, giving 

conservationists and farmers alike a major headache. Attempts to wipe out the animals using lethal viruses 

have proved only partially successful. Last week, New Scientist revealed that researchers are now 

developing a virus they hope will make the pests sterile. 

But the most widely used control measure remains the poison sodium fluoracetate - better known as 1080. 

The chemical is deployed against mammal pests in various countries, but New Zealand accounts for 90 per 

cent of its use, mainly to control pssums introduced from Australia. 

The poison is particularly useful in Australia because fluoracetate is produced as a natural defence by 

several Australian plant species. So while rabbits are vulnerable to it, it does little damage to native planteating 

mammals, which are up to 100 times less likely to succumb. 

But Laurie Twigg at the Department of Agriculture for Western Australian in Perth and his team have 

found that three rabbit populations repeatedly exposed to 1080 are becoming resistant to it. By comparing 

results from a similar study in 1979, they found that more than double to amount of poison is now needed 

to kill the same number of animals (Journal of Applied Ecology, vol 39, p 549). 

"I was surprised that we would find resistance in 25 years, " Twigg says. "We would advocate alternating 

the use of 1080 with other control measures," he says. James Randerson 

Rathore, A. K. (1985). Use of metoclopramide to prevent 1080-induced emesis in wild pigs. Journal of 

wildlife management 49, 55-56. 

Keywords: pigs/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/rabbits/stomach/secondary 

poisoning/poisoning/lethal dose/field efficacy 

Abstract: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in Australia annually casue damage worth 73.3 million dollars (Australian) 

to the agricultural and pastoral industry. Since 1971, Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) has 

been sued in New South Wales to control wild pigs. The recorded LD50 for pigs is


Appendix C 

Analytical Chemists 64, 19-24. 

Keywords: liquid chromatography/diagnosis/sodium fluoroacetate/1080 

Abstract: A sensitive high pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of 

sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) in canine gastric content. The procedure involves extraction of 

1080 with water, methyl, ethyl ketone, and dilute base, followed by sample cleanup using octadecylsilane 

bonded phase cartridges and derivatization in ethyl acetate solution with O-p-nitrobenzyl-N-N'-diisopropylisouera 

(PNBDI). The compound was chromatographed on a 10 um silica column, and ultraviolet 

absorbance at 254 and 280 nm was measured. Recovery was greater than 95% for standard 1080 and in the 

70 - 90% range for spike samples (1-50 ppm). 

Reenilä, I., Tuomainen, P., Soinila, S., and Männistö, P. T. (1997). Increase of catechol-Omethyltransferase 

activity in rat brain microglia after intrastriatal infusion of fluorocitrate, a glial toxin. 

Neuroscience letters 230, 155-158. 

Keywords: brain/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Striatal catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B; an astroglial 

enzyme), alkaline phosphodiesterase I (PDE; a microglia/macrophage marker) and tyrosine hydroxylase 

(TH; catecholaminergic neuron marker) activities were analysed biochemically 1-3 days after infusion of 

fluorocitrate, an astrocyte damaging agent. Astrocytes, microglia and neurons were stained 

immunohistochemically with specific antibodies (against glial fibrillary acidic protein, OX-42 and TH, 

respectively) and with COMT antiserum. Three days after fluorocitrate infusion the activity of MAO-B 

was reduced, whereas COMT and PDE activities were increased. The elevation of COMT 

immunoreactively co-localized to microglial cells, but not to astrocytes. In conclusion, this is the first 

report indicating that microglia contains COMT activity which may be increased in pathological conditions. 

Reetz, M. T. and Ruggeberg, C. J. (2002). A screening system for enantioselective enzymes based on 

differential cell growth. Chemical Communications 13, 1428-1429. 

Keywords: enzyme/fluoroacetate/inhibition/metabolism 

Abstract: The esterase-catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis of the fluoroacetate of pantolactone leads to 

fluoroacetic acid, a toxic compound which inhibits the growth of esterase-producing yeast; this forms the 

basis of an ee-assay. 

Reid, K. A. Biochemical studies of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine biosynthesis in Streptomyces 

cattleya. 201. 1994. Queen's University of Belfast (Northern Ireland)Editor. 


Keywords: fluoroacetate/biosynthesis/fluoride/NMR/metabolism/bacteria 

Abstract: The production of fluoroacetic acid and 4-fluorothreonine in batch culture by the actinomycete 

Streptomyces cattleya NRRL 8057 was examined on a chemically defined medium containing 2 mM 

fluoride using GC-MS and $sp{19}$F NMR spectroscopy techniques. Fluoride uptake by cells did not 

begin until growth had ceased and closely reflected fluorometabolite levels found in culture supernatants. 

4-Fluorothreonine was detected prior to fluoroacetate and was present at higher concentrations throughout 

incubation, although levels of both compounds stabilised at about 0.75 mM after approximately three 

weeks. 4-Fluorothreonine was purified from batch cultures of S. cattleya by column chromatography. 

Another amino acid, 3-ethynylserine, copurified with the fluorocompound, and was also isolated. Several 

hypotheses for the biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine were investigated by feeding 

possible precursors and biosynthetic intermediates to resting cells. Only D- homoserine had a significant 

effect on the amounts and relative proportions of the metabolites formed, stimulating 4-fluorothreonine 

production by over 20%. Such studies also indicated that neither of the fluorometabolites produced is 

derived by metabolism of the other. The incorporation of $sp{14}$C-label into fluoroacetate from L-(U- 

$sp{14}$C) threonine by resting cells was in the range 1-3% and compared favourably with those from 

both (U-$sp{14}$C) glycerol and D-(U-$sp{14}$C) glucose. However, the highest incorporation from all 

the radiolabelled possible precursors examined was from (1,2-$sp{14}$C) glycolate, in the range 2-5%. It 

is concluded that the fluorinated secondary metabolites elaborated by S. cattleya are derived either by two 

entirely separate biosynthetic pathways, or from a common fluorinated intermediate. The most plausible 

hypothesis from present data involves 4-fluorothreonine formation from the phosphate ester of homoserine 

or threonine, mediated by pyridoxal phosphate. Twenty five other Streptomyces spp. were examined for 

their ability to incorporate inorganic fluoride into fluorometabolites. In over half the species examined, a 

168


Appendix C 

significant uptake of fluoride (0.2-0.3 mM) was observed, but no fluorometabolites were detected in culture 

supernatants by $sp{19}$F NMR spectroscopy 

Reid, K. A., Hamilton, J. T. G., Bwoden, R. D., O'Hagan, D., Dasaradhi, L., Amin, M. R., and Harper, D. 

B. (1995). Biosynthesis of fluorinated secondary metabolites by Streptomyces cattleya. Microbiology 141, 

1385-1393. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/bacteria/fluoroacetate/NMR/fluoride 

Abstract: The biosynthesis of organofluorine compounds by Streptomyces cattleya NRRL 8057 was 

examined using 19 F NMR spectroscopy. The organsim produced 1.2 mM fluoroacetate and 0.5 mM 4fluorothreonine 

as secondary metabolites when cultured for 28 days on a chemically defined medium 

containing 2 mM fluoride. 

Reid, K. A., Bowden, R. D., and Harper, D. B. (1995). Biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine 

by Streptomyces cattleya. In 'Naturally-Produced Organohalogens: Selected and Edited Proceedings of the 

First Conference on Naturally-Produced Organohalogens'. (A. Grimvall and E. W. B. de LeerEds. ) pp. 

269-279. (Kluwer Academic: 

Keywords: biosynthesis/fluoroacetate/bacteria 

Reigart, J. R., Brueggerman, J. L., and Keil, J. E. (1975). Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning. American 

Journal of Diseases of Children 129, 1224-1226. 

Keywords: diagnosis/treatment/sodium fluoroacetate/humans 

Abstract: We observed a case of poisoning with sodium fluoroacetate, and extremely lethal rodenticide that 

has had relatively strict controls placed on its use. The case was unusual in the very long time the 

rodenticide had been present in the home, the mild nature of the poisoning, and the remarkably delayed 

onset of serious central nervous system symptoms. It demonstrates the need for even stronger control on 

the use of sodium fluoroacetate. 

Renschen, F. H., Klein, D., and Scholl, A. (1995). Trace analysis of airborne haloacetates. Journal of High 

Resolution Chromatography 18, 83-88. 

Keywords: analysis/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Haloacetates in various environmental compartments can be determined by gas chromatographynegative-ion 

chemical-ionization mass spectrometry after derivatization with l-pentafluorophenyl 

diazoethane. Detection limits in absolute amounts per injection are between 0.01 fg (chlorodifluoroacetate) 

and 80 fg (monofluoroacetate). Sampling of haloacetates in urban air was performed by means of 

cylindrical denuders coated with alkalized glycerol. The haloacetates detected are trifluoro-, monochloro-, 

dichloro-, trichloro-, monobromo-, and dibromoacetate. The concentrations in ambient air fluctuate 

strongly, e.g. between 20 and 3000 pg/m(3) for TFA. Haloacetates are also found in river waters and tree 

foliage. A major problem is interference from contamination with trifluoro- and trichloroacetate 

Rick, R. (1989). Metabolic control of intracellular ion concentration in frog skin epithelium. Miner 

Electrolyte Metabolism 15, 150-154. 

Keywords: inhibition/metabolism/amphibian/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: The effects of the metabolic inhibitors 2-deoxy-d-glucose and monofluoroacetate on intracellular 

ion concentrations and Na transport were investigated in the isolated frog skin epithelium of Rana pipiens. 

Ion concentrations were determined in thin freeze-dried cryosections using energy dispersive X-ray 

microanalysis. Metabolic inhibition was compared to direct inhibition of the Na pump by ouabain. At 

similar rates of transepithelial transport, inhibition of the Na pump always resutled in much more 

pronounced Na concentration increase than metabolic inhibition. The result suggests that the apical Na 

influx is under effective metabolic control. Downregulation of the Na influx during impaired cellular 

energy metabolism may eb a means by which transporting epithelial cells avoid potentially damaging 

derangements of intracellular ion compositon. 

Riess, C. M. and Flores, S. (1971). Pocket gopher pest species in Mexico cane areas. Proceedings of the 

International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, 14th CongressUsing Smart Source Parsing 1972, 581 

583; 2 ref. 

Keywords: fumigant/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/field efficacy/mammals 

169


Appendix C 

Abstract: Pocket gophers (of several genera), which live underground and construct extensive galleries in 

cane fields, damage more than 60,000 acres/year in the major cane producing regions of Mexico. Primitive 

control methods include trapping, shooting, extermination with CO2 and flooding of galleries. Commercial 

fumigants that have been or are currently in use include Cyanogas, methyl bromide and aluminium 

phosphide. The best and most economical control is obtained with pieces of cane soaked with sodium 

fluoroacetate and placed at gallery entrances 

Risbey, D. A., Calver, M., and Short, J. (1997). Control of feral cats for nature conservation. I. Field tests 

of four baiting methods. Wildlife research 24, 319-326. 

Keywords: cats/field efficacy 

Rist, R. J., Romero, I. A., and Abbott, N. J. (1995). Actions of fluorocitrate and 1,3-dinitrobenzene on brain 

endothelial cytoskeleton and permeability. Neurotoxicology 16, 558. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/brain/metabolism/treatment 

Abstract: Experimental energy-deprivation syndromes are known to have toxic effects on brain astrocytes 

in vivo (Cavanagh, Toxicology, 49, 131-136, 1988). Some of these toxins are proposed to act on astrocytes 

alone (fluorocitrate) whilst others are associated with changes in the permeability of the BBB (1,3dinitrobenzene). 

Fluorocitrate has been shown to alter metabolism in glial cells and this is proposed to be 

its main site of action (Hassel et al., J Neurochem 62, 2187-2194, 1994). In contrast, 1,3-dinitrobenzene 

has been shown to alter BBB permeability in vivo (Romero et al., Neuropath Appl Neurobiol, 17, 495-508, 

1991). The RBE4 cell line (Durieu-Trautmann et al., J Cell Physiol, 155, 104-111, 1993) has proved to be 

a useful in vitro model of the BBB. It has been reported that a marginal F-actin distribution is required to 

maintain the tightness of the tight junctions in brain endothelial cells (Rubin et al., J Cell Biol, 115, 1725- 

1735, 1991). In this study, the effects of fluorocitrate and 1,3-dinitrobenzene on permeability of RBE4 cell 

monolayers grown on filters was measured and correlated with changes in the metabolism,and F-actin 

cytoskeleton in the cells. Treatment of RBE4 cells with fluorocitrate and 1,3-dinitrobenzene leads to a 

decrease in F-actin distribution at the cell margin and a reduction in the F-actin content of the cells at 

concentrations >0.5 mM. Fluorocitrate significantly reduced and 1,3-dinitrobenzene significantly increased 

the glucose consumption and lactate production of the RBE4 cells. Fluorocitrate (0.1 to 1 mM) had no 

significant effect on RBE4 cell monolayer permeability measured by FITC-dextran or 14C-sucrose. 

However, 1,3-dinitrobenzene (0.5 mM) significantly increased the permeability of RBE4 cell monolayers. 

These results show that whilst both fluorocitrate and 1,3-dinitrobenzene have significant effects on the 

RBE4 cell F-actin cytoskeleton and cellular metabolism, only 1,3-dinitrobenzene treatment produces 

increases in endothelial cell monolayer permeability. These data demonstrate that profound toxic effects on 

endothelial cell structure and metabolism do not necessarily indicate changes in monolayer permeability. 

Robertson, H. A., Colbourne, R. M., Graham, P., Miller, P. J., and Pierce, R. J. (1999). Survival of brown 

kiwi exposed to 1080 poison used for control of brushtail possums in Northland, New Zealand. Wildlife 

research 26, 209-214. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080/possums/secondary poisoning/invertebrates/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/carrot/poisoning 

Robinson, J. B., Inman, L., Sumegi, B., and Srere, P. A. (1987). Further characterization of the Krebs 

tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolon. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 262, 1786-1790. 

Keywords: metabolism/biochemistry/enzyme/inhibition 

Abstract: A preparation of gently disrupted rat liver mitochondria which shows exposed and easily 

sedimented Krebs tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activites has been characterised further. Results indicate 

that the Krebs tricarboxylic acid cycle exists as a sequential complex of enzymes, a metabolon, in situ. 

Robinson, M. H. and Wheeler, S. H. (1983). A radiotracking study of four poisoning techniques for control 

of the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.). Aust.Wildl.Res. 10, 513-520. 

Keywords: poisoning/rabbits 

Abstract: Telemetry was used to determine the patterns of mortality of rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), 

day by day following laying of poisoned bait in the field. Four poisoning methods were studied: 

'conventional' 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) in oat bait, 'conventional' 1080 in carrot bait, pindone (2- 

170


Appendix C 

pivalyl-1,3-indandione) in oat bait, and 'one-shot' 1080 (0.25%, 1%, and 4%) were compared. The relative 

merits of the various poisoning techniques are discussed. 

Robinson, R. F., Griffith, J. R., Wolowich, W. R., and Nahata, M. C. (2002). Intoxication with sodium 

monofluoroacetate (compound 1080). Veterinary and human toxicology 44, 93-95. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/toxicity/humans 

Abstract: The highly toxic sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA) was banned as a rodenticide in the U.S. in 

1972. We report the first case of intentional ingestion in this country in over 15 y. A 47-y-old male was 

brought to the emergency room status post tonic clonic seizure. At 34 h post ingestion, he responded only 

to noxious stimuli and at 48 h, he was unresponsive to painful stimuli, was intubated and placed on a 

ventilator. Over the following 3 d, he was became minimally responsive to external stimuli with bouts of 

agitation and hypertension. Two days later he was discharged with no evidence of neurologic sequelae. We 

report this patient to increase awareness of SMFA toxicity, and its ability to cause anion gap metabolic 

acidosis 

Robinson, W. B. (1953). Population trends of predators and fur animals in 1080 station areas. Journal of 

Mammalogy 34, 220-227. 

Keywords: predators/1080/mammals/field efficacy/USA 

Abstract: Coyote populations have been greatly reduced during the past several years in many of the 

western states. Trapping data from seven localities in the plains and deserts of Wyoming, Colorado and 

New mexico suggest that in these areas where control has been vigorously conducted coyotes are now 

about one-fourth as numerous as they were a decade ago. predator control work by the Fish and Wildlife 

Service, particularly the employment of 1080 stations, has been largely responsible fort his reduction. 

During the same period, and in teh same areas, populations of bobcats, skunks, badgers and raccoons have 

greatly increased. This may be due, at least in part, to less commercial trapping. Some of these mammals 

have been accidentally poisoned or otherwise killed in control operations, but not in sufficent numbers to 

prevent sizable population increases. 

Robison, W. H. (1970). Acute toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate to cattle. Journal of wildlife 

management 34, 647-648. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/1080/livestock 

Abstract: The LD50's and 95 percent confidence limits for sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) were 0.393 

(0.247-0.625) mg/kg for Hereford cows 0.221 (0.149-0.327) mg/kg for Hereford steer and heifer calves. 

This high susceptibility demonstrates the importance of using safe techniques when applying 1080 grain 

baits for rodent control. 

Rogers, G. Organofluorine Compounds in Australian Native Plants and the Synthesis of Intermediate 

Fluorinated Metabolites. 1984. MonashEditor. 



Rogers, S. H. (1976). Schistosomatium douthitti: carbohydrate metabolism in the adults. Experimental 

Parasitology 40, 397-405. 

Keywords: metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/cyanide/inhibition/citric acid/invertebrates 

Abstract: Investigation of pathways of carbohydrate metabolism showed that adult Schistosomatium 

douthitti appear to depend on glycolysis to a marked degree. The worms were also capable of aerobic 

metabolism. Histochemical studies demonstrated the existence of the TCA cycle and a cytochrome system. 

The presence or absence of glucose in the incubation medium had no effect on O2 consumption. Reduction 

of O2 tension had a severe effect on motility. Oxygen uptake was completely inhibited by tartar emetic and 

partially inhibited by sodium fluoroacetate and sodium cyanide. Inhibition by sodium fluoroacetate was 

partially counteracted by citric acid in the medium. Adults showed an oxygen debt following anaerobic 

incubation. A maximum of 52% of the glucose consumed under aerobic conditions was excreted as lactic 

acid. Under anaerobic conditions the amount of lactic acid increased. Acids other than lactic acid were also 

released. It is indicated that although glycolysis is the major pathway, 2 additional aerobic pathways also 

exist, one which is cyanide sensitive and the other cyanide insensitive 

171


Appendix C 

Rognstad, R. (1986). Metabolic effects of monofluoroacetate and difluoroacetate in rat hepatocytes. 

Biochemical archives 2, 121-126. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/inhibition/aconitase/rodents/metabolism 

Abstract: At concentrations up to 2mM, fluoracetate stimulates gluconeogenesis from L-lactate, possibly by 

activating pyruvate dehydrogenase. At high concentrations, fluoroacetate becomes weakly inhibitory, 

probably because of fluorocitrate inhibition of mitochondrial aconitase. This inhibition becomes 

considerably more pronounced when NH-3 is present together with lactate. Difluoroacetate stimulates 

gluconeogenesis from lactate and increases pyruvate dehydrogenase flux 

Rokita, S. E., Srere, P. A., and Walsh, C. T. (1982). 3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate: a probe for mechanistic study 

of citrate-utilizing enzymes. Biochemistry 21, 3765-3774. 

Keywords: enzyme/biochemistry/citrate 

Abstract: The interaction of a novel fluorinated analogue of citrate, 3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate (3-fluorocitrate) 

with the four known citrate-processing enzymes is described in thsi report. Three of the citrate-processing 

enzymes, citrate syntahse, ATP citrate lyase and citrate lyase, catalyze reversible aldol-type condensations. 

The fate of 3-fluorcitrate with each enzyme is uniquely related to their mechanisms of action. For citrate 

synthase, 3-fluorocitrate is a competitive inhibitor. 3-fluorocitrate is a substrate for the carboxylate 

activation half-reaction catalyzed by ATP citrate lyase and induces a net ATPase action during conversion 

to 3-fluorocitryl-S-coenzyme A. Because of the unusual mechanism of citrate cleavage catalysed by 

bacterial citrate layse, 3-fluorocitrate is a mechanism-based inhibitor, acting at two points during turnover 

of the acetyl enzyme. The fourth citrate-processingenzyme, aconitase, does turn over 3-fluorocitrate 

catalytically. This enzyme, catalyzing a dehydration and rehydration of citrate, also catalyzes the 

elimination of HF from 3-fluorocitrate, yielding cis-aconitate and fluoride. 

Rokita, S. E. and Walsh, C. T. (1983). Turnover and inactivation of bacterial citrate lyase with 2fluorocitrate 

and 2-hydroxycitrate stereoiosmers. Biochemistry 22, 2821-2828. 

Keywords: citrate/biochemistry/enzyme/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Bacterial citrate lyase catclytically cleaves the carbon skeleton of the naturally occurring 

fluorocvitrate isomer (-)-erythro-2-fluorocitrate (2R, 3R) with the same regiospecificty as with citrate 

cleavage. 

Ross, J. G., Hickling, G. J., and Morgan, D. R. Use of subacute and chronic toxicants to control sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) bait shy possums. 397-400. 1997. Proceedings of 50th NZ Plant Protection 

Conference. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/possums/field efficacy/bait shyness 

Ross, J. G., Hickling, G. J., Morgan, D. R., and Eason, C. T. (2000). The role of non-toxic prefeed and 

postfeed in the development and maintenance of 1080 bait shyness in captive brushtail possums. Wildlife 

research 27, 69-74. 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/aversion/bait 

shyness/efficacy 

Abstract: Shyness to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in cereal bait can persist in sub-lethally poisoned 

possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations for at least 2 years. We investigated the use of non-toxic cereal 

'prefeed' and 'postfeed' as ways of inhibiting and overcoming such shyness. The postfeed result was also 

compared with changing to a non-cereal, gel-based 1080 bait. Prefeeding had a significant effect on the 

number of possums that became 'bait shy' following an approximate LD20 1080 dose, with 97% of nonprefed 

possums developing an aversion to 1080 cereal bait compared with only 22% of prefed possums. In 

contrast, postfeeding with cereal was relatively ineffective in reducing the number of 1080 bait-shy 

possums, with mortality of these possums being 30% compared with 0% of non-postfed possums. In 

contrast, the gel 1080 bait killed 64% of 1080 cereal bait-shy possums. These results suggest that 1080 bait 

shyness can be markedly reduced by prefeeding non-toxic bait to possums prior to each control operation. 

However, this may not be the most cost-effective control option, given the observed efficacy of follow-up 

baiting with 1080 gel. 

172


Appendix C 

Ross, J. G. and Henderson, R. J. (2003). An improved 1080 paste for the control of possums. New Zealand 

Plant Protection 56, 66-70. 

Keywords: 1080/possums/bees/efficacy/treatment/New Zealand 

Abstract: A new 1080 paste (PTP) was developed by Pest-Tech Ltd. and then 

evaluated in a series of comparative trials with Pestoff possum paste (POP). 

The research indicated that PTP was significantly more palatable to captive 

possums than POP following 57 h of exposure to 'hot' conditions (hot 

conditions were 30°C for 6 h followed by 18 h at 13°C on a 24 h cycle). 

Acceptance by bees was low with significantly less PTP than POP removed 

by forager bees over a 30 h period. In the field, the control efficacy of 

both pastes was high (89%-94% kill), with no significant differences 

between treatments. Based on these results, it is recommend that PTP is 

registered for possum control in New Zealand. 

Ross, W. D., Bell, J., and Robson, D. L. Preference and acceptability of commercially prepared cereal 

pellets and the effectiveness of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) on caged possums. MAF Qual Research 

Project, 1-25. 1987. Lincoln, MAF Tech. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/possums 

Abstract: RS5 most preferred bait; manipulating prefeeding and cinnamon conc. 

Ross, W. D. Vertebrate pest control using 1080: warnings for the future. 295-299. 1991. Adelaide. 



Roukas, T. and Kotzekidou, P. (1987). Influence of some trace metals and stimulants on citric acid 

production from brewery wastes by Aspergillus niger. Enzyme Microb.Technol. 9, 291-294. 

Keywords: citric acid/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: The addition of increasing levels of Mn 2+ , Fe 3+ , Zn 2+ , Co 2+ , Cu 2+ , Ca 2+ , sodium monofluoroacetate 

and methanol during citric acid surface fermentation of spent grain liquor by Aspergillus niger (ATCC 

9142) was investigated. For spent grain liquor the addition of 51 ppb Mn 2+ , 5 ppb Fe 3+ , 75 ppb Zn 2+ and 

4% (v/v) methanol caused a 4.9, 1.9, 10.9 and 16.8% increase in citric acid yield respectively. In all other 

fermentations the yield of citric acid was decreased whereas the biomass production in some cases was 

increased. 

Rowley, I (1958). Behaviour of a natural rabbit population poisoned with "1080". CSIRO wildlife research 

3, 32-39. 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/target species/rabbits 

Rowley, I (1960). The effect of concentration on the ingestion of "1080" poisoned baits by the rabbit. 

CSIRO wildlife research 5, 126-133. 

Keywords: field efficacy/target species/rabbits/baits 

Rowley, I (1963). Field enclosure experiments on the technique of poisoning the rabbit, Oryctolagus 

cuniculus (L.) : IV. A study of shyness in wild rabbits subjected to "1080" poisoning. CSIRO wildlife 

research 8, 142-153. 

Keywords: rabbits/field efficacy/ground control/poisoning/baits/bait shyness 

Rowley, I. (1963). The effect on rabbits of repeated sublethal doses of sodium fluoroacetate. CSIRO 

wildlife research 8, 52-55. 

Keywords: metabolism/mode of action/rabbits/sodium fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Caged wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (L), were fed sublethal doses of sodium fluoroacetate 

("1080") at different levels and at different intervals. Results show that in some circumstances "1080" can 

accumulate and cause death and that its elimination from the rabbit is a slow process. 

173


Appendix C 

Roy (Shapira), A., Taitelman, U., and Bursztein, S. (1980). Evaluation of the role of ionized calcium in 

sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poisoning. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 56, 216-220. 


fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning/pathology/treatment/metabolism/cats/fluorocitrate/enzyme/citra 

te 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate, which is an inhibitor of the tricarboxilic acid cycle, is widely used as a rodenticide. 

Fluoroacetate is converted in the body to fluorocitrate, which is an inhibitor of the enzyme aconitate 

hydrase. As a result, energy production goes down, and citrate accumulates. As citrate is a potent chelator 

of calcium ion, we postulate that ionized calcium concentration in the blood would drop. Fluoroacetate, 

0.03 mmol/kg, was injected iv into anesthetized cats. Ionized calcium concentration in anaerobically drawn 

arterial blood samples was measured with an ion-exchange electrode. Samples were taken immediately 

before and 40 min after poisoning, after which the animals were either used as controls (six cats) or treated 

with an infusion of iv CaCl2 (another 6 cats), so as to restore ionized calcium levels to normal values. Forty 

minutes after fluoroacetate injection, the ionized calcium levels fell by an average of 27.2%, from 1.09 + - 

0.07 to 0.79 + - 0.14 mM. There was a corresponding prolongation of the QTc interval of the ECG (r = 

0.82). Treatment with CaCl2 significantly prolonged the life of the treated animals as compared to the 

control animals (p


Appendix C 

the rate of 2kg/ha to prevent the forest from rat-injuries, it was investigated in the course of 5 months if the 

river water near the forest is contaminated by the rodenticide. Sodium fluoroacetate, however, was not 

detected at all in the river in this investigation. 

Saito, T. (1990). Glucose-supported oxidative metabolism and evoked potentials are sensitive to 

fluoroacetate, an inhibitor of glial tricarboxylic acid cycle in the olfactory cortex slice. Brain research 535, 

205-213. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/brain 

Abstract: When the slice of rat brain was perfused with a solution containing fluoroacetate (1 or 10 mM), a 

selective inhibitor of glial metabolism, cytochromes shifted to oxidized levels. The amplitude of evoked 

potentials tended to decline by a low dose (1 mM) and signficantly decreased by a high dose (10 mM) of 

fluoroacetate. Oxygen consumption of the slice was dose-relatedly lowered by fluoroacetate. 

Saitou, E. (1984). Studies of the effects of fluoroacetate on ameloblasts in rat incisor. Bulletin of Tokyo 

Medical and Dental University 31, 33-50. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/citrate/metabolism/plasma/blood/bone/pathology 

Abstract: The effects of fluoroacetate on ameloblasts were studied in the rat incisor. Fluoroacetate is an 

inhibitor of tricarboxylic acid cycle and accumulation of citrate occurred in the animal tissue due to 

fluoroacetate administration. Fluoroacetate injection caused severe morphologic changes in the 

ameloblasts. The most prominent change was observed in the mitochondria. Reduction of the mitochondrial 

matrix density was the earliest change followed by varying degrees of matrix swelling. Loss of the matrix 

granules and disintegration of the cristae were also observed. The difference in the mitochondrial activities 

in regard to the citrate metabolism was found between the matrix formation stage and the maturation stage 

in the ameloblasts. Extensive dilatation of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and grossly enlarged 

vacuoles were found mainly in the early maturation stage at 12 and 24 h after fluoroacetate administration. 

These abnormally large vacuoles seemed to be caused by the water stored within the endoplasmic reticulum 

cisternae. Accumulation of plasma citrate and decrease of ionized Ca concentration in the whole blood 

were observed in the fluoroacetate treated group. Fluoroacetate may have caused the lowering of the 

function of the ameloblasts through the suppression of cell energy production. The secretion of the matrix 

and calcification of the enamel may have been inhibited 

Sample, B. E., Opresko, D. M., and Suter II, G. W. Toxicological Benchmarks for Wildlife: 1996 Revision. 

1996. 


Keywords: dermal/inhalation/risk assessment/soil/wildlife/regulatory toxicology 

Abstract: Executive Summary: 

The process of evaluating ecological risks of environmental contaminants comprises two tiers. The first 

tier is a screening assessment where concentrations of contaminants in the environment are compared to no 

observed adverse effects level (NOAEL)-based toxicological benchmarks that represent concentrations of 

chemicals in environmental media (water, sediment, soil, food, etc.); these concentrations are presumed to 

be nonhazardous to the surrounding biota. The second tier is a baseline cosmological risk assessment 

where toxicological benchmarks are one of several lines of evidence used to support or refute the presence 

of ecological effects. 

This report presents NOAEL- and lowest observed adverse effects level (LOAEL)-based toxicological 

benchmarks for assessment of effects of 85 chemicals on 9 representative mammalian wildlife species or 11 

avian wildlife species. The chemicals are some of those that occur at U.S. Department of Energy waste 

sites; the wildlife species were chosen because they are widely distributed and provide a representative 

range of body sizes and diets. Further descriptions of the chosen wildlife species and chemicals are also 

provided in this report. The NOAEL-based benchmarks represent values believed to be nonhazardous for 

the listed wildlife species; LOAEL-based benchmarks represent threshold levels at which adverse effects 

are likely to become evident. These benchmarks consider contaminant exposure through oral ingestion of 

contaminated media; however, exposure through inhalation and/or direct dermal exposure are not 

considered in this report. 

Sanada, M., Miyano, T., Iwadare, S., Williamson, J. M., Arison, B. H., Smith, J. L., Douglas, A. W., 

Liesch, J. M., and Inamine, E. (1986). Biosynthesis of fluorothreonine and fluoroacetic acid by the 

175


Appendix C 

thienamycin producer, Streptomyces cattleya. Journal of Antibiotics (Tokyo) 39, 259-265. 

Keywords: biosynthesis/fluoride/NMR/fluoroacetate/bacteria 

Abstract: An antimetabolite, THX, was isolated from fermentation broths of the thienamycin producer, 

Streptomyces cattleya, when the organism was grown in the presence of a fluorine-containing substrate. 

THX was subsequently identified as one of the four possible stereoisomers of 4-fluorothreonine. Inorganic 

fluoride or any one of a number of organofluorine compounds can be used as precursors of 4fluorothreonine. 

In addition, 19F NMR has provided evidence that the organism synthesizes fluoroacetate 

under the same fermentation conditions. The in vitro antibacterial spectrum of 4-fluorothreonine is also 

presented 

Saunders, B. C. (1947). Toxic properties of fluor-carboxylic acids and derivatives. Nature 4058, 179-181. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/product chemistry/fluoroacetate 

Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J., and Braysher, M. (1995). Managing vertebrate pests: foxes. 

(Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra, ACT; Australia.) 

Keywords: foxes/predators/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/rabbits/goats/pigs/rodents 

Abstract: The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was introduced into Victoria in 1871, and subsequently spread to all 

parts of Australia except the tropical north and Tasmania. As predators, they are a threat to native species, 

such as rock wallabies, bettongs and numbats. Their biology is reviewed and strategic management of foxes 

at local and regional levels is discussed. Sodium fluoroacetate has been for poisoning foxes in Australia. 

For den fumigation, hydrogen phosphide is prefered to chloropicrin. Sensitive habitats have been protected 

by fox-proof fencing. Recreational fox hunting, as practised in Australia, has had little effect on fox 

populations. Detailed information on the extent of predation by foxes, and the need for controlling them in 

specific areas is needed. Other publications in the "Managing vertebrate pests" series have dealt with feral 

horses, rabbits, feral goats, feral pigs and rodents 

Saunders, G., McLeod, S., and Kay, B. (2000). Degradation of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in buried 

fox baits. Wildlife research 27, 129-135. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/treatment 

Savarie, P. J. (1984). Toxic characteristics of fluorocitrate, the toxic metabolite of compound 1080. 

Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference 11, 132-137. 

Keywords: non-target species/metabolism/mode of action/1080/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: This paper reviews toxicological research involving fluorocitrate, the toxic metabolite of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (fluorocetate), which is the active ingredient in the pesticide Compound 1080. Many 

toxicological studies have been done with fluoroacetate and the results obtained are actually due to the 

fluorocitrate because it has been definitely proved that, from a biochemical perspective, fluoroacetate is not 

toxic but fluorocitrate is. The classical explanation of the toxic action of fluorocitrate is that it inhibits the 

enzyme aconitase in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Deactivation of aconitase results in decreased energy 

production by cells and ultimately death of the organism. However, the more recent explanation of 

fluorocitrate's mode of action is that it binds with mito-chondrial protein with prevents transport of citrate 

and its utilization by cells for energy production. metabolism studies indicate that only small amounts, 

perhaps less than 3% of fluorocitrate is formed from fluoroacetate. From the limited number of acute and 

chronic studies conducted with fluorocitrate it does not appear to be as potent as fluoroacetate by either the 

oral or parenteral routes of administration. This decreased level of toxicity is though to be due to the larger 

molecular weight of fluorocitrate which would not be as readily absorbed by tissues. Central nervous 

system toxic manifestations (i.e., tremors, convulsions) are characteristic in animals poisoned with 

fluoroacetate. Fluorocitrate administered directly into the brain was found to be 100 times more toxic than 

fluoroacetate. The accumulation of citrate in organs is characteristic of fluorocitrate poisoning; from a 

quantitative point of view the liver is less affected than the brain, heart, kidney, or spleen. Fluorocitrate 

causes extensive kidney damage, but the tests are most sensitive to sublethal doses. Testicular damage may 

be either reversible or irreversible, depending upon the dose. Several plants have the ability to metabolize 

both fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate from either inorganic or atmospheric fluoride. 

Savarie, P. J. and Schafer, Jr. Biodeterioration of warfarin, sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), 4aminopyridine 

and 3-chloro-4-methylbenzenamine in terrestrial vertebrate pests. Barry, S. and Houghton, 

176


Appendix C 

D. R. Biodeterioration 6. Papers presented at the 6th International Biodeterioration Symposium, 

Washington, DC, August 1984. 66-73. 1986. Slough, CAB International. 


Keywords: persistence in animals/secondary poisoning/metabolism/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/1080/warfarin/predators/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: Warfarin, an antocoagulant rodenticide, is a racemic mixture of two isomers, R-warfarin and Swarfarin. 

Metabolites of warfarin are 6-, 7-, 8- and 4'-hydroxywarfarin. The major metabolic product of Rwarfarin 

os 7-hydroxywarfarin and the major metabolic products of S-warfarin are 7- and 4'hydroxywarfarin. 

The latter possesses one-fourth the anticoagulant activity of warfarin but the other 

metabolites are inactive. Scavenging mammalian predators can be poisoned by consuming animals killed 

by warfarin. Tissue residues of 1080, an acute rodenticide and predacide, can also poison mammalian 

predators although less than 3% of 1080 is converted to the toxic metabolite, fluorocitrate. The major 

unidentified metabolite of 1080 is nontoxic. 1080 is also metabolised into amino acids, fatty acids and 

cholesterol. 

Savarie, P. J., Matschke, G. H., Engeman, R. M., and Fagerstone, K. A. Susceptibility of prarie dogs to 

Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) baits and secondary poisoning effects in European ferrets 

under laboratory conditions. Seawright, A. A. and Eason, C. T. 28, 134-143. 1994. Christchurch, New 

Zealand, Royal Society Of New Zealand Miscellaneous Series. Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 

1080. 12-12-1993. 


Keywords: dogs/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/secondary 

poisoning/poisoning/ferrets 

Saxty, B. A., Novelli, R., Dolle, R. E., Kruse, L. I, Reid, D. G., Camilleri, P., and Wells, T. N. (1992). 

Synthesis and evaluation of (+) and (-)-2,2-difluorocitrate as inhibitors of rat liver ATP-citrate lyase and 

porcine heart aconitase. European Journal of Biochemistry 202, 889-896. 

Keywords: liver/heart/aconitase/biochemistry/fluorocitrate 

Sayama, K. and Brunetti, O. (1952). The effects of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) on California quail. 

California Fish and Game 38, 295-300. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/birds/lethal 

dose/heart/liver/poisoning/brain/kidney/pathology/diagnosis/symptoms 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate is extremely toxic to California quail. Although insufficient birds were 

available to make an accurate determination of the minimum lethal dose, it was found to lie between 1 and 

5 mg/kg of body weight. Death due to a minimal lethal dose of sodium fluoroacetate occurs in about three 

hours in California quail. The birds first become inactive, standing stationary with fluffed wings and finally 

assuming a prone position in a comatose state. Death is preceded by a convulsive fluttering of the tail 

feathers of several seconds' duration. Upon autopsy, the only obvious gross pathological changes are 

hyperemia of the heart and liver, with extreme fragility of the liver. The general histopathological picture of 

sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in quail is hyperemia of the brain, liver, lungs, heart and kidney. The heart 

is further characterised by fatty infiltration and focal areas of interstitial hemorrhages and the liver by 

sinusoidal engorgement and severe diffuse fatty degeneration. Although pathological changes were 

produced in quail by sodium fluoroacetate, the lack of specificity precludes pathology as a means of 

diagnosis for 1080 poisoning. 

Schaefer, H. and Machleidt, H. (1971). Conversion of fluoroacetic acid to amino acids in the mammal. 


Keywords: metabolism/mammals/mode of action/rabbits/fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/persistence in 

animals/rodents/pigs 

Abstract: When living mice were poisoned with (2-14C) fluoroacetic acid, no detectable amounts of 

fluorocitric acid were found in the organism. Similarly, no fluorocitric acid was found in homogenates of 

organs of rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and pigs after incubation, with radioactive fluoroacetic acid. However, 

several amino acids were formed, as can be shown by electrophoresis followed by identification reactions. 

Two of these are acidic amino acids and behave similarly to fluorocitric acid in paper chromatography. 

177


Appendix C 

When pig liver in incubated with unlabelled fluorocitric acid, the information of an amino acid can be 

demonstrated by a single electrophoresis. I mg of this amino acid was purified and contained 9.3% fluorine. 

Schardein, J. L. (1993). Miscellaneous Pesticides. In 'Chemically induced birth defects'. pp. 704-709. 

(Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York.) 

Keywords: teratogenicity/1080 

Schitoskey, F. Jr. (1975). Primary and secondary hazards of three rodenticides to kit fox. Journal of wildlife 

management 39, 416-418. 

Keywords: foxes/secondary poisoning/persistence in animals/USA/1080/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/strychnine/zinc phosphide/rats/predators 

Abstract: Acute oral LD50s to the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) were determined to be 0.22 mg/kg for 

compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate), 0.75 mg/kg for strychnine alkaloid and 93 mg/kg for zinc 

phosphide. One fox died within hours when fed a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spp.) killed by 0.74 mg of 1080 

or 12.8 mg of strychnine, amounts one rat might consume in field baiting programs. However, foxes 

survived repreated feedings of kangaroo rats each killed by 480 mg of zinc phosphide, equivalent to 3 times 

the LD50 for a fox and some 29 times the amount one rat might consume in bait. 

Schnautz, J. O. (1949). Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) poisoning in cattle. Journal of the 

American Veterinary Medical Association 114, 435. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/poisoning/symptoms/herbivores/convulsions/livestock 

Abstract: This is a report of losses apparently due to a new product, about which little information is 

available concerning it's toxicity to farm animals. The following observations in cattle are similar to those 

reported in sheep. 

Schultz, R. A., Coetzer, J. A. W., Kellerman, T. S., and Naudé, T. W. (1982). Observations on the clinical, 

cardiac and histopathological effects of fluoroacetate in sheep. Onderstepoort journal of veterinary 

research 49, 237-245. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/heart/mammals/non-target species/pathology 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate was dosed per stomach tube to 17 Merino sheep at the rate of 0,05 - 1,0 mg/kg/day. 

The clinical signs, haemodynamic changes, chemical pathology and pathology of acute, subacute and 

chronically intoxicated cases are described. 

Tetanic convulsions were seen in acutely intoxicated animals and in them respiratory failure, occurring 

concomitantly with cardic failure, may have been the cause of death. Subacute intoxication resulted in less 

conspicuous clinical signs when the sheep were at rest, but they developed apparent nervous signs of being 

handled, and later tended to lie down. Chronically intoxicated animals were only mildly affected. 

At levels of intoxication changes in the chemical pathological parameters were wither absent or were mild 

and transient. 

The microscopic lesions in the hearts of acutely intoxicated sheep included degeneration as well as necrosis 

of individual or small groups of myocardial fibers. In the subacutely and chronically intoxicated animals 

the multifocal myocardial lesions were more widespread and in various stages of development or 

resolution. 

Schulz, S. and Conrad, R. (1996). Influence of temperature on pathways to methane production in the 

permanently cold profundal sediment of Lake Constance. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 20, 1-14. 

Keywords: temperature/bacteria/fluoroacetate/inhibition 

Abstract: The in situ temperature of the profundal sediment of Lake Constance is constant at 4 o C. 

Methanogenic bacteria could not be detected at 6 o C by the most probable number technique using acetate 

and H2/CO2 as methanogenic substrates. Instead homoacetogenic bacteria were detected on H2/CO2. At a 

higher temperature of 20 o C however methanogenic bacteria were found. However CH4 production was 

observed at both 4 o C and 20 o C. production of CH4 was inhibited by chloroform and fluoroacetate and the 

accumulation of intermediary metabolites was measured. 

Schwarte, L. H. (1947). The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) for swine and chickens. Journal 

of the American Veterinary Medical Association October 1947, 301-303. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/1080/pigs/birds/acute toxicity/symptoms/poisoning/lethal dose/chronic 

178


Appendix C 

poisoning 

Abstract: The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate has been determined for swine and chickens. The 

characteritic symptoms and lesions have been described for both species. Swine are particularly susceptible 

to poisoning by this agent. The minimum lethal dose is much less than that reported for the common 

Norway rat or the horse. Chickens can tolerate slightly larger doses than swine and are slightly more 

resistant to this type of poisoning than the common rat or the horse. Repeated sublethal doses to chickens 

show its cumulative effects. 

Seawright, A. A., Eason, C. T., and eds. (1994). Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 

December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: acute toxicity/aerial control/aquatic species/bait degradation/birds/cats/deer/diagnosis/field 

efficacy/ground control/invertebrates/mammals/metabolism/mode of action/non-target species/occurrence 

in nature/pathology/persistence in animals/persistence in plants/persistence in soil/persistence in 

water/possums/product chemistry/rabbits/regulatory toxicology/secondary poisoning/target 

species/treatment/welfare/1080 

Abstract: This workshop was convened by the Royal Society of New Zealand in conjunction with Manaaki 

Whenua - Landcare Research. It brought together 70 scientists and other delegates from wildlife 

management, animal welfare, and conservation backgrounds from Australia, south Africa, the United 

States, and New Zealand. The purpose of the workshop was to review and discuss historical and recent 

research findings, and to identify gaps in our present knowledge. The need for substantial scientific data to 

provide the foundation for resolving conflicts beteween 1080 use for environmental protection, and 

terrestrial wildlife and human resource values was recognised as the principal issue of the meeting. 

[Note : Many of the papers from the workshop are indexed separately.] 

Seawright, A. A. (1994). The environmental toxicology of 1080 - key points revisited. In 'Proceedings of 

the Science Workshop on 1080. 12-14 December 1993. Christchurch, New Zealand.'. (A. A. Seawright 

and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 166-167. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/birds/deer/degradation/goats/mammals/possums/soil 

Abstract: As frequently happened with European colonisation of so-called "new lands", the introduction 

of both domestic and wild mammals into New Zealand in the recent century left a legacy of problems for 

the attention of the contemporary human population. 

We have seen in the foregoing papers in these proceedings that the problems referred to have their 

genesis in the burgeoning populations of mainly the Australian brushtail possum and the European rabbit. 

A principal effect of the possums is extensive degradation of the natural forests in which they have become 

established. This has resulted specifically in loss of habitat for native animals and birds, and possums 

along with other introduced mammals such as goats and deer will have contributed to land slips on steep 

slopes and soil erosion. In addition, the possums have caused damage to pasture crops, pine plantations, 

and vegetation established to prevent soil erosion. To varying degrees an estimated 92% of the land mass 

of New Zealand is being affected by possums on one way or another. 

An issue of equal if not greater concern is the high level of infection of the possums in some areas with 

bovine tuberculosis. apart from its obvious significance as an animal health problem on farms bordering on 

the affected forest areas, the concern about bovine tuberculosis infection in the possum is that the 

discharges due to the disease contain large numbers of the micro-organisms. This maximises the 

opportunity for infection of in-contact, susceptible animals and poses a significant public health problem. 

Seigler, D. S. (2003). Phytochemistry of Acacia - sensu lato. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 31, 

845-873. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/chemistry/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Little is known about the chemistry of most species of the genus Acacia, although the genus is 

quite large and widespread in the warm subarid and and portions of the world. As presently defined, Acacia 

is a cosmopolitan genus containing in excess of 1350 species. Taxonomic relationships and identification of 

Acacia species are difficult; new studies of the genus confirm that Acacia is an agglomeration of at least 

five discrete groups. The major elements of this 'genus' are the groups now recognized as the subgenus 

Acacia, the genus Faidherbia, the subgenus 'Aculeiferum', relatives of Acacia coulteri, Bentham's series 

Filicinae, the subgenus Phyllodineae, and possibly others, each with somewhat distinct chemistry. A 

number of secondary metabolites have been reported from various Acacia species including amines and 

179


Appendix C 

alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, cyclitols, fatty acids and seed oils, fluoroacetate, gums, nonprotein amino 

acids, terpenes (including essential oils, diterpenes, phytosterol and triterpene genins and saponins), 

hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids and condensed tannins. The most evident and best known are 

polysaccharides (gums) and complex phenolic substances (condensed tannins). 

Shapira, A. R., Taitelman, U., and Bursztein, S. (1980). Evaluation of the role of ionized calcium in sodium 

fluoroacetate ("1080") poisoning. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 56, 216-220. 


fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/fluorocitrate/aconitate/citrate/blood/cats/treatment/biochemistry 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate, which is an inhibitor of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is widely used as a 

rodenticide. In the body fluoroacetate is converted to fluorocitrate, which is an inhibitor of aconitate 

hydrase. Energy production decreases and citrate accumulates. As citrate is a potent chelator of Ca-2+ the 

drop in Ca-2+ concentration in the blood was studied. Fluoroacetate, 0.03 mmol/kg, was injected i.v. into 

anesthetized cats. Ca-2+ concentration in anaerobically drawn arterial blood samples was measured with an 

ion-exchange electrode. Samples were taken immediately before and 40 min after poisoning. The animals 

were then used as controls (6) or treated with an infusion of i.v. CaCl-2 (6) to restore Ca-2+ levels to 

normal values. After fluoroacetate injection (40 min), Ca-2+ levels fell by an average of 27.2%, from 1.09 

+- 0.07 to 0.79 +- 0.14 mM. There was a corresponding prolongation of QTc interval of the ECG (r = 0.82). 

Treatment with CaCl-2 significantly prolonged life of treated animals compared to control animals (P lt 

0.0016 by the Mann-Whitney rank sum test). Reduced levels of Ca-2+ apparently play an important role in 

the pathogenesis of fluoroacetate poisoning. Reduced levels of Ca-2+ explain the toxic effects of 

fluoroacetate and may be the missing link between biochemistry of poisoning and clinical manifestations 

Sherley, G., Wakelin, M., and McCartney, J. (1999). Forest invertebrates found on baits used in pest 

mammal control and the impact of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) on their numbers at Ohakune, North 

Island, New Zealand. New Zealand journal of zoology 26, 279-302. 

Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/1080/mammals 

Sherley, M. (2004). The traditional categories of fluoroacetate poisoning signs and symptoms belie 

substantial underlying similarities. Toxicology letters 151, 399-406. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/symptoms/sodium 

monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/pest/lethal dose/cardiac 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) has been widely used around the world as a 

vertebrate pest control agent. Following ingestion of 1080 there is a latent period, during which the 

compound is metabolised into a toxic form, before the onset of symptoms. The timing of this period varies 

significantly between species as does the median lethal dose. Traditionally different species have also been 

classified into groups depending on the primary organ system involved in 1080 toxicosis (cardiac, nervous, 

or mixed signs/symptoms). However, general acceptance of this method of classification has obscured the 

fact that several signs of fluoroacetate poisoning are common to most vertebrate species. This paper 

reviews five decades of literature on the signs/symptoms of fluoroacetate poisoning in vertebrates and 

concludes that there is little justification for the division of animals poisoned by fluoroacetate into 

symptomatic groups. 

Shinoda, K., Mitsumori, K., Uneyama, C., and Uehara, M. (2000). Induction and inhibition of testicular 

germ cell apoptosis by fluoroacetate in rats. Archives of toxicology 74, 33-39. 

Keywords: pathology/fluoroacetate/aconitase/rats/reproductive effects/testes 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate (FA), an inhibitor of aconitase, is known to lower the intracellular level of 

adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which recently has been suggested to be a possible determinant of the form 

of cell death, apoptosis or necrosis. To investigate which form of germ cell death occurs in FR-induced 

testicular toxicity, adult Sprague Dawley rats were given a single oral dose of FA (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) and 

euthanized at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h thereafter. Germ cell degeneration was histologically first found in 

early round spermatids at stage I and in spermatogonia at stages II-IV of seminiferous tubules 6 and 12 h, 

respectively, after dosing. Degenerating spermatogonia exhibited characteristic features of apoptosis as 

demonstrated by both electron microscopy and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 

dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), whereas spermatids did trot. At the 24 and 48 h time points, 

degenerating spermatids were continually present and subsequently formed multinucleated giant cells, 

180


Appendix C 

while the number of degenerating spermatogonia and TUNEL-labeled spermatogonia was drastically 

and/or significantly decreased compared to those from the control group, indicating that spontaneous male 

germ cell apoptosis is inhibited. Coincident with these morphological changes, DNA laddering on gel 

electrophoresis was apparent only 12 h after dosing. The results demonstrate that FA induces either 

apoptosis or necrosis of male germ cells in the early stage after dosing and subsequently inhibits 

spontaneous apoptosis. 

Shlosberg, A. and Egyed, M. N. (1975). Fluoroacetamide (1081) poisoning in wild birds. Journal of 

Wildlife Diseases 11, 534-536. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/1081/poisoning/birds 

Abstract: An outbreak of poisoning in four greylag geese (Anser anser) and 35-45 teal (Anas crecca ) is 

described. Laboratory findings led to the conclusion that a wheat bait containing the rodenticide 

fluoroacetamide (1081) caused the poisoning. Circumstantial evidence incriminated fluoroacetamide as the 

cause of death in white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), mallards (Amas platyrhynchos), and chukars 

(Alectoris chukar). 

Shlosberg, A. and Booth, L. H. Veterinary and Clinical Treatment of Vertebrate Pesticide Poisoning - a 

Technical Review. -101. 2004. Landcare Research. 


Keywords: treatment/poisoning/poisons/poison/mammals/pest/New 

Zealand/1080/baits/brodifacoum/rodent/non-target species 

Abstract: The focus of this review is on the treatment of toxicoses caused by poisons used for the control of 

introduced mammals that are considered pests in New Zealand (NZ). Intensive measures have been 

devised, and implemented widely in NZ, to control a variety of introduced mammalian pests. These 

include, for example, aerial application of 1080 bait for possum control on mainland NZ, and also of baits 

containing brodifacoum for rodent eradication on offshore islands. Such necessary measures are amongst 

the most comprehensive and aggressive taken worldwide to control introduced mammals, and the 

subsequent results have proved their worth. The risk to non-target species will be determined by the 

intrinsic susceptibility of the various species, the properties of the toxicants used (such as their 

toxicokinetics), the bait formulation, and the way in which toxic baits are used in the field, which may 

preclude, limit or increase the exposure of non-target species. This technical manual documents in detail 

the properties of the various poisons relevant to risk of accidental poisoning. All toxicants have advantages 

and disadvantages, which make them more or less effective or appropriate for different use patterns. A 

large database of global literature has been compiled on these compounds, which has been complemented 

by NZ-based research. Much of the information (and the basis of this work) was detailed (with full 

references) in the Department of Conservation Technical Series guide "Vertebrate Pesticide Toxicology 

Manual (Poisons)" (2001). 

Short, J., Turner, B., Risbey, D. A., and Carnamah, R. (1997). Control of feral cats for nature conservation. 

II Population reduction by poisoning. Wildlife research 24, 703-714. 

Keywords: cats/poisoning/mammals/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/baits/field 

efficacy 

Abstract: A feral cat popualtion was substantially reduced by poisoning at a semi-arid site in Western 

Australia. The control programme was designed to protect twos pecies of endangered native mammals that 

had recently been reintroduced to the site. Feral cats were poisoned with the carcasses of laboratory mice, 

each impregnated with with 4.5 mg of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). Baits were placed at 100-m 

intervals along the track system each night for four nights. Kill rates were assessed by monitoring survival 

of radio-collared cats and by spotlight counts of cats before and after baiting. All radio-collared cats were 

killed and there was a 74% reduction in spotlight counts of cats after baiting. Bait removal varied with the 

abundance of rabbits, the primary prey item for cats in this area. Effectiveness of control operations against 

feral cats is maximised by baiting at times of low prey abundance. Monitoring the changing abundance of 

the primary prey species provide important information for timing contraol operations against feral cats. 

Sibbison, S. EPA and the politics of poison: the 1080 story. Defenders 59, 4-15. 1984. 


Keywords: 1080/USA 

181


Appendix C 

Sikorski, M., Dmochowski, A., and Safian, E. (1992). [Accidental fatal poisoning with ethyl fluoroacetate]. 

Pol.Tyg.Lek. 47, 317-319. 

Keywords: 

poisoning/fluoroacetate/diagnosis/symptoms/metabolism/citrate/CNS/monoacetin/inhalation/humans 

Abstract: Fluoroacetic salts belong to the most toxic chemicals. They are used for various purposes, and 

form stable compounds in some plants. A case of poisoning with ethyl fluoroacetate is presented in detail. 

Diagnostic problems and therapy which failed due to the late diagnosis and dramatic progress in the 

symptoms of poisoning are also discussed. Fluoroacetic ion alone is non-toxic but in vivo forms 

fluorotricarboxylic acid, which blocks cellular metabolism at the citrate stage. Symptoms occur with a 

delay but lethal synthesis of fluorotricarboxylic acid leads to the irreversible cellular dysfunction, especially 

in CNS and circulatory system. Poisoning may be treated with monoacetin and acetamide. An emphasis is 

on health hazards resulting from the exposure to fluoroacetate and necessity to observe strictly safety 

regulations 

Sikulova, J. and Novak, L. (1970). Body temperature as an indicator of the radioprotective effect of sodium 

fluoroacetate in mice. International journal of radiation biology 17, 587-590. 

Keywords: metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Simpson, D. P. (1983). Citrate excretion: a window on renal metabolism. American journal of physiology 

244, F223-F234. 

Keywords: citrate/metabolism/citric acid/inhibition/fluorocitrate/biochemistry 

Abstract: The rate of intracellular metabolism of citrate plays a major role in determining the amount of 

citrate excreted in the urine.Fractional excretion of citrate can be increased eitehr by increasing intracellular 

citrate synthesis from precursors or by inhibiting mitochondrial citrate metabolism. Increased excrteion 

secondary to incraesed synthesis of citrate occurs when citric acid cycle precursors such as malate or 

succinate are infused. Increased excretion resulting form inhibition of citrate metabolism occurs when 

malonate, maleate or fluorocitrate is administered. Systemic acid-base changes cause striking changes in 

citrate clearance and metabolism. 

Sinclair, R. G. and Bird, P. L. (1984). The reaction of Sminthopsis crassicaudata to meat baits containing 

1080 : implications for assessing risk to non-target species. Australian wildlife research 11, 501-507. 

Keywords: non-target species/mammals/baits/1080/marsupials/predators 

Singh, M., Vijayaraghavan, R., Pant, S. C., Sugendran, K., Kumar, P., Singh, R., and Purnanand (2000). 

Acute inhalation toxicity study of 2-fluoroacetamide in rats. Biomedical and Environmental 

Sciences.[print] June 13, 90-96. 

Keywords: inhalation/toxicity/rats/convulsions/liver/kidney 

Abstract: One of the most potent rodenticides is 2-fluoroacetamide (2-FA). Toxicity of this chemical is well 

documented. However, its inhalation toxicity data is not available in the literature. Hence, acute inhalation 

toxicity study was carried out by exposing male and female rats to aerosols of 2-FA at different 

concentrations for 4 h in a dynamically operated whole body inhalation exposure chamber. During and after 

the inhalation exposure the rats were less active, and showed mild tremors and convulsions. At higher 

concentrations the rats died after 2-3 days. The estimated 4-h LC50 for male and female rats was 136.6 and 

144.5 mgcntdotm-3 respectively. Exposure to 0.7 LC50 for 4 h duration showed an increase in the liver 

weight of male and female rats 7 days after exposure. Various haematological and biochemical variables 

determined were within the normal limits. However, histological findings showed injured lung as indicated 

by desquamation and necrosis of the epithelium of the respiratory tract. Marked hypertrophy of hepatocytes 

displaying strong acidophilic granulated cytoplasm was observed. Focal dilatation of renal proximal tubules 

in kidney with cytoplasmic vacuolation, and irregularly placed pyknotic nuclei were seen. The present 

study shows that 2-FA is a highly toxic chemical through the inhalation route based on the LC50 value. 

Consequently necessary precautions should be taken during its handling 

Smith, F. A., Gardner, D. E., Yuile, C. L., de Lopez, O. H., and Hall, L. L. (1977). Defluorination of 

fluoroacetate in the rat. Life sciences 20, 1131-1138. 

Keywords: treatment/metabolism/pathology/1080/defluorination/fluoride/urine/kidney/reproductive 

effects/bone/fluoroacetate/rats/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/excretion/inhibition/Krebs 

182


Appendix C 

cycle/citrate/testes 

Abstract: Rats given 5 ppm F as FAc (equivalent to 26 ppm of NaFAc) in drinking water for approximately 

4 months deposited as much fluoride in the skeletal system as did rats receiving 5 ppm F as NaF in the 

water. Little evidence could be found for the presence of organically cound fluide in bone after ingesteding 

FAc, though an aprpeciable proportion of skeletal fluoride deposited when NaF was ingested was shown 

not to respond to the fluoride ion electrode. The daily urinary excretion of total fluoride after FAc was 

somewhat greater than after NaF; about two thirds of this fluoride responded to the electrode, whereas more 

than 90% of the total fluoride after NaF ws ionic in nature. The data are interpreted as showing that the rat 

is capable of splitting the C-F bond in FAc and/or in its fluoride-containing metbolites, with subsequent 

skeletal storage and renal excretion of the released fluoride ion. The chronic administration of this low level 

of FAc caused an early but temporary retardation of growth. The Krebs cycle was interfered with, as 

evidence by increased concentrations of citrate in kidney and urine. At termination of the experiment, 

histological examination of the testes showed that FAc had induced severe damage characterised by 

massive disorganisation of the tubules, nearly total loss of functional cells, absence of sperm and damage to 

the Sertoli cells. 

Smith, G. J. and Grosch, D. S. (1976). Fluoroacetate-induced changes in the fecundity and fertility of 

Bracon hebetor females. Journal of economic entomology 69, 521-522. 

Keywords: invertebrates/pathology/fluoroacetate/developmental toxicity 

Smith, M. R. and Lequerica, J. L. (1985). Methanosarcina mutant unable to produce methane or assimilate 

carbon from acetate. Journal of bacteriology 164 , 618-625. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/bacteria/resistance/metabolism 

Abstract: Mutants of methanosarcina barkeri 227 resistant to fluoroacetate were isolated from 

monofluoroacetate-treated cultures. Mutant strain FAr9 was 100 times more resistant to monofluoroacetate 

than the wild-type strain and was deficient in carbon uptake and CH4 and CO2 prodcution from methyllabeled 

acetate. Methanol was assimilated at increased levels. 

Soiefer, A. I. and Kostyniak, P. J. (1983). The enzymatic defluorination of fluoroacetate in mouse liver 

cytosol : the separation of defluorination activity from several glutathione S-transferases of mouse liver. 

Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 225, 928-935. 

Keywords: metabolism/defluorination/enzyme/liver/temperature 

Abstract: The liberation of free fluoride ion from fluoroacetate (FAc) proceeds as an enzyme-catalyzed 

dehalogenation reaction in the soluble fractions of several organs of the CFW Swiss mouse. Liver 

contained the highest FAc defluorinating activity. The enzyme activity in other organs decreased in the 

order kidney > lung > heart > testes. No activity was detected in the brain. Experiments were designed to 

characterize and identify the enzyme species responsible for FAc metabolism in liver. Enzyme activity was 

dependent on the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in the assay mixture, with maximal activity occurring 

above 5mM. The dehalogenation of FAc had an apparent Km of 7.0 mM when measured in the presence of 

a saturating concentration of GSH. An increase in the pH of the assay mixture enhanced fluoride release in 

both phosphate and borate buffer. The defluorination activity was reduced to negligible levels when stored 

for 24 h at 4EC. The addition of either GSH, dithiothreitol, or 2-mercaptoethanol increased stability, with 

the latter providing protection for greater than 150 h at a concentration of 15mM. DEAE anion-exchange 

chromatography separated the defluorinating activity from 90% of the soluble GSH S-transferase activity 

measure with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. FAc deluorination activity did not bind to a GSH affinity 

column which selectively separates it from a group of anionic GSH S-transferases. The GSH-dependent 

enzyme which dehalogenates FAc has unique properties and can be separated from the liver GSH Stransferases 

previously described in the literature. 

Soiefer, A. I. and Kostyniak, P. J. (1984). Purification of a fluoroacetate-specific defluorinase from mouse 

liver cytosol. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 259, 10787-10792. 

Keywords: liver/enzyme/defluorination/rodents/fluoride/metabolism 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate-specific defluorinase, an enzyme which catalyzes the release of fluoride ion from 

the rodenticide fluoroacetate, has been purified 347-fold from mouse liver cytosol and shown to be distinct 

from multiple cationic and anionic glutathione S-transferase isozymes.The evidence presented suggests 

183


Appendix C 

that fluoroacetate-specific defluorinase and glutathione S-tranferase activities are catclyzed by separate 

proteins present in the cytosol of mouse liver 

Soiefer, A. I. The biochemical and immunological characterization of the fluoroacetate-specific 

defluorinase from mouse liver cytosol. Pharmacology Dissertation Abstracts International 4[03], 845-B. 

1984. 


Keywords: liver/fluoroacetate/enzyme/biochemistry/metabolism 

Abstract: An hepatic defluorinase which specifically catalyses the liberation of fluoride ion from the 

rodenticide fluoroacetate has been isolated and characterised by biochemical and immunological 

techniques. 

Somers, J. M., Sweet, G. D., and Kay, W. W. (1981). Fluorocitrate resistant tricarboxylate transport 

mutants of Salmonella typhimurium. ? Gen.Genet. 181 , 338-345. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/citrate/bacteria/metabolism/Krebs cycle/aconitate 

Abstract: Spontaneous and Tn10 induced fluorocitrate resistant mutants were isolated and characterized. 

These mutants were unable to grow on either cis-aconitate or DL-isocitrate but were still able to grow 

slowly on sodium citrate and normally on potassium or potassium-plus-sodium citrate. These mutants were 

defective in both citrate transport and citrate binding to periplasmic proteins. Tn10 insertion mutants were 

unable to produce immunologically detectable amounts of the citrate inducible periplasmic C protein 

previously shown to bind tricarboxylates. 

Using a series of tct: :Tn10 directed Hfrs the tct locus was accurately positioned at 59 units between srlA 

and pheA, but was not cotransducible with either gene. In the absence of P22 mediated cotransduction with 

16 adjacent chromosomal markers the srlA and tct loci were bridged by using a series of tct flanking Tn10 

insertions, and by newly isolated and characterized nalB mutants. In addition the hyd and recA loci were 

located establishing the gene order in this region of the chromosome as: pheA tct nalB recA srlA hyd cys. 

Nitrosoguanidine derived tricarboxylate mutations (Imai 1975) were also mapped within the tct locus. 

Soni, N. K., Kazmi, S. M., and Trivedi, V. B. (1980). Respiratory responses of Rhizoctonia solani and 

Colletotrichum capsici induced by some carbohydrates, amino acids and metabolic inhibitors. Transactions 

of the Mycological Society of Japan 21, 131-135. 

Keywords: inhibition/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fungus 

Abstract: Respiration was stimulated by galactose, arabinose and fructose in R. solani and by lactose, 

xylose and glucose in C. capsici. Most of the amino acids tested stimulated respiration but L-tyrosine and 

DL-threonine in C. capsici and beta -alanine in R. solani were inhibitory. Metabolic inhibitors showed 

adverse effects on fungal respiration with the exception of methylene blue and Na malonate in R. solani. 

Inhibitory effects were less pronounced in R. solani than in C. capsici. Respiratory inhibition by sodium 

fluoroacetate suggests the presence of a functional TCA cycle in both pathogens 

Spencer, A. F. and Lowenstein, J. M. (1967). Citrate content of liver and kidney of rat in various metabolic 

states and in fluoroacetate poisoning. Biochemical journal 103, 342-348. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in animals/mode of action/citrate/liver/kidney/fluoroacetate/poisoning 

Abstract: The citrate content of rat liver changes little when normal rats are starved, when starved rats are 

re-fed with various diets and when normal animals are made diabetic with alloxan. The citrate content of rat 

kidney changes little on starvation, but it doubles on induction of diabetes. Fluoroacetate poisoning has 

relatively little effect on the citrate content of liver under a variety of conditions except that normal female 

rats show a 2.4-fold increase. Fluoroacetate poisoning leads to increases in the citrate content of kidney 

under all conditions. The relevance of these observations to the regulation of fatty acid synthesis is 

discussed. The acteic anhydride-pyridine method and the pentobromoacetone method for the estimation of 

citrate are compared. 

Spielmann, H., Meyer-Wendecker, R., and Spielmann, F. (1973). Influence of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 

sodium fluoroacetate on respiratory metabolism of rat embryos during organogenesis. Teratology 7, 127- 

134. 

Keywords: metabolism/pathology/sodium fluoroacetate/treatment/reproductive effects/developmental 

toxicity/teratogenicity 

184


Appendix C 

Abstract: The effect of various concentration of 2 deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) and sodium fluoroacetate (SFA) 

on the Q02 of day-11 and 12 rat embryos was studied in vitro. The dose-response curves - % inhibition 

versus log concentration - were linear for 2DG between 500 uM and 50 mM; day 11 rat embryos showed a 

higher rate of inhibition than day-12 embryos and adult kidney tissue. The inhibitory effect of SFA on the 

embryonic Q02 in vitro was significantly lower than on adult kidney tissue slices. These is vitro effects are 

in agreement with recent investigations on the energy metabolism of rat embryos that revealed a change 

from glycolysis to an oxidative, respiratory metabolism during organogenesis. The administration of a 

single dose of 2DG and SFA to pregnant rats at day 9 or 10 of pregnancy significantly reduced the Q02 and 

dry weight of the embryos at day 11, where as both parameters were unchanged at day 12. The same 

treatment was nonteratogenic, which is in contrast to the findings of other investigators. 

Sporkert, F., Pragst, F., Hubner, S., and Mills, G. (2002). Headspace solid-phase microextraction with 1pyrenyldiazomethane 

on-fibre derivatisation for analysis of fluoroacetic acid in biological samples. Journal 

of chromatography 772, 45-51. 

Keywords: analysis/serum/blood/urine/stomach/kidney 

Abstract: A new and in part automated headspace solid-phase microextraction method for quantitative 

determination of the highly toxic rodenticide fluoroacetic acid (FAA) in serum and other biological samples 

has been developed. FAA and deuterated acetic acid (internal standard) were extracted from acidified 

samples by a StableFlex divinylbenzene-Carboxen on polydimethylsiloxane fibre. The acids were 

derivatised on the fibre in-situ with 1-pyrenyldiazomethane and detected using gas chromatography-mass 

spectrometry with electron impact ionisation and selected ion monitoring. The calibration curve for FAA in 

serum was linear over the range from 0.02 to 5 mug/ml, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.02 

and 0.07 mug/ml, respectively. The method was also tested with spiked whole blood, urine, stomach 

contents and kidney samples. It was sufficiently reliable, reproducible and sensitive for use in routine 

forensic toxicology applications. 

Spurr, E. (2000). Impacts of possum control on non-target species. In 'The brushtail possum : biology, 

impact and management of an introduced marsupial'. (Ed. T. L. Montague.) pp. 175-186. (Manaaki 

Whenua: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: non-target species/possums/aerial control/ground control 

Spurr, E., Berben, P. H., McGregor, P. G., and Arnold, G. Impacts of simulated aerial application of 1080poisoned 

baits on ground-dwelling invertebrate populations. LCR to be specified, -40. 2002. Landcare 

Research Contract Report. 


Keywords: baits/persistence in invertebrates/invertebrates/aerial control 

Spurr, E. B. (1979). A theoretical assessment of the ability of bird species to recover from an imposed 

reduction in numbers, with particular reference to 1080 poisoning. New Zealand journal of ecology 2, 46- 

63. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080/poisoning 

Spurr, E. B. (1991). Effects of brushtail possum control operations on non-target bird populations. In 

'Proceedings of the 20th International Ornithological Congress'. (B. D. Bell and et al.Eds. ) pp. 2534-2545. 

(Ornithological Congress Trust Board: [Christchurch].) 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080 

Abstract: The brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula, a herbivorous Australian marsupial, is a serious pest 

of forest and farmland in New Zealand. Possum numbers are periodically controlled, mainly by aerial 

distribution of baits containing Compound 1080, ground based trapping, or cyanide poisoning. Poisoning 

with 1080 kills more non-target birds per hectare than commercial trapping or cyanide poisoning, but is 

also potentially more beneficial to bird populations because it causes a greater reduction in Possum 

populations, and hence a greater improvement in the condition of the habitat. There is no evidence that 

Possum control operations have any detrimental effects on populations survival of the more common bird 

species present in Possum areas. 

185


Appendix C 

Spurr, E. B. (1991). Reduction of wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) populations by poison-baiting : 

experimental use of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in canned sardine. New Zealand journal of zoology 

18, 215-222. 

Keywords: field efficacy/invertebrates/monofluoroacetate/1080/wasps 

Spurr, E. B. (1991). Wasp control by poison baiting : experimental use of hydramethylnon in canned 

sardine bait. Proceedings of the New Zealand Weed and Pest Control Conference 44, 42-46. 

Keywords: ground control/field efficacy/invertebrates/wasps 

Spurr, E. B. (1991). Fighting the wasp problem. What's New in Forest Research. 

Keywords: baits/honey/poison/1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Baits typically consist of fresh fish or meat. Sugar-based baits are unsuitable because they are 

attractive to honey bees. Until recently, a slow-acting organochlorine poison called mirex was mixed with 

baits. This has now been withdrawn from the market but a replacement has not yet been found. At the 

request of the former New Zealand Forest Service and Department of Conservation, the Forest Research 

Institute has tested the effectiveness of compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) as an alternative 

poison for the control of wasps in areas of high public use. 

Spurr, E. B. (1993). Feeding by captive rare birds on baits used in poisoning operations for control of 

brushtail possums. New Zealand journal of ecology 17, 13-18. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/possums/baits 

Abstract: Baits may be made less acceptable to birds by increasing the strength or slowing the release of 

cinnamon, or by using a more repellent flavour. Because baits may always be acceptable to some birds, 

wildlife managers need to know the chances of wild rare birds feeding on baits before approving poisoning 

operations in areas where they occur. 

Spurr, E. B. (1994). Review of the impacts on non-target species of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in 

baits used for brushtail possum control in New Zealand. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 



Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/birds/1080 

Abstract: The impacts on non-target species of 70 aerial 1080-poisoning operation or trials for brushtail 

possum control in New Zealand between 1978 and 1993 are reviewed> Dead birds were reported from 15 

operations on trials; 34 blackbirds were reported from 15 operations or trials; 34 blackbirds, 15 tomtits, 14 

chaffinches, nine whiteheads, four moreporks, three fantails, one grey warbler, on robin, one tui and one 

magpie. Significantly more birds were found dead after operations using carrot baits than after operations 

using cereal-based baits. Selected bird populations of common, adequately monitored bird species. 

However, less common bird species (e.g. kiwi, kaka, kakariki, and kokako) have been inadequately 

monitored , at least for some bait types. Bats, lizards and frogs have not been monitored in any 1080 

poisoning operations, and none have been reported killed by 1080. Selected invertebrate populations were 

monitored in five 1080 poisoning operations. No impact was detected on populations of weta in Waipoua 

Forest, a range of invertebrate species on Rongitoto Island, predatory insects in Mapara Reserve, or grounddwelling 

invertebrates in Puketi Forest and Titirangi Reserve. 

Spurr, E. B. (1994). Impacts on non-target invertebrate populations of aerial application of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) for brushtail possum control. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 



Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/1080 

Abstract: Impacts on non-target ground-dwelling invertebrate populations of two aerial 1080-poisonings 

operations using cereal-based baits for brushtail possum control were monitored in Puketi Forest and 

Titirangi Scenic Reserve. Invertebrates were collected in 100 pitfall traps in paired poison and non-poison 

areas. Bait density within 2m of traps in poison areas was measured on the day of poisoning. The traps 

were open continuously an were emptied monthly twice before poisoning at Puketi, four times before 

poisoning at Titirangi, and 12 time after poisoning at both sites. Trapped invertebrates were sorted into 

orders and/or families. Preliminary analysis of counts from five traps in Puketi, 10 traps in Titirangi, and 

186


Appendix C 

10 traps in each non-poison area did not reveal any impact of the 1080 poisoning operations on populations 

of Acari, Amphipoda, Araneae, three families of Coleoptera, other Coleoptera, Collembola, Diplopoda, 

Formicidae. Pulmonata and Rhaphidophoridae. 

Spurr, E. B. and Powlesland, R. G. Impacts of aerial application of 1080 on non-target native fauna : review 

and priorities for conservation. [62], -31. 1997. Wellington, Department of Conservation. Science for 

conservation. 


Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/birds/1080/possums 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is used by the Department of Conservation (in cereal-based 

baits) and by Regional Councils (in carrot and cereal-based baits) during aerial poisoning operation for 

control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. The impacts of these operations on non-target 

species of birds, bats, lizards, frogs and invertebrates are reviewed, and priorities for further research are 

recommended. A Research Co-ordinating Group should be established to implement these 

recommendations. 

Spurr, E. B. and Porter, R. E. R. (1998). Cinnamamide as a bird repellent for baits used in mammalian pest 

control. In '11th Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Bunbury, Western Australia, 3-8 May 1998 : 

programme and proceedings.'. pp. 295-299. (Agriculture Western Australia: Forrestfield.) 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/possums 

Abstract: An effective bird repellent is required to prevent bird species in New Zealand from eating baits 

used for the control on introduced mammalian pests, such as brushtail possums and Norway rats. In a doseresponse 

study, cinnamamide mixed into cereal based baits at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.25% (wt/wt) 

did not significantly reduce bait consumption by captive weka, but 0.5% cinnamamide reduced bait 

consumption by 83%. Addition of 0.5% cinnamamide to the surface of carrot baits reduced bait 

consumption by captive kea by 89%, and eastern rosellas by 80% in one trial and 85% in a subsequent trial. 

Birds exhibited both direct taste repellency and learned taste aversion to cinnamamide. A surface coating 

of 0.5% cinnamamide on carrot baits did not significantly reduce bait consumption by captive possums, but 

as little as 0.25% cinnamamide mixed into cereal-based baits reduced bait consumption by captive Norway 

rates by 53%. These results indicate that 0.5% cinnamamide added to baits could greatly reduce the risks to 

birds during rodent control operations. 

Spurr, E. B. and Drew, K. W. (1999). Invertebrates feeding on baits used for vertebrate pest control in New 

Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 23, 167-173. 

Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/possums 

Abstract: This study was initiated in response to concerns that vertebrate pest control operations in New 

Zealand may be having deleterious impacts on invertebrate populations and, secondarily, on insectivorous 

non-target vertebrate populations. Invertebrates feeding on non-toxic baits of the types used for vertebrate 

pest control were collected and identified. The bait types were diced carrots and three types of cereal-based 

baits (No.7, RS5, and AgTech). The study was conducted in two rata/kamahi dominated forests (Bell Hill 

Scenic Reserve and Kopara Forest, West Coast), in July and September 1996. The most common species 

found on baits was the ant Huberia brouni (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Other common taxa were 

Orthoptera (at least eight species of weta including Zealandosandrus aff. gracilis, Gymnoplectron sp., and 

Pleioplectron sp.). Coleoptera (at least nine species of beetles including Saphobius nitidulus, Nestrius sp., 

and Phrynixus sp.), Dermaptera (at least one species of the earwig Parisolabis sp.), Opiliones (at least three 

species of harvestmen), and Acarina (at least three species of mites). The ants and weta were found 

predominately on cereal-based baits, and the beetles, earwigs, harvestmen, and mites predominantly on 

carrot baits. More invertebrates were found on carrot and RS5 cereal-based baits than on the other two bait 

types, and more on baits at night than during the day. Fewer invertebrates were found on cinnamonflavoured 

baits (used for 1080-poisoning of possums) than on plain baits (used for brodifacoum-poisoning 

of rodents). The number of species and number of individual invertebrates found on baits were a small 

proportion of the number likely to be present in the forest litter. We predict that vertebrate pest control 

operations are unlikely to have any long term deleterious impacts on invertebrate populations. This 

prediction should be tested by monitoring populations of invertebrate species, found to eat baits, during 

vertebrate pest control operations. 

187


Appendix C 

Spurr, E. B. Are insectivorous birds killed by primary or secondary 1080 poisoning? [LC9899/057], -16. 

1999. Lincoln, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research contract report. 


Keywords: non-target species/invertebrates/birds/secondary poisoning/1080/lethal dose 

Abstract: Objective : To determine whether insectivorous birds could die as a result of secondary 1080poisoning, 

based on the amount of toxin ingested by invertebrates and the number of invertebrates that an 

insectivorous bird would need to ingest to receive a lethal dose of 1080. 

Conclusion : The risk of secondary 1080-poisoning to insectivorous birds is related to the amount of 1080 

required to kill the birds and the amount of 1080 that the birds ingest from invertebrates that have eaten 

bait; Based on published LD50s and the amounts of 1080 measured in invertebrates after 1080-poisoning 

operations, secondary 1080-poisoning of insectivorous birds is theoretically possible; However, the 

circumstantial evidence available suggests that direct poisoning of insectivorous birds from eating baits is 

more likely than secondary poisoning from eating invertebrates that have eaten baits. 

Spurr, E. B. (2000). Hen eggs poisoned with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) for control of stoats 

(Mustela erminea) in New Zealand. New Zealand journal of zoology 27, 165-172. 

Keywords: field efficacy/ground control/predators/1080 

Spurr, E. B. and Berben, P. H. Are weta populations affected by 1080? Kararehe Kino [1], 10-11. 2002. 

Lincoln, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. 


Keywords: 1080/poisoning/baits/poison/invertebrates 

Abstract: Weta are potentially at risk from 1080 poisoning for possum control as several species have 

been observed eating toxic baits. Also some weta collected alive after 1080-poisoning operations have 

contained residues of 1080. To date, weta populations that have been monitored in poison baited areas 

have not been affected by the toxin. These results are open to challenge, however, because the methods 

used to monitor impacts have not included individually marked weta. For example, one study recorded 

weta calls heard at night and another the number of weta caught in pitfall traps. 

To confirm the risk to weta (or not), Eric Spurr and Peter Berben monitored individually marked weta 

occupying artificial refuges before and after simulated aerial 1080-poisoning (i.e. baits spread by hand). To 

do this, they set up 10 randomly located artificial refuges (Fig. 1) in each of 20 plots spaced at least 50m 

apart on a north-facing ridge in Tararua Forest Park in August 1999. From October onwards, the refuges 

were checked monthly for occupancy by weta and other invertebrates, and any tree weta present were 

individually marked with coloured paint. In August 2000, 10 of the plots, chosen at random, were sown by 

hand with 1080 bait at 5 kg/ha. The bait was green-dyed, cinnamon-lured, Wanganui No.7 cereal-based 

bait containing 1500 ppm (0.15%) 1080. The remaining 10 plots were not baited. The artificial refuges 

were checked for occupancy by weta and other invertebrates a week after bait application, and then again at 

monthly intervals for the next 4 months. 

Spurr, E. B. (2002). Bird control chemicals. (Marcel Dekker: New York.) 

Keywords: birds/1080/strychnine/alphachloralose/fenthion/DRC-1339 

Abstract: Chemicals used to control bird populations when they cause damage to crops, stock-food, 

buildings and other structures, and when they are ahzards at places suchas airports, public parks, golf 

courses and rubbish dumps. They include lethal toxicants (avidcides) and stressing agents, and nonlethal 

immobilizing agents, repellents and reproductive inhibitors. Lethal methods of control attempt tor educe 

bird numbers, whereas nonlethal control methods generally attempt to modify bird behaviour without 

causing mortality as a means of reducing damage. 

Spurr, E. B. and Berben, P. H. (2004). Assessment of non-target impact of 1080-poisoning for vertebrate 

pest control on weta (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae) and other invertebrates in 

artificial refuges. New Zealand journal of ecology 28, 63-72. 

Keywords: pest/invertebrates/baits/1080/New Zealand/lethal dose/poisoning/residues/non-target species 

Abstract: Artificial refuges and mark-recapture techniques were used to monitor the non-target impacts of 

hand-broadcast applications (simulating aerial application) of Wanganui No. 7 cereal-based baits 

containing 0.15% (1500 ug/g) 1080 on populations of weta and other invertebrates in Tararua Forest Park, 

North Island, New Zealand. Wellington tree weta (Hemideina crassidens) and a cave weta (Isoplectron sp.) 

188


Appendix C 

were the only species of weta that occupied the refuges. Flatworms, slugs, spiders, harvestmen, amphipods, 

millipedes, centipedes, cockroaches and beetles also occupied the refuges. Invertebrate numbers in the 

refuges were monitored for 12 months before and 4 months after bait application on 22 August 2000. Bait 

application had no significant impact on the numbers of either species of weta, or on slugs, spiders and 

cockroaches, the most numerous other invertebrates occupying the refuges. Bait application also had not 

effect on the number of individually marked tree weta resighted in the refuges. Few weta or other 

invertebrates were observed on baits at night. The concentration of 1080 in a cave weta collected alive from 

a bait, and a tree weta collected alive from outside an artificial refuge was less than 10% of the average 

lethal dose. The results indicate that 1080 poisoning for vertebrate pest control is unlikely to have any 

negative impact on populations of weta or the other invertebrates monitored. 

Srere, P. A. (1965). The molecular physiology of citrate. Nature 205, 766-770. 

Keywords: citrate/metabolism/enzyme 

Abstract: Citrate has always occupied an important position in metabolism and several recent observations 

have added new dimensions to its role in living processes. A significant observation was that of Brady and 

Gurin who found that the rate of fatty acid synthesis by a crude soluble enzyme system was greatly 

stimulated by citrate. This observation eventually led to the recognition of three metabolic functions for 

citrate in addition to its role in the Krebs cycle and ATP production: a source of reducing power, a source 

of acetyl groups for biosynthetic pathways and a controlling (activating or inhibiting) substance for a 

number of enzymes. 

Stahr, H. M., Clardy, D. O., and Buck, W. B. (1971). Screening test for fluoroacetate in baits and biological 

samples. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 54, 1235-1237. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/baits/fluoride/analysis 

Abstract: A simple screening test, based on the reaction of the fluoride ion with the ion-selective fluoride 

electrode, has been developed for fluoroacetate in baits and biologicla samples. Positive results have been 

obtained in diagnostic cases. The method is not specific for fluoroacetate, but other fluoride-containing 

compounds are not likely to be present in the extract. Positive responses to the test should be confirmed as 

fluoroacetate by another method, such as the official AOAC method or by gas chromatography-mass 

spectrometry. 

Stahr, H. M. (1977). Quantitative gas-liquid chromatographic method for sodium fluoroacetate. Journal of 

the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 60, 1434-1535. 


Stallings, W. C., Monti, C. T., Belvedere, J. F., Preston, R. K., and Glusker, J. P. (1980). Absolute 

configuration of the isomer of fluorocitrate that inhibits aconitase. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 

203, 65-72. 

Keywords: mode of action/product chemistry/fluorocitrate/aconitase 

Staples, E. L. J. (1968). The reduction of the sodium monofluoroacetate ("1080") content of carrot baits of 

various thicknesses by weathering. New Zealand journal of agricultural research 11, 319-329. 

Keywords: bait degradation/rabbits/deer/possums/sodium monofluoroacetate/zinc phosphide/witholding 

period 

Abstract: The rate of removal of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) from chopped carrot treated witht he poison 

at a rate of 1/2 lb or 1 lb per ton and then exposed to weather has been studied. The rainfall pattern is an 

important factor in the weathering of poisoned rabbit baits but it is not possible to lay down specific rules 

about the time that domestic stock should be kept off recently-poisoned areas. The trials showed that the 

baits became harmless to stockmore quickly when that carrot was cut thin and when the amount of 1080 

receommended for rabbits ie. 1/2 lb per ton of carrot, was not exceeded. When opossums or deer are to be 

poisoned in areas that are not to be restocked with domestic animals larger pieces of carrot and high levels 

of 1080 ie. 2 lb per ton are indicated. in order that baits should remain toxic for as long as possible. 

Staples, E. L. J. (1969). Absorption of sodium monofluoroacetate ("1080") solution by carrot baits. New 

Zealand journal of agricultural research 12, 783-788. 

Keywords: bait degradation/field efficacy/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/baits/carrot 

189


Appendix C 

Statham, M. Vertebrate Pest Manual Tasmania. Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research. 1988. 



Steinberger, E. and Sud, B. N. (1970). Specific effect of fluoroacetamide on spermatogenesis. Biol.Reprod. 

2, 369-375. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/testes/reproductive effects 

Stewart, D. J, Manley, T. R, White, D. A., Harrison, D. L., and Stringer, E. A. (1974). Natural fluorine 

levels in the Bluff area, New Zealand. 1. Concentrations in wildlife and domestic animals. New Zealand 

journal of science 17, 105-113. 

Keywords: fluorine 

Abstract: Natural fluorine concentrations are reported in the skeletons of birds, fish, small mammals, cattle 

and sheep, sampled in the Bluff area of New Zealand. Expressed on a bone-ash basis the values obtained 

were: 142-8050 ppm for nine species of birds; 100-4554 ppm for six species of fish; 13-357 ppm for six 

species of shellfish; 184-278 ppm for opossums and rabbit; and 19-1469 ppm for cattle and sheep. 

Comparisons with published data indicate that the natural levels of fluorine in the fauna of the Bluff area 

are, in general, similar to levels found elsewhere in the world. 

Stewart, G. G., Abbs, E. T., and Roberts, D. J. (1969). Biochemical effects of fluoroacetate administration 

in rat brain, heart and blood. Biochemical Pharmacology 19, 1861-1866. 

Keywords: mode of action/persistence in 

animals/fluoroacetate/brain/heart/blood/rodents/symptoms/citrate/Krebs cycle 

Abstract: Treatment of rats with fluoroacetate resulted in two phases of behaviour (i) a sedated phase 

followed by (ii) a tonic extensor convulsive phase. The levels of various labile metabolites such as citric 

acid, lactic acid, ammonia, free glucose and glycogen, were measures at these two phases in heart, brain 

and blood. In heart the citric acid level rose in both of the phases, however in the brain the level of this 

metabolite fell at the convulsion following an initial rise during the sedative phase. This alteration in the 

citrate content of brain could have profound effects on the tricarboxylic acid cycle as a whole and also on 

the level of compounds, such as GABA, related to the cycle. The implications of such alterations on the 

overall behavioural patterns are discussed. 

Stewart, H., Jenkin, B., McCarthy, R., and Flinn, D. (1994). Public versus user perceptions of risks and 

benefits of plantation forestry in Victoria, Australia. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080. 12- 

14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand.'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 10-19. (Royal 

Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/wallaby 

Abstract: In the past two decades there had been considerable conflict concerning social, economic and 

environmental aspects of plantations in Victoria. The issues have included: the change of land use from 

agriculture to forestry; the use of 1080 to control browsing animals and vermin; aerial application of 

herbicides; perceived human health hazard from plantation disease such as Pine Needle Blight; and 

recently, the implications of genetic engineering in plantation forestry. These concerns have been fought as 

single issues in some cases and collectively in others in a wide range of forums. In some instances strident 

opposition has resulted in direct action to halt plantation works. Conflict about use of 1080 in plantation 

development in Gippsland (in southern Victoria) provides a useful case study of the way in which a single 

issue can impact on the public perception of plantations and influence plantation management practices. 

Initial responses to these concerns included 'do nothing', communication to the relevant groups rationale 

for the plantation program, and the use of scientific facts to dispel arguments about specific environmental 

impacts. This approach met with limited success. In 1986, public participation was engaged seriously in 

the broad debate on plantations for the first time by way of a Plantation Impact Study initiated by 

government. This and subsequent forestry inquiries have failed, however, to deliver universal support for 

plantation forestry. Such a goal is probably unrealistic given that the basis for conflict is continually 

changing in response to changes in socio-economic factors and scientific knowledge. Lessons have been 

learned, however, by all parties involved in the debate on these issues and a number of principles are 

generally agreed as a means of moving forward: identify and understand issues early; research issues and 

make relevant knowledge available; adopt the concept of informed consent; develop a framework for 

190


Appendix C 

genuine public participation; and make a sincere commitment to participate with the public in resolving 

questions about the risks and benefits of plantation forestry. 

Steyn, D. G. (1934). Plant poisoning in stock and the development of tolerance. Onderstepoort journal of 

veterinary science 3, 119-123. 

Keywords: poisoning/tolerance/livestock/occurrence in nature/rabbits/heart 

Abstract: From the results of experiments conducted upon thirty-two rabbits it appears (a) that the 

continuous ingestion of leaves or underground stems of gifblaar does not induce the development of 

tolerance to this plant; and (b) that the active principle of gifblaar has cumulative effects, that is, it is 

inactivated in the body or excreted at a very slow rate. It is also possible that repeated small doses of the 

plant may cause progressive damage to organs of vital importance (heart) and that the sum total of these 

consecutive and progressive lesions is sufficient to cause death in spite of the fact that the active principle 

has been partly or completely excreted. 

There also was a certain amount of evidence that some animals became sensitized to the effects of the 

plant, unless we accept that these animals possessed and idiosyncrasy to gifblaar. 

Stoner, H. B. (1969). Studies on the mechanism of shock : the effect of trauma on the toxicity of 3,5 

dinitro-o-cresol and sodium fluoroacetate. British journal of experimental pathology 50, 277-284. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Sullivan, J. L., Smith, F. A., Wilkenfield, R. M., Garman, R. H., and Kostyniak, P. J. (1978). 

Monofluoroacetate and trifluoroethanol as testicular poisons in the rat. Toxicology and applied 

phamacology 45, 291-292. 

Keywords: citrate/fluoroacetate/inhalation/monofluoroacetate/poison/poisons/rats/reproductive 

effects/teratogenicity/testes/treatment/liver 

Abstract: During the course of investigations into the toxicology of aliphatic fluorocompounds, it was noted 

that trifluoroethanol (TFE) produced testicular damage in the rat. Fluoroacetate (FAc) is already recognised 

as a testicular poison, and it seemed worthwhile to compare effects of this nature produced by each 

compound. Previous work in our laboratory showed that 20 ppm of FAc in drinking water decreased the 

testis weight, elevated citrate concentration in the testis and produced early signs of seminiferous epithelial 

damage and involved both spermatocytes and spermatids. Early signs of regeneration were evident by 7 

days post-treatment, but this was not complete at 21 days. New information from a breeding experiment 

extend these morphological observations through a 10 week post treatment period. Also, reproductive 

performance was impaired after 1 week post treatment, completely inhibited 3 to 6 weeks post treatment 

and improved thereafter, being near normal when the experiment was terminated after 12 weeks. No 

unusual incidence of gross abnormalities was seen in the fetus taken 11 days post-conception. The 2-hour 

LC50 for male rats inhalating TFE was 4850 ppm (deaths were recorded at 24 hours post exposure). 

Damage to spermatocytes, spermatagonia and Sertoli cells were observed at 400 ppm for 2 hour, the lowest 

concentration used in the LC50 determination and persisted for at leat 86 hours post exposure. Single doses 

of 50 mg TFE/kg of injected ip induced similar testicular damage through 7 days postinjection. TFE was 

not defluorinated in vitro by a rat liver fraction capable of defluorinating FAc. TFE appears to differ 

somewhat from FAc in that a former compound affects spermatogonia whereas FAc does not. 

Sullivan, J. L., Smith, F. A., and Garman, R. H. (1979). Effects of fluoroacetate on the testis of the rat. 

Journal of reproduction and fertility 56, 201-207. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/pathology/sodium 

fluoroacetate/treatment/metabolism/reproductive effects/Krebs cycle/rodents/sublethal effects 

Abstract: Rats receiving 20, 6.6 or 2.2 p.p.m. sodium fluoroacetate in the drinking water were killed daily 

during the 7 day treatment and at more widely spaced intervals in the succeeding 21 days. Testicular 

weight and ATP concentrations decreased in rats receiving 20 or 6 p.p.m fluoroacetate, while citrate 

concentrations were elevated and morphological dama was seen in the tests of all the treated rats. Initial 

cellular changes common to the three treatment groups included altered appearance and decreased numbers 

of spermatids, and formation of spermatid and spermatocyte giant cells. At the two higher concentrations, 

damage progressed to marked seminiferous tubule atrophy. Regeneration of the seminiferous tubules was 

complete by 7 days after treatment, in the rats given 2 p.p.m but regeneration was not complete by Day 21 

after treatment in those receiving the higher doses. Spermatogenesis was abnormal in some instances 

191


Appendix C 

during the regeneration period in these groups. The findings are consistent with impaired energy 

production via blockage of the Krebs cycle, and subsequent impairment of carbohydrate metabolism 

through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway. 

Suren, A. and Lambert, P. Monitoring of streams in the Haupiri forests after aerial 1080 drops. NIWA 

Client Report CHCO2/38, Project No. WCR02502, -17. 2002. 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in water/invertebrates/aquatic species/aerial control 

Abstract: Streams, sediment and aquatic invertebrate samples were monitored in following an aerial drop in 

Haupiri State Forest. No 1080 was detected in any of the water samples collected. No major changes to the 

invertebrate communities was observed, except for a decrease in the total number of taxa collected in some 

streams five days after the 1080 drop. There was also a slight decline in the number of EPT taxa collected 5 

days after the drop. Such decreases were not evident in the control site. However, both taxonomic richness 

and the number of EPT taxa found in streams 14 days after the drop were generally higher than those 

observed before the drop. It is thought that these changes most likely reflect effects of a small-scale flood 

event that occurred prior to the 1080 drop. 

Suren, A. and Bonnett, M. The effects of pollard baits containing sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) on new 

Zealand freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons). NIWA Client Report: CHC2004-054 

May 2004 

NIWA Project: AHB04501, -22. 2004. National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd 

10 Kyle Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 

P O Box 8602, Christchurch, New Zealand 

Phone +64-3-348 8987, Fax +64-3-348 5548 

www.niwa.co.nz. 


Keywords: baits/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/New 

Zealand/invertebrates/muscle/gut/analysis/tolerance/predators/secondary poisoning/poisoning/humans 

Abstract: The effects of pollard baits containing sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) on New Zealand 

freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) i 

This study assessed whether native crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) consumed 1080 baits 

in preference to their natural food source of decomposing leaf litter and invertebrates, and 

determined whether ingestion of such pollard baits resulted in crayfish mortality. It also 

assessed whether residual 1080 remained in crayfish muscle and gut viscera after exposure of 

these animals to 1080 baits. 

2. The experiment was conducted on the NIWA campus in Christchurch in a "stream simulator", 

consisting of a 5 m x 1 m long riffle section and 3.5 m long x 3.0 m wide pool (1 m deep) 

through which clean groundwater water flowed at a rate of 5 l s-1. Water was discharged to the 

reticulated sewer system to avoid accumulation of 1080 in the simulator. This simulator was 

divided into an upstream riffle section, and a downstream pool section. Twenty-five cages (15 

cm x 50 cm: mesh size 15 mm) were placed in each of these habitat types. Small plastic PVC 

pipes and large cobbles were also placed in each cage to give the crayfish shelter. 

3. Crayfish were collected from streams on the West Coast, and transported to Christchurch. 

Single crayfish were placed into each cage and left for 1 week to acclimate, after which time a 

single 1080 bait (mean weight = 6.4 g) containing c. 0.15% 1080 (i.e., 9.6 mg) was added to 

20 of the cages. Non-toxic baits were also added to 5 control cages within each habitat. A 

further 5 crayfish were kept in separate aquaria for the duration of the experiment to act as a 

double control. Replicate crayfish were collected at random from both the riffle and pool 

habitats after 1, 2, 4 and 8 days and frozen pending analysis of residual 1080 in their viscera or 

tail muscle. The crayfish fed the non-toxic baits, and those placed in the aquaria were also 

collected after 8 days, frozen and analysed for presence of 1080. Water samples were also 

collected at regular intervals for analysis of dissolved 1080. 

4. Observations of the crayfish over time showed that some had moved the pollard baits into or 

near their PVC pipes, while others had consumed some baits. The fact that detritus was also 

present in the cages suggested that pollard baits may represent a more favourable food item to 

crayfish than detritus. Despite the direct consumption of 1080 baits by crayfish, no mortality 

192


Appendix C 

was observed during the study, even after 8 days when the experiment was terminated. 

5, Analysis of crayfish viscera and tail muscle confirmed that crayfish had consumed baits. The 

highest 1080 concentration found in the viscera was 3.3 mg kg-1 of body tissue, while up to 5 

mg kg-1 of 1080 was found in the tail muscle. There was no significant difference in 

concentrations of 1080 in animals placed in either pools or riffles, and 1080 concentrations 

decreased over time. The highest total concentration of 1080 found within a particular crayfish 

(7.7 mg kg-1) suggested that c. 80% of a pollard bait had been consumed by this individual, 

assuming that each bait contained 9.6 mg of 1080. 

6. The amount of 1080 found in the tail muscle was significantly related to the amount found 

within the viscera, suggesting that what each animal consumed was being transferred to 

muscle tissue. The 1080 body burden of animals collected 2 and 4 days after being exposed to 

the 1080 baits was related to their body size, suggesting that larger animals consumed more of 

the baits. The significant decline in 1080 concentration in the muscle tissue between days 4 

and 8 suggests that crayfish that consumed sub-lethal doses of 1080 were able to successfully 

metabolise this compound. 

7. Water samples collected from the outlet of the stream simulator for 1080 analysis showed that 

the highest concentration of 1080 (1.1 µg l-1) occurred after 2 days. No residual 1080 was 

detected in the water after 8 days. 

8. Crayfish that were fed control (non-toxic) baits had no residual 1080 in their viscera or tail 

muscle, despite being exposed to the very low concentrations of 1080 in the water within the 

stream simulator. Lack of detectable 1080 in control animals suggests that contaminant 

loadings in the animals exposed to the toxic baits reflected direct consumption of 1080 pollard 

baits, and not exposure to water containing traces of 1080. 

9. Lack of crayfish mortality may reflect their naturally high tolerance to 1080, or the fact that 

they were exposed to only 1 pollard bait. It is, however, theoretically possible that crayfish in 

natural streams could encounter more than 1 pollard bait within their territory, and consume 

them. Whether consumption of more than 1 bait by an individual is enough to cause mortality 

is unknown. 

10. The main ecological implication of crayfish consuming 1080 baits is the potential for 

predators becoming susceptible to secondary poisoning. The main predators of crayfish are 

eels, trout and humans. A theoretical risk may exist to humans if they consume crayfish 

caught from within operational areas and which still contain a significant body-burden of 

residual 1080. 

11. Such risks could be minimised by changes to operational practices. In operational areas where 

crayfish are likely to occur, aerial flight plans could be varied to minimise the chances of 

overflying streams in the latter part of the day, as crayfish are mostly nocturnal feeders. 1080 

leaches rapidly from pollard baits, so baits that land in streams in the early part of the day 

would have little residual 1080 left in them after sunset. The risk of crayfish accumulating 

1080 from such baits is greatly reduced. Consideration should also be taken to warn the public 

against harvesting crayfish from streams within any operational areas for a period of time after 

the cessation of the aerial drop. 

Suzuki, T., Akiyama, S., Yamazaki, O., Nara, K., Nakao, Y., and Fukuda, H. (1975). Induction and 

stabilization of yeast aconitase activity by fluorocitrate. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry 39, 97-103. 

Keywords: metabolism/mode of action/aconitase/fluorocitrate/bacteria/inhibition/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Both fluorocitrate and fluoroacetate acted on yeast aconitase as an inducer and a stabilizer of the 

enzyme. Fluoroacetate appeared to function after conversion to fluorocitrate in the cells. Inhibitors of 

protein synthesis and terminal respiratory system showed a strong inhibitory effect on the inductive 

formulation of aconitase. In addition, these fluorocompounds were also found to induce various microbial 

aconitases. 

Swanson, R. A. and Graham, S. H. (1994). Fluorocitrate and fluoroacetate effects on astrocyte metabolism 

in vitro. Brain research 664, 94-100. 

Keywords: mode of action/metabolism/Krebs cycle/fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/brain 

Abstract: The Krebs cycle inhibitor fluorocitrate (FC) and its precursor fluoroacetate (FA) are taken up in 

brain preferentially by glia. These compounds are used experimentally to inhibit glial metabolism in situ. 

193


Appendix C 

The actions of these agents have been attributed to both the disruption of carbon flux through the Krebs 

cycle and to impairment of ATP production. We used primary astrocyte cultures to evaluate these two 

possible modes of action. Astrocyte ATP levels exhibited little or no reduction during incubation with 0.5 

mM FC or 25 mM FA. Correspondingly, FC and FA caused less than 30% reductions in glutamate uptake 

(P > 0.05), an important energy-dependent astrocyte function. Carbon flux through the Krebs cycle was 

assessed by measuring astrocyte glutamine production in the absence of exogenous glutamate or aspartate. 

Under these conditions, glutamine production was reduced 65 +/- 5% by 0.5 mM FC and 61 +/- 3% by 25 

mM FA (P < 0.01). In contrast, FC and FA had no effect on glutamine production when 50 mu M 

glutamate was provided in the media. These findings suggest that the metabolic effects of FC and FA on 

astrocytes in vivo result from impairment of carbon flux through the Krebs cycle, and not from impairment 

of oxidative ATP production. 

Sweetapple, P. J. (1995). Effectiveness of foliage bait poisoning for deer : development of a plasma marker 

for deer and a toxic field trial. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 

Keywords: field efficacy/deer/1080 

Abstract: Objectives : To determine whether orally administered iophenoxic acid provides an effective 

plasma marker for red deer and identify the quantities needed per bait for use in non-toxic bait-acceptance 

field trials; To determine the percentage of a low-density forest-dwelling deer population killed using toxic 

foliage baits and the cost of achieving that level of control. 

Conclusion : Iophenoxic acid is an effective plasma marker for use in red deer bait acceptance trials, with 

only 0.3 mg/kg required to mark red deer for at least 40 days, and 3-6 mg/kg probably marking red deer for 

at least 6 months. The plasma marker can be used to determine the number of marked baits eaten by red 

deer; The cost of baiting forest with 2 baits/ha is likely to be about $6.00/ha, compared with about $20/ha 

for aerial poisoning. Actual cost will depend on wage rates, accessibility and topography of the poison 

area, and availability of broadleaf material; At least some deer accept foliage baits even when deer densities 

are low. Deer did not appear to selectively avoid baited leaves. Because shade-grown broadleaf foliage 

retains toxic leafs longer than other foliage types and is of similar palatability, it is the best broadleaf 

foliage type for 1080 foliage baits; The trial did not reduce deer densities in the poison area, but this failure 

may simply reflect the low concentration of 1080 in the gel. The large number of baits browsed indicate 

that it is likely that some deer would have been killed had the toxic gel contained 10% 1080. 

Sykes, T. R. (1986). Synthesis and murine tissue uptake of sodium [18F] fluoroacetate. Int J Rad Appl 

Instrum [B] 13, 497-500. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/metabolism/excretion 

Sykes, T. R., Quastel, J. H., Adam, M. J., Ruth, T. J., and Noujaim, A. A. (1987). The disposition and 

metabolism of [ 18 F]-fluoroacetate in mice. Biochemical archives 3, 317-323. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in animals/defluorination/rodents/excretion 

Abstract: Very little is known about the in vivo behavior of sodium monofluoroacetate (FAc). We have 

studied the disposition, excretion and metabolism of this compound up to four hours after the intravenous 

injection of the (18F)-labelled material of mice. There was no tissue specific accumulation of the 

compound itself, however bone accumulation of (18F) activity was significant. Comparison to (18F)-NaF 

data and the demonstration of (18F)-fluoride in the blood supported the concept of metabolic defluorination 

of FAc. 

Szerb, J. C. and Issekutz, B. (1987). Increase in the stimulation-induced overflow of glutamate by 

fluoroacetate, a selective inhibitor of the glial tricarboxylic cycle. Brain research 410, 116-120. 

Keywords: mode of action/brain/Krebs cycle/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate is known to be taken up selectively by glia, where after forming fluorocitrate, it 

inhibits the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Since uptake into glia has a major role in the inactivation of 

synaptically released glutamate, the effect of fluoroacetate on the overflow of glutamate evoked by 

electrical field stimulation in slices of rat hippocampus was investigated. In agreement with previous 

reports, 1 mM fluoroacetate reduced the release and content of glutamine, but increased only slightly the 

overflow of glutamate induced by stimulation. If, however, 0.5 mM glutamine was added to the superfusion 

fluid, fluoroacetate nearly tripled the overflow of glutamate evoked by electrical field stimulation. The 

large glutamate overflow due to field stimulation in the presence of fluoroacetate was fully Ca2+ - 

194


Appendix C 

dependent. Results confirm the major role of glia in the inactivation of glutamate. The absence of such an 

uptake may contribute to the in vivo convulsive effect of fluoroacetate. 

Szerb, J. C. and O'Regan, P. A. (1988). Increase in the stimulation-induced overflow of excitatory amino 

acids from hippocampal slices : interaction between low glucose concentration and fluoroacetate. 

Neuroscience letters 86, 207-212. 

Keywords: mode of action/fluoroacetate/brain 

Tahori, A. S. (1963). Selection for a fluoroacetate resistant strain of house flies and investigation of its 

resistance pattern. Journal of economic entomology 56, 67-69. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/resistance/invertebrates 

Tahori, A. S. (1966). Changes in the resistance pattern of a fluoroacetate-resistant fly strain. J Econ 

Entomol 59, 462-464. 

Keywords: resistance/invertebrates/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: Selection of an insecticide-susceptible house fly, Musca domestica L., strain with fluoroacetate 

produced moderate resistance tofluoroacetate during the first 65 genertions of selection. After the 75th 

generation, resistance increased sharply, reaching 500 µg of fluoroacetate per fly at the 81st generation of 

selection. 

Selection with fluoroacetate for 57 generations caused a 200-fold increase in DDT-resistance. After 

further selection, this high level dropped gradually to 8-fold only. An 8000-fold increase in resistance to 

dieldrin was observed after 25 generations of selection with fluoroacetate. During the nex 20 generations 

this high level of dieldrin resistance declined considerably. 

When selection with fluoroacetate was discontinued after the 17th generation, the levels of DDT and 

dieldrin resistance were maintained for another 40 generations. Later on they declined, while always 

remaining above those of the corresponding strain, selected continuously with fluoroacetate. 

No resistance developed to the organophosphorus insecticides parathion, malathion, and trichlorfon. 

Taitelman, U., Roy, A., Raikhlin-Eisenkraft, B., and Hoffer, E. (1983). The effect of monoacetin and 

calcium chloride on acid-base balance and survival in experimental sodium fluoroacetate poisoning. 

Archives of toxicology Supplement 6, 222-227. 

Keywords: treatment/metabolism/cats/monoacetin/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning 

Taitelman, U., Roy (Shapira), A., and Hoffer, E. (1983). Fluoroacetamide poisoning in man: the role of 

ionized calcium. Archives of toxicology Suppl. 6, 228-231. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/poisoning/humans/treatment/cardiac/heart 

Abstract: Two cases are reported of severe acute fluoroacetamide poisoning in man, with successful 

treatment of the life-threatening cardiac arrythmias by the administration of calcium chloride. The 

arrythmias were preceded by prolongation of the QT interval in the ECG. Calcium chloride therapy 

restored to normal the markedly prolonged QT interval. 

Takeuchi, Y., Ogura, H., Ishii, Y., and Koizumi, T. (1990). Chemistry of novel compounds with 

multifunctional carbon structure: VI. Synthetic studies and fluorine-19 NMR investigation of novel 

alpha,alpha-disubstituted fluoroacetates. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo) 38, 2404-2408. 

Keywords: chemistry/NMR/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: As a part of our work on synthetic studies of chiral monofluoro compounds and molecular design 

of efficient reagents for optical purity determination, we focused on novel alpha,alpha-disubstituted alphafluoroacetic 

acids (8a-d) (R-1 = Me, Ph; R-2 = C tbd CPh, Me, Bu). The ethyl esters (13a-d) were prepared 

by introduction of alkyl groups into the appropriate alpha-keto acids (9a,b) followed by fluorination of the 

corresponding hydroxy-esters (12a-d) with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST). For comparison with 

Mosher's reagent (2-methoxy-2-trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid, (MTPA)), the ethyl esters (13a-d) were 

converted into three representative diastereoisomers, (14a-d), (15a-d), and (16a-d), and 19F-nuclear 

magnetic resonance (19F-NMR) chemical shift differences between pairs of diastereoisomers (DELTAdelta) 

were obtained. These alpha,alpha-disubstituted alpha-fluoroacetate derivatives have much larger 

DELTA-delta values than the corresponding derivatives of MTPA, which strongly indicates that the acids 

(8a-d) can potentially be better reagents for ee determination than MTPA. The influence on the DELTA- 

195


Appendix C 

delta values of the steric effects which arise upon introduction of the two substituents (R-1 and R-2) on the 

fluorine-bearing chiral center is also discussed 

Tamura, T., Wada, M., Esaki, N., and Soda, K. (1995). Synthesis of fluoroacetate from fluoride, glycerol, 

and β-hydroxypyruvate by Streptomyces cattleya. Journal of bacteriology 177, 2265-2269. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/NMR/product chemistry/fluoroacetate/fluoride/bacteria/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Streptomyces cattleya produces fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine from inorganic fluoride 

added to the culture broth. We have shown by F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry that 

fluoroacetate is accumulated first in the culture broth and that accumulation of 4-fluorothreonine is next. To 

show precursors of the carbon skeleton of fluoroacetate, we carried out tracer experiments with various C- 

14- and C-13-labeled compounds. Radioactivity of [U-C-14]glucose, [U-C-14]glycerol, [U-C-14]serine, 

and [U-C-14]beta-hydroxypyruvate was incorporated into fluoroacetate to an extent of 0.2 to 0.4%, 

whereas [3-C-14]pyruvate, [2,3-C-14]succinate, and [U-C-14]aspartate were less efficiently incorporated 

(0.04 to 0.08%). The addition of [2-C-13]glycerol to the mycelium suspension of Streptomyces cattleya 

caused exclusive enrichment of the carboxyl carbon of fluoroacetate with C-13; about 40% of carboxyl 

carbon of fluoroacetate was labeled with C-13. We studied the radioactivity incorporation of [3-C-14]-, [U- 

C-14]-, and [1-C-14]beta-hydroxypyruvates to show that C-2 and C-3 of beta-hydroxypyruvate are 

exclusively converted to the carbon skeleton of fluoroacetate. These results suggest that the carbon skeleton 

of fluoroacetate derives from C-1 and C-2 of glycerol through beta-hydroxypyruvate, whose hydroxyl 

group is eventually replaced by fluoride 

Tamura, T., Sawamoto, Y., Kuriyama, T., Oba, K., Tanaka, H., and Inagaki, K. (2003). Cosynthesis of 

monofluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine by resting cells of blocked mutants of Streptomyces cattleya 

NRRL8057. Journal of Moleclar Catalysis B-Enzymatic 23, 257-263. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/fluoride/assay/enzyme/bacteria/biosynthesis 

Abstract: Streptomyces cattleya NRRL 8057 produces monofluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine from 

inorganic fluoride. Mutants blocked in fluorometabolite production were prepared by chemical 

mutagenesis, and cosynthesis experiments with these blocked mutants were carried out by suspending cells 

of one blocked mutant in the supernatant broth of another blocked mutant. The harvest age of the cells, pH 

of the buffer, potassium fluoride concentration and glycerol supplementation were optimized for the 

monofluoroacetate production by a resting-cell suspension of S. cattleya. Successful cosynthesis with pairs 

of the mutants characterized four distinctive blocked sites in the order N-82, N-44, N-43 and N-47. 

Additional preparation of blocked mutants by UV irradiation and their cosynthesis assay confirmed that U- 

303, U-304, U-400 and U-500 were blocked in later steps than N-47. O'Hagan et al. recently proposed that 

fluoroacetaldehyde, the hypothetical precursor of monofluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine, derives from 

5'-fluoro-5-deoxyadenosine, the first fluorinated metabolite synthesized from S-adenoSyl-L-methionine and 

inorganic fluoride by the novel enzyme 'fluorinase'. We were able to detect fluorinase activity in crude 

extracts of wild type and N-47 mutant strains, but not in the other mutant strains whose blocked steps 

flanked that of N-47. 

Tanada, M, Miyoshi, T., Nakamura, T., and Tanada, S. (1991). Adsorption removal of benzalkonium 

chloride by granular activated carbon for medical waste water treatment. Asia Pac.Public Health 5, 27-31. 

Keywords: treatment/poisoning/antidote 

Abstract: The adsorption removal of benzalkonium chloride disinfectant by granular activated carbon is 

discussed. The adsorption isotherm of benzalkonium chloride was expressed by the Freundlich equation. A 

significant correlation was found between the amount of benzalkonium chloride adsorbed in less than 1000 

ppm of equilibrium concentration and the micropore volume of activated carbon. As for the adsorption rate, 

a change in intraparticle diffusiveness was found with increasing adsorption ratio. No significant 

correlation between the value of intraparticle diffusiveness and the properties of activated carbon was 

found. It was concluded that the micropore volume of activated carbon was the dominant factor in the 

adsorption removal of benzalkonium chloride by granular activated carbon. 

Tani, Y., Sakai, Y, and Chou, S.-G (1990). Production of citric acid from methanol by a fluoroacetateresistant 

mutant of Candida sp. Y-1. Appl.Microbiol.Biotechnol. 34, 5-9. 

Keywords: citric acid 

Abstract: Fermentative production of citric acid from methanol by an isolated yeast, Candida sp. Y-1, was 

196


Appendix C 

investigated using a medium containing fluoroacetate, a potential inhibitor of aconitase. Culture conditions 

were optimized, and the results showed that efficient production of citric acid required several factors; (1) 

the optimum concentration of fluoroacetate, (2) an addition of yeast extract with corn steep liquor, (3) a low 

nitrogen source concentration, and (4) strictly aerobic conditions. We then isolated a fluoroacetate-resistant 

mutant strain MA92 with threefold higher citric acid productivity than the wild strain. This mutant strain 

had lower aconitase activity than the wild strain and produced 4.6 g/l citric acid from methanol after 4 days 

of culture. 

Taylor, R. Possums and poison: it's time to ban 1080. Organic NZ May/June 2002, 12-13. 2002. 


Keywords: possums/poison/1080/anti-1080 

Taylor, W. M., D'Costa, M., Angel, A, and Halperin, M. L. (1977). Insulin-like effects of fluoroacetate on 

lipolysis and lipogensis in adipose tissue. Canadian Journal of Biochemistry 55, 982-987. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/mode of action/inhibition/aconitase/metabolism 

Abstract: In summary, there is a parallel between the observed effects of fluoroacetate reported in this 

paper and the metabolic actions of insulin. Both agents lower cAMP, decrease lipolysis and lipolytic 

production, accelarte glucose transport , activate pyruvate dehydrogenase, and increase lipogenesis. 

However, there are ceratin quantitative differences observed between the effects of these agents such as the 

fluoroacetate-induced inhibition of aconitase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and the insulin-induced 

activation of a low Km phosphodiesterase. However, where the actions are similar, it is tempting to 

speculate that a primary event such as the reduction in cAMP could be responsible for the analbolic pattern 

of glucose metabolism observed. 

Tecle, B. and Casida, J. E. (1989). Enzymatic defluorination and metabolism of fluoroacetate, 

fluoroacetamide, fluoroethanol, and (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate in rats and mice examined by 19 F and 13 C 

NMR. Chemical research in toxicology 2, 429-435. 

Keywords: 

metabolism/fluoroacetamide/NMR/treatment/fluoroacetate/kidney/excretion/fluoride/fluorocitrate/mode of 

action 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate administered intraperitoneally (ip) to rats and mice is defluorinated to give fluoride 

ion evident in urine and kidney by 19F NMR. The use of (2-13C)-,(1,2-13C)- and (1,2-14C) fluoroacetate, 

prepared from isotopically labeled glycine, combined with 13C NMR as TLC radioactography, 

respectively, reveals a complex mixture of urinary metabolites including S-(carboxymethyl) conjugate 

complex in rats and mice and sulfoxidation products thereof in rats. Direct 13C NMR examination of the 

bile following treatment with (2-13C) fluoroacetate shows the presence of S-(carboxymethyl) glutathoine 

or a related conjugate and an O-conjugate of fluoroacetate. Incubation of (13C) fluoroacetate with rat and 

mouse liver cytosol involves formation of S- ((13C) carboxymethyl)g glutathione and fluoride ion. 

Fluorocitrate is also detected by 19 F NMR examination of fluoroacetate incubations with mouse liver 

cytosol. Fluoroacetamide administered ip to rats and mice yields urinary fluoride ion formed via 

fluoroacetate which is liberated on hydrolysis by and organophosphate-sensitive amidase. 19F NMR 

chemical shifts of other metabolites of Fluoroacetamide are consistent with fluoroacetohydroxamic acid in 

the liver of mice and Fluorocitrate in the urine of rats. Fluoroethanol gives urinary fluoroacetate and 

fluoride ion in rats and mice and is converted to fluoroacetaldehyde by mouse and rat liver microsomes (-) 

and (+)-erythro-fluorocitrates administered ip rats yield mostly the parent compounds in urine at 6 h with 

increasing amounts of fluoride ion thereafter 19F NMR establishes that rat and mouse liver cytosol 

defluorinate (-) but not (+)-erythro-Fluorocitrate and pig heart aconitase also defluorinates (-) eryhtofluorocitrate. 

Metabolic defluorination of fluoroacetate and its progenitors, fluoroacetamide and 

fluoroethanol, is therefore attributable to both conjugation of fluoroacetate with glutathione and conversion 

to (-) erythro-fluorocitrate which is both an inhibitor of and a substrate for aconitase. 13C NMR spectra of 

urine of rats and mice poisoned with fluoroacetate or (-) erythro fluorocitrate show elevated citrate and 

glucose and diminished urea consistent with disruption in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ammonia 

metabolism. 

Temple, W. A. and Edwards, I. R. (1985). Toxic ducks : 1080 residues in game birds : an exercise in 

applied toxicology. Veterinary and human toxicology 27, 20-21. 

197


Appendix C 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/1080/poisoning/humans/secondary poisoning/residues 

Abstract: Conclusions from this study are that it is unlikely that anyone would suffer adversely from 

consuming a normal cooked portion of SMFA-killed duckmeat. More information about the kinetics of 

SMFA in man would be needed to determine levels of this substance when poisonings occur to achieve a 

better understanding and management of human toxicity. 

Teplova, V. V., Evtodienko, Y. V., Kholmukhamedov, E. L., Sergejenko, N. G., and Goncharov, N. V. 

(1992). Effect of fluorocitrate on substrate oxidation and Ca 2+ transporting systems of rat liver 

mitochondria. Tsitologiia 34, 71-75. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/liver/inhibition 

Abstract: The effect of fluorocitrate on oxidative reactions and energy production systems of rat liver 

mitochondria has been studied. It was shown that oxidation of endogeneous substrates and malate with 

pyruvate as well as the phosphorylation of the added ADP were inhibited by fluorocitrate. Inhibition of 

oxygen consumption by fluorocitrate induced the efflux of Ca 2+ ions from mitochondria and a decrease in 

the Ca 2+ -accumulating capacity. The effect of fluorocitrate on Ca 2+ transport in mitochondria is due to 

activation of the Ca-efflux pathway in those sensitive to Ruthenium red. 

Tepperman, H. M. and Tepperman, J. (1955). unknown. American journal of physiology 180, 511. 

Keywords: liver/citrate/fluoroacetate 

Terada, H., Miyoshi, T., Imaki, M., Nakamura, T., and Tanada, S. (1994). Studies on in vitro paraquat and 

diquat removal by activated carbon. Tokushima J.Exp.Med. 41, 31-40. 

Keywords: poisoning/treatment/antidote 

Abstract: The adsorption characteristics of paraquat and diquat onto activated carbon in vitro were 

discussed for the primary treatment of acute poisoning by accidental, suicidal or homicidal ingestion of 

paraquat containing herbicides. Paraquat was adsorbed onto activated carbon more abundantly and more 

rapidly in physiological saline solution than that in artificial gastric juice and distilled water. Most suitable 

solvent for paraquat removal by activated carbon was physiological saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride 

solution). No significant correlation was observed between the ability of paraquat removal and the 

properties of adsorbent. Paraquat was preferentially adsorbed onto activated carbon in the mixed solution. 

The adsorption abilities by activated carbon (the removal ratio, the amount adsorbed and the adsorption 

rate) for paraquat were larger than those for diquat, and it was enhanced by added sodium chloride and 

added magnesium sulfate. Enhancing effect for adsorption removal was proportional to the saline 

concentration. As addition of salts into carbon suspension enhanced the adsorption ability, it will contribute 

to the effective treatment of acute poisoning. 

Teran Mogro, G. (1988). Morbidity due to chemical pesticides. Revista Cubana de Higiene y 

Epidemiologia 26, 107-122. 

Thomas, M. D. (1994). Possum control in native forest using sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in bait 

stations. Proceedings of the New Zealand Plant Protection Conference 47, 107-111. 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/1080/sodium fluoroacetate/treatment 

Abstract: Control of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) using baits containing sodium fluoroacetate 

was investigated in New Zealand during April 1992, December 1993 and February 1994. Populations were 

reduced to similiar levels to those achieved with aerial application, provided the possums were fed nontoxic 

cereal baits before treatment. Compared with aerial treatment, the amount of pesticide used was 

reduced by more than 90%. 

Thomas, M. D. (1998). Optimising the use of bait stations to control possums in New Zealand native 

forests. In '11th Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Bunbury, Western Australia, 3-8 May 1998 : 

programme and proceedings.'. pp. 337-340. (Agriculture Western Australia: Forrestfield.) 

Keywords: field efficacy/possums/1080 

Abstract: Possum control in native forest is essential to reduce damage to native flora and fauna, so the 

development of more efficient control methods is a high priority. We investigated methods to improve 

control efficiency using toxic baits to fed from bait stations. Results showed that by using the 

recommended bait station spacing grid of 150-m, and baits containing 0.15% 1080, a mean possum kill of 

198


Appendix C 

83% could be achieved after 3 weeks of prefeeding with non-toxic baits. With no prefeeding a mean kill of 

68% was achieved. Prefeeding gave 70% increase in the amount of 1080 baits taken from the bait stations. 

Prefeeding also resulted in 95% of the 1080 baits being taken from the bait stations on the first night of 

baiting. With no prefeeding 1080 baits were taken gradually over a 50 day baiting period with increased 

the likelihood of baits decaying and becoming less palatabel. When Talon followed 1080 baiting, there was 

no further reduction in possum numbers but rat numbers were reduced a further 23%. More research needs 

to be conducted to improve cost-efficiency and to monitor non-target and environmental effects when feed 

toxic baits from bait stations. 

Thompson, C. C. (1959). Determination of fluoroacetic acid and fluoroacetamide in plant material. 

J.Sci.Food Agr. 10, 388-394. 

Keywords: fluoroacetamide/fluoride/analysis 

Abstract: FCH2CO2H and FCH2CONH2 residues are extd. from the plant material and the ext. is subjected 

to chromatography on a silica gel column, which removes fluorides and fluosilicates. The acids are detd. as 

F, which is released by fusion with CaO. To det. FCH2CONH2 in plant exts., the ext. is treated with the 

anion exchange resin De-acidite FF to remove inorg. and org. F-contg. plant constituents, and 

FCH2CONH2 is detd. as F. With a 100-g. sample, 1 p.p.m. can be assayed with an accuracy of 13% and 

0.1p.p.m. with an accuracy of 50% 

Thompson, J., Toms, B, Akers, D, Bell, R., Te Kloot, J., Cross, J., and Wingrave, S. Review of 1080 use in 

Queensland. 1-65. 1995. Queensland, Land Protection Branch, Department of Lands. 


Keywords: 1080/pigs/dogs/foxes 

Tietjen, H., Deines, F., and Stephensen, W. (1988). Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) : a study of residues 

in arctic fox muscle tissues. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 40, 707-710. 

Keywords: persistence in animals/mammals/1080/treatment 

Abstract: This study provides data on the efficacy of 1080 against arctic fox, the impacts of treatment on 

non-target raptors and scavengers, and investigates the posttreatment recovery of specific prey species. 

Tisdale, M. J. and Brennan, R. A. (1985). Role of fluoroacetate in the toxicity of 2-fluoroethylnitrosoureas. 

Biochemical Pharmacology 34, 3323-3327. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/treatment/citrate/heart/kidney/liver/metabolism 

Abstract: The possible role of fluoroacetate in the toxicity and antitumour activity of the 

fluoroethylnitrosoureas, BFNU and FCNU has been studied in CBA mice bearing the TLX5 lymphoma 

eitehr sensitive (TLXS) or resistant (TLXRT) to nitrosoureas. Treatment of mice bearing either TLXS or 

TLXRT tumours with either BFNU or FCNU caused an elevation in the citrate levels of the heart, kidney 

and tumour, but not the liver, 24 hr after drug administration. Heart citrate levels were maximally elevated 

10-fold, while the levels in kidney and tumour were increased 3- to 6-fold. Tissue levels of fluorocitrate 

were determined by glc after conversion to the ethyl ester. This showed maximum levels of fluoroacetate 

production in the heart, with lower levels in kidney, tumour and liver. Treatment of K562 human 

erythroleukamia cells in vitro with BFNU caused an inhibition in the production of 14 CO2 from 14 C 

palmitate and [U- 14 C] glucose. These results suggest that some of the effects of the fluoroethylnitrosoureas 

may be related to fluoroacetate production and the consequent blocking effect on aconitase. This effect is 

probably related more to the generalised toxicity of these agents than to their therapeutic efficacy. 

Titmarsh, J. and O'Day, J. (1983). Ten-eighty poisoning in dogs. Control & Therapy 1637. 

Keywords: poisoning/dogs/treatment 

Tomkins, B. A. (1994). Screening procedure for sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) at submicrogram/gram 

concentrations in soils. Analytical letters 27, 2703-2718. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/1080/soil/sodium fluoroacetate/analysis 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is readily quantitated at sub-microgram per gram 

concentrations in small (ca. 1 g) soil samples. Samples are ultrasonically extracted with water, which is 

then partitioned with hexane, and acidified prior to re-extraction with ethyl acetate. The latter is taken to 

dryness in the presence of triethanolamine "keeper" and the resulting acid is derivatised with 

199


Appendix C 

pentafluorobenzyl bromide. Quantitation is performed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an 

electron-capture detector. A standardised statistical protocol is used to validate a screening level 0.2 µg 

compound 1080/g soil. Difluoroacetic, trifluoroacetic and naturally-occurring formic acids do not interfere 

with the determination. The rocvery for compound 1080 was 40% from soil fortified to 0.2 µg/g soil. 

Tonomura, K., Futai, F., Tanabe, O., and Yamaoka, T. (1965). Defluorination of monofluoroacetate by 

bacteria. Part I. Isolation of bacteria and their activity of defluorination. Agricultural and Biological 

Chemistry 29, 124-128. 

Keywords: persistence in soil/defluorination/bacteria 

Abstract: Monofluoroacetate (FA) is well known as a toxic substance and has been used as an insecticide: 

C-F linkage of which is very stable. Bacteria, capable of being grown in a defined salt medium containing 

FA as a sole source of carbon, have been isolated from soil. It has been found that the defluorination of FA 

involved an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of FA to glycolate and fluoride ions and that the 

enzyme was induced when bacteria were grown in a defined salt medium containing FA as a sole source of 

carbon. The activity of defluorination was fairly stable and strong in this organism. 

Tourtellotte, W. W. and Coon, J. M. (1950). Treatment of fluoroacetate poisoning in mice and dogs. 

Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 101, 82-91. 


Abstract: 1.Sodium acetate and ethanol acted synergistically to anatgonize 1080 poisoning in mice. The 

LD50 of 1080 for mice (17.0 mgm/kgm. subcutaneously) was raised 4.6 times by immediate treatment with 

soium acetate, 3.1 times by ethanol, and 12.7 times by a combination of these substances. 

2. The beneficial effect of the acetate-ethanol treatment decreased rapidly with increasing time after the 

administration of 1080 in mice. 

3. The oral LD50 of 1080 in dogs was 0.066 mgm./kgm. and the LD100 was 0.08 to 0.12 mgm/kgm. 

4. In treating 1080 poisoned dogs, ethanol and acetate had some antidotal effect when administered 

immediatley after the 1080 but these agents were of no value as adjuncts to treatment with barbiturates 

when this treatment was started 30 minutes after poisoning. 

5. By the use of barbiturate therapy and by starting treatment 0.5 or 3 hours after poisoning, 100 per cent of 

dogs poisoned with approximately 2 x LD50 of 1080 were saved. When treatment was started 0.5 or 3 

hours after oral poisoning with approximately 4 x LD50, 80 or 17 per cent of dogs, respectivley, were 

saved. No dogs survived when barbiturate treatment was instituted 0.5 hour after oral poisoning with 

approximately 6 x LD50. 

Trabes, J., Rason, N., and Avrahami, E. (1983). Computed tomography demonstration of brain damage due 

to acute sodium monofluoroacetate poisoning. Journal of toxicology : clinical toxicology 20, 85-92. 

Keywords: diagnosis/mode of action/pathology/metabolism/brain/humans/treatment/welfare/symptoms 

Abstract: A previously healthy 15 year old female attempted suicide by SMFA-ingestion. The case reported 

developed an acute brain syndrome, including cerebellar signs, shortly after the ingestion of sodium 

monofluoroacetate. After insiduous improvement of the clinical symptoms, the patient remained with an 

"end-stage" cerebellar ataxia for 18 months following the acute intoxication. The development of brain 

atrophy, proven by computed tomography, is considered to represent a direct influence of sodium 

monofluoroacetate on the brain and to reflect the unique disturbances in cellular metabolism of glucose. 

Treasure, E. T., Drummond, B. K., Buchan, H. A., Beasley, M. G., Henaghan, R. M., and Nicholas, B. R. 

Fluoridation of water supplies. 1-34. 1993. Wellington, Public Health Commission. 


Keywords: persistence in water/fluoride/degradation 

Tremblay, L. A., Fisher, P., and Leusch, F. D. L. Evaluation of the Potential of Sodium Monofluoroacetate 

(1080) and Fluorocitrate to Bind to a Mammalian Oestrogen Receptor. LCR0203/044, -16. 2002. Lincoln, 

Landcare Research. 


Keywords: 1080/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/mammals/monofluoroacetate/reproductive effects/sodium 

fluoroacetate/sodium monofluoroacetate 

Abstract: Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and its active metabolite fluorocitrate were tested to determine 

200


Appendix C 

whether they can mimic the sex steroid 17β-oestradiol (E2) by binding to the oestrogen receptor (ER). This work was carried out by 

Landcare Research/ CENTOX, Lincoln for the Animal Health Board in September and October 2002. ER preparations were isolated from sheep uterine tissue and 

used in a competitive receptor-binding assay to determine the relative affinity of a variety of compounds for the ER. The assay is based on the ability of competitor 

molecules to displace radiolabelled E2 from the ER. The assay was validated by generating displacement curves for the natural oestrogen E2, nonylphenol (a known 

environmental oestrogen), tamoxifen (an anti-oestrogen drug), o,p'-DDT (an oestrogenic pesticide), and the androgen testosterone. The results showed that the ER 

preparations used met the requirements for validation. The known oestrogenic pesticide o,p'-DDT showed significant displacement of E2 while neither 1080 (sodium 

monofluoroacetate) nor its active metabolite (fluorocitrate) had any effect on ER binding. Neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate are likely to promote oestrogenic or antioestrogenic 

effects by binding to a mammalian ER, therefore both compounds are unlikely to act as EDCs through this specific mechanism. 

Tremblay, L. A., Fisher, P., and Leusch, F. Evaluation of the potential of 1080 to bind to the mammalian 

oestrogen receptor. Proceedings of the Third International Wildlife Management Congress, New Zealand , 

398. 2003. 


Abstract: Concerns were raised over the possibility that sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and its active 

metabolite fluorocitrate could cause endocrine disruption. Both compounds were tested to determine 

whether they could interfere with the sex steroid 17β-oestradiol (E2) by binding to the oestrogen receptor 

(ER), which is one of the most studied endocrine disruption mechanism. ER preparations were isolated 

from sheep uterine tissue and used in a competitive receptor-binding assay to determine the relative affinity 

of a variety of compounds for the ER. The assay is based on the ability of competitor molecules to displace 

radiolabelled E2 from the ER. The assay was validated by generating displacement curves for the natural 

oestrogen E2, nonylphenol (a known environmental oestrogen), tamoxifen (an anti-oestrogen drug), o,p'- 

DDT (an oestrogenic pesticide), and the androgen testosterone. The results showed that the ER preparations 

used met the requirements for a validated assay. The known oestrogenic pesticide o,p'-DDT showed 

significant displacement of E2 while neither 1080 nor its active metabolite fluorocitrate had any effect on 

ER binding. The data strongly suggest that neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate are likely to promote oestrogenic 

or anti-oestrogenic effects by directly binding to a mammalian ER. Therefore it is highly improbable that 

both compounds can act as EDCs through this specific mechanism. However, in order to provide a more 

complete evaluation, further screening tests based on higher levels of cellular organisation are required. 

Tremblay, L. A., Fisher, P., and Leusch, F. (2004). Potential of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) and 

Fluorocitrate to Bind to estrogen Receptor. Australasian journal of ecotoxicology 10. 

Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/fluorocitrate/assay/reproductive effects 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), a vertebrate pesticide used in New Zealand, and its metabolite 

fluorocitrate were tested to determine whether the pesticide could promote an estrogenic response by 

binding to a mammalian estrogen receptor (ER). ER preparations were isolated from sheep uterine tissue 

and used in a competitive binding assay. The assay was validated by generating displacement curves for the 

natural estrogen (E2) and known environmental estrogens like o,p'-DDT and 4-nonylphenol. The known 

estrogenic pesticide o,p'-DDT showed significant displacement of E2 while neither 1080 nor its active 

metabolite fluorocitrate had any effect on ER binding. Sodium monofluoroacetate and fluorocitrate are 

unlikely to promote estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects by binding to the ER. 

Tremblay, L. A., Fisher, P., Leusch, F. D. L., van den Heuvel, M., Nicolas, J-C., and Balaguer, P. Potential 

of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and fluorocitrate to interact with androgen and oestrogen receptors. 

LC0405/019, -17. 2004. Landcare Research, Lincoln. 


Keywords: sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/fluorocitrate/New Zealand/fish/brain/assay 

Abstract: Objectives 

• To determine, using an in vitro test system established in New Zealand, whether 1080 and 

fluorocitrate bind to fish brain androgen receptors. 

To determine, using an in vitro test system (Inserm, Montpellier, France), whether 1080 and 

fluorocitrate bind or block the actions of natural hormones at human androgen receptors. 

Methods 

• The androgenicity of 1080 and fluorocitrate was tested using a fish AR binding assay. Additional 

assays were conducted using a mammalian-based system. 

201


Appendix C 

• A reporter gene assay system incorporating the human AR was used to determine whether 1080 

and fluorocitrate bind to the AR or block the actions of testosterone. 

Results 

• Neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate showed androgenic activity in the rainbow trout AR competitive 

binding assay. In reporter gene assays using the human AR, neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate showed 

androgenic or anti-androgenic activity. 

• In reporter gene assays using the human oestrogen receptor α (ERα), neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate 

showed oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic activity. 

Conclusions 

Neither 1080 nor fluorocitrate are likely to promote androgenic or anti-androgenic effects by 

binding to a fish or the human AR. Therefore, both compounds are unlikely to act as endocrine-disrupting 

chemicals through these specific mechanisms. 

Both compounds did not interact with the human ERα, supporting the results of earlier work with 

a sheep ER assay. 


These results should be considered by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA 

New Zealand) as part of the formal reassessment of 1080. 

Triggs, S. and Green, W. O. (1989). Geographic patterns of genetic variation in brushtail possums 

(Trichosurus vulpecula) and implications for pest control. New Zealand journal of ecology 12, 1-10. 

Keywords: brushtail possum/morphology/pest/1080/New Zealand/Australia/resistance 

Abstract: Two morphological types of brushtail possum were introduced to new Zealand: smaller, grey 

possums from mainland southeastern Australia and larger, black possums from Tasmania. Analysis of 

patterns of allozyme variation and allele frequencies of rpesent-day possum populations in New Zealand 

and southeastern Austrlia indicates that populations comprised predominantly of balck possums remain 

genetically similar to possums in Tasmania, whereas predominantly grey populations are genetically closer 

to Victorian and New South Wales possums. The distribution of possums in New Zealand can be accounted 

for at least partly by selection of stock types with respect to climate. genetic differences between 

populations may have important implications for the control of possums, because Tasmanian possums have 

a greater resistance than mainland southeastern Australian possums to 1080 poison (sodium 

monofluoroacetate), which is commonly used to control possums in New Zealand. 

Trujillo, M. H., Guerrero, J., Fragachan, C., and Fernandez, M. A. (1998). Pharmacologic antidotes in 

critical care medicine: A practical guide for drug administration. Crit.Care Med. 26, 377-391. 

Keywords: treatment/poisoning/antidote 

Tsuchiya, T. and Levy, G. (1972). Relationship between effect of activated charcoal on drug absorption in 

man and its drug adsorption characteristics In Vitro. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 61, 586-589. 

Keywords: poisoning/treatment/antidote/humans 

Abstract: Parallel in vivo and in vitro determinations of the adsorption characteristics of activated charcoal 

were carried out with three drugs having a different pKa: aspirin, salicylamide, and phenylpropanolamine. 

In vitro adsorption isotherms at pH1 and 8.2 and the effect of increasing pH on drug desorption 

characteristics suggested that, as these drugs pass from stomach to intestine, the in vivo adsorption of : (a) 

aspirin will be reversed significantly due to change in pH, (b) salicylamide will be decreased only slightly 

except for possible competitive effects of normal intestinal contents,and (c) phenylpropanolamine may be 

increased slightly unless intestinal content exerts a displacing effect. Absorption studies in human 

volunteers yielded results that are consistent with these predictions and that demonstrate the effect of dose 

and mode of charcoal administration on the efficacy of this adsorbent. These studies suggest that it may be 

possible to make reasonable predictions concerning the relative antidotal effectiveness of activated charcoal 

in man on the basis of appropriate in vitro adsorption studies. 

202


Appendix C 

Tu, L., Bolton, R. M., Wright, P. F. A., and Ahokas, J. T. The subcellular distribution of defluorination 

activity in three mammalian species. International Congress of Toxicology ICT VIII, 5-10 July 1998, Paris. 

1998. 


Keywords: defluorination 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate is highly toxic to a wide range of animals, including non-target species. The species 

difference in sensitivity to fluoroacetate remains without an explanation. In mammals, detoxification of 

fluoroacetate by defluoriantion occurs mainly in the liver by fluoroacetate-specific defluorinase. This 

enzyme is thought to be a unique glutithine-S-transferase, but the mechanism of this glutathione dependent 

reaction is still unclear. To understand the species differences in sensitivity to fluoroacetate, subcellualr 

fractionation of livers from Wistar Rats, Bal b/c mice and brushtail possums was performed. Defluorination 

was measured by fluoride ion determination in vitor based on fluoride release after incubation, using 

sodium fluoroacetate as the substrate. The result showed; 1) defluorination activity based on protein content 

was the highest in the cytosolic fraction of all species. The mitochondrial and microsomal fractions both 

had minimal activity. 2) The subcellualr distribution of defluorinationactivity in the liver of male rats 

showed the nuclear, mitochondria, microsomes and cytosol presented 33.2%, 0.6%, 1.3% and 50.8% 

respectively of the defluorination activity in the homogenate. 3) The comparison between male and female 

of rats and mice suggested that there was increasing defluorination activity in females. However, only the 

cytosolic fraction of female rats had significantly higher activity than male rats. 4) Comparison of 

defluorination activity in the three species showed that rats and possums had a relatively lower activity in 

cytosol, but higher activity in mitochondria and microsomes compared with mice. The rank order of 

defluorination activity in the mitochondrial fraction in the three species is possum> rat>mouse. This study 

suggested that the defluorination of fluoroacetate is mainly localised in cytosolic fraction of the liver. 

Female animals presented a higher defluorination activity tendency. The role of mitochondria in 

defluorination of fluoroacetate requires further investigation. 

Tucker, R. K. and Crabtree, D. G. Handbook of toxicity of pesticides to wildlife. Resource Publication No. 

84, -131 pp. 1970. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Denver Wildlife Research Centre. 


Keywords: lethal dose/ferrets/1080 

Tucker, R. K. and Haegele, M. A. (1971). Comparative acute oral toxicity of pesticides to six species of 

birds. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 20, 57-65. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/birds/non-target species 

Turck, P. A., Eason, C. T., and Wickstrom, M. (1998). Assessment of the developmental toxicity of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) in rats. Toxicologist 42, 259. 

Keywords: developmental toxicity/toxicity/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/rats 

Twigg, L. E., Majer, J. D., and Kotula, R. The influence of fluoroacetate producing plants upon seed 

selection by seed harvesting ants. 75-80. 1983. Western Australia. Annual Report Mulga Research Centre 

1982. 


Keywords: fluoroacetate/invertebrates/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Little is known about the influence of fluoroacetate-bearing seed upon the selection of seed by 

harvesting ants. The response of ants to seed containing fluoroacetate, which were placed out in artificial 

depots in a Eucalyptus wandoo open woodland, suggested that the presence of this substance had very little 

effect upon the seed selection of harvesting ants. Of the total seed offered, 44.3 % was removed in 24 

hours. The principal ant species observed taking seed were Camponotus sp. J.D.M.183, Melophorus sp. 

J.D.M. 117, Meranoplus sp. J.D.M. 400, Monomorium sp. 1 (ANIC) and Rhytidoponera sp. J.D.M. 121. 

Small numbers of Gastrolobium microcarpum (fluoroacetate producing) seed were recovered form two of 

five extracted ant nests. 

Twigg, L. E., Mead, R. J., and King, D. R. (1986). Metabolism of fluoroacetate in the skink (Tiliqua 

rugosa) and the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Australian journal of biological sciences 39, 1-15. 

Keywords: metabolism/sodium fluoroacetate/1080/persistence in animals/defluorination/liver 

203


Appendix C 

Abstract: Administration of 100 mg sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) per kilogram body weight to T. 

rugosa resulted in a 3.4-fold increase in plasma citrate levels 48h. after dosing while administration of 3 mg 

sodium fluoroacetate per kilogram body weight to R. norvegicus produced a fivefold increase in plasma 

citrate levels within 4 h. Administration of 300 mg sodium fluoroacetate per kilogram body weight reduced 

the oxygen consumption of the skink by between 2.5 and 11% while in the rat, 2 mg sodium fluoroacetate 

per kilogram body weight reduced oxygen consumption by between 28 and 57%. Aconitate hydratase 

activity in extracts of liver acetone powders from T. rugosa was less inhibited by (-)erythrofluorocitrate 

(Ki: 0.065 mM) than that in extracts derived from R. norvegicus (Ki: 0.026 mM).The rate of defluorination 

of fluoroacetate in erythrocytes and in extracts of liver acetone powders of T. rugosa was 8- and 4.5-fold 

greater, respectively, than that found in similar preparations from R. norvegicus. A rapid rate of 

defluorination together with a low reliance on aerobic respiration favoured detoxification of fluoroacetate 

in T. rugosa rather than its conversion into fluorocitrate. Though defluorination in this species helped to 

minimize the immediate effects of fluoroacetate on aerobic respiration, it resulted in rapid depletion of liver 

glutathione levels. 

Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., and Bradley, A. J. (1988). The effect of sodium monofluoroacetate on plasma 

testosterone concentration in Tiliqua rugosa (Gray). Comparative biochemistry and physiology 91C, 343- 

347. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/non-target species/mode of action/pathology/sodium 

fluoroacetate/1080/reptiles/reproductive effects/plasma/blood/chronic poisoning/fluoroacetate 

Abstract: 1. Administration of multiple or single doses of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) to male Tiliqua 

rugosa caused a decrease in plasma testosterone concentration. 

2. A single dose of 100 or 250 mg 1080kg -1 body weight decreased plasma testosterone by 52%. 

However, 25mg kg-1 had little apparent effect on testosterone levels. When lizards were given the multiple 

dose equivalent of these doses over 12 days at 3 day intervals, the effect was much less dramatic with 

plasma testosterone concentration steadily declining over 15 days for the two higher doses. 

3. There was a suggestion of degeneration of seminiferous tubules in some individuals. 

Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., Davis, H. M., Saunders, G., and Mead, R. J. (1988). Tolerance to, and 

metabolism of, fluoroacetate in the emu. Australian wildlife research 15, 239-247. 

Keywords: non-target species/birds/metabolism/persistence in animals/1080 

Abstract: Compared with most other birds, the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae Vieillot, has unusually high 

tolerance to fluoroacetate (1080). The LD50 for emus with evolutionary exposure to fluoroacetate bearing 

vegetation in the southwest of Western Australia was 102 mg of 1080 per kilogram. This tolerance appears 

to result from: the substantial capacity of emus to detoxify fluoroacetate by defluorination; the limited 

conversion of fluoroacetate into fluoroacetate by emus; and/or their possession of an aconitate hydratase 

which is relatively insensitive to fluorocitrate. 

Twigg, L. E. and King, D. R. (1989). Tolerance to sodium fluoroacetate in some Australian birds. 

Aust.Wildl.Res. 16, 49-62. 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate/birds/occurrence in nature/citrate 

Abstract: Increases in plasma citrate concentration in response to dosing with sodium fluoroacetate were 

shown to reflect the sensitivity to fluoroacetate intoxication of birds with similar metabolic rates and 

phylogenetic affinities. Platycercus icterotis and Purpureicephalus spurius are indigenous to the south-west 

of Western Australia where fluoroacetate-bearing vegetaion is abundant and they were more tolerant to 

fluoroacetate than Barnardius zonarius, Polytelis anthopeplus and Cacatua roseicapilla whose 

distributions include areas outside the range of the toxic plants. Streptopelia senegalensis and the Barbary 

dove (Streptopelia sp.) have had little or no exposure to naturally occurring fluoroacetate and were much 

more sensitive to fluoroacetate poisoning than were Phaps chalcoptera and Ocyphaps lophotes, regardless 

to the extent of exposure of the latter species to the toxic plants. Phaps chalcoptera, Ocyphaps lophotes, 

Anas superciliosa and Chenonetta jubata in eastern Australia are not exposed to fluoroacetate-bearing 

vegetation, but had tolerances similar to that of their conspecifics in the south-west of Western Australia. 

The level of tolerance to fluoroacetate appears dependent upon the length of evolutionary exposure to the 

toxic plants, and the degree of mobility in each species. 

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Appendix C 

Twigg, L. E. and Mead, R. J. (1990). Comparative metabolism of, and sensitivity to fluoroacetate in 

geographically separated populations of Tiliqua rugosa (Gray) (Scincidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 

37, 617-626. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/liver/defluorination/fluorocitrate/tolerance 

Abstract: Populations of Tiliqua rugosa which coexist with fluoroacetate bearing vegetation were much 

less sensitive to fluoroacetate intoxication than were conspecifics not exposed to the toxic plants. However, 

the biochemical mechanisms responsible for this toxicity differential were not ascertained. Liver acetone 

powder preparations from both conspecifics were similar in their abilities to detoxify fluoroacetate by 

defluorination, and to convert fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate. The aconitate hydratase in these preparations 

was also similarly inhibited by (-)erythro-fluorocitrate. These findings, and other possibilites which could 

be responsible for the toxicity differential are discussed. 

Twigg, L. E. (1990). The sensitivity of some Western Australian caterpillars to fluoroacetate. Mulga 

Research Centre Journal 10, 14-18. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/invertebrates/lethal dose/1080 

Abstract: The sensitivity of fluoroacetate (1080) of three species of lepidopteran and one species of 

hymenopteran larvae, which coexist with fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation in Western Australia, was 

determined. Larvae of Perga dorsalis (hymenopteran) and Mnesamplea privata feed mainly on eucalypts 

and were very sensitive to the toxin with LD50 values of 1.05 and 3.88 mg 1080 kg -1 respectively. 

Spilosoma sp. has a cosmopolitan diet and was moderately tolerant to fluoroacetate (LD50 42.73 mg 1080 

kg -1 ). However, larvae of Ochrogaster lunifer, which when collected were feeding on fluoroacetate-bearing 

Gastrolobium microcarpum, were extremely tolerant to the toxin (LD50 c. 150 mg 1080 kg -1 ). This suggests 

that co-evolution has occurred between tolerant insects and the toxic plants. 

Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., and Mead, R. J. (1990). Tolerance to fluoroacetate of populations of Isoodon 

spp. and Macrotis lagotis and its implications for fauna management. In 'Bandicoots and Bilbies'. (J. H. 

Seebeck, P. R. Brown, R. L. Wallis, and C. M. KemperEds. ) pp. 185-192. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: 

Sydney.) 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate 

Twigg, L. E. and King, D. R. (1991). The impact of fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation on native Australian 

fauna: a review. Oikos 61, 412-430. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature/tolerance/mammals/non-target species 

Abstract: Fluoroacetate is a highly toxic compound which is produced by three genera of plants in parts of 

south western and northern Australia, particularly the south west corner of Western Australia. Native 

animals in these regions have coexisted with this toxic vegetation for at least several thousand years, and 

many species have developed a marked tolerance to fluoroacetate. Factors influencing their level of 

tolerance, the possible causal mechanisms, and the implications to fauna management are discussed. 

Twigg, L. E. (1994). Occurrence of fluoroacetate in Australian plants and tolerance to 1080 in indigenous 

Australian animals. In 'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, 

Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 97-115. (Royal Society of New 

Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: metabolism/acute toxicity/occurrence in nature/1080/mammals/birds 

Abstract: In parts of Australia, plant species of the genus Gastrolobium, can produce considerable 

quantities of fluoroacetate (.2,000 mg kg-1 in leaves) as a chemically mediated defence strategy against 

herbivory. The concentration of fluoroacetate in these plants varies between species, region, soil type, and 

season. By necessity, animal populations have coexisted with this fluoroacetate bearing vegetation for at 

least several thousand years. Consequently, they have developed varying degrees of tolerance to this potent 

toxin which depends upon their dietary and habitat specialisation, the size of their home range, the degree 

of mobility exhibited by each species, and the length of evolutionary exposure to the toxic vegetation. 

Dietary studies indicate that animals are able to discriminate between the highly toxic and less toxic plant 

species. Fluoroacetate-tolerance has developed in insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds with herbivores > 

omnivores > carnivores. It is also retained by animal populations even when they become isolate from the 

toxic vegetation for 7,000 to 10,000 y. 

Development of tolerance to fluoroacetate by animals has evolved on at least three continents where 

205


Appendix C 

indigenous plants are known to produce fluoroacetate. However, the biochemical mechanisms responsible 

for the tolerance are poorly understood. As fluoroacetate can cause a reduction in animal fertility, and in 

levels of reduced glutathione in the liver necessary for detoxification, it is argued that both the acute and 

chronic effects of fluoroacetate poisoning are equally important selection pressures for the development of 

tolerance to fluoroacetate. 

Tolerance to fluoroacetate (1080) in native Australian animals enhances the target specificity of 1080 

poison during control programs directed at introduced vertebrate pests. Baiting with 1080 also plays an 

important role in protecting native Australian flora and fauna from the effect of predation and competition 

generated by introduced predators and herbivores. 

Twigg, L. E. (1995). Fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation and Australian animals: a biological arms race. 

Toxicology and Ecotoxicology News 2, 44-49. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/tolerance/fluoroacetate/mammals/marsupials 

Abstract: In south-western Australia, 39 species of indigenous plants from the genus Gastrolobium produce 

fluoroacetate (1080 posion - a highly toxic vertebrate pesticide) as a chemically-mediated defence against 

being eaten. Many species of native animals have therefore co-existed with this toxic vegetation for several 

thousand years and, as a consequence, have developed varying degrees of tolerance to fluoroacetate. This 

article summarises our current understanding of this natural biological 'arms race'. 

Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., Bowen, L. H., Wright, G. R., and Eason, C. T. (1996). Fluoroacetate found in 

Nemcia spathulata. Australian journal of botany 44, 411-412. 


Abstract: A note suggesting that the concentrations of fluoroacetate found in plants which naturally produce 

fluoroacetate will vary according to time of year, particular plant part tested, species examined, and ability 

of the species to rpoduce fluoroacetate. The presence or absence of fluoroacetate should therefore not be 

taken as a reliable indicator of the genetic relationship of these plants, at least not until all the potential 

candidates, which are likely to contain fluoroacetate, have been adequately assessed. 

Twigg, L. E., King, D. R., Bowen, L. H., Wright, G. R., and Eason, C. T. (1996). Fluoroacetate content of 

some species of toxic Australian plant genus, Gastrolobium, and its environmental persistence. Natural 

toxins 4, 122-127. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in plants/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Gas chromatography confirmed the relatively high concentrations of fluoroacetate found in toxic 

Gastrolobiums, a genus of indigenous Australia plants. Fluoroacetate concentration in these plants ranged 

from 0.1 to 3875 ug/g (ppm) dry weight, with young leaves and flowers containing the highest 

concentrations. However, there as considerable intrastand variation between individual plants of at least 

two species with coefficients of variation ranging from 94% to 129%. Despite the high concentrations of 

fluoroacetate in many species, only one of nine soil samples collected from beneath these plants contained 

fluoroacetate. None of the 16 water samples collected from nearby streams catchments dams contained 

fluoroacetate. This suggest that fluoroacetate does not persist in this environment. Fluoroacetate was also 

found in the genus Nemcia, and very low levels of fluoroacetate (ng/g) were detected in the foodstuffs, tea 

and guar gum. The latter indicates that other plant species my produce biologically insignificant amounts 

of fluoroacetate. 

Twigg, L. E. and Socha, L. V. (1996). Physical versus chemical defence mechanisms in toxic 

Gastrolobium. Oecologia 108, 21-28. 


Abstract: The degree to which physical defence mechanisms are present in toxic species of Gastrolobium 

was compared with the known fluoroacetate (the toxic principle) concentrations of these plants using both 

histological leaf sections prepared from fresh leaves (4 species), and a variety of visual external traits 

measured from herbarium specimens (28 species). There was a strong negative correlation between the 

presence of physical deterrents (e.g. area of fibres, number and length of spines) and the fluoroacetate 

concentration of each species. This suggests that, with respect to their leaves, individual species have 

established a compromise between producing physical grazing deterrents and the adoption of chemically 

mediated antiherbivore strategies. 

206


Appendix C 

Twigg, L. E., Wright, G. R., and Potts, M. D. (1999). Fluoroacetate content of Gastrolobium brevipes in 

central Australia. Australian journal of botany 47, 877-880. 


Abstract: Fluoroacetate was found in Gastrolobium brevipes and some other Australian species. Its 

presence suggests that some native animals in central Australia are likely to have developed a degree of 

tolerance to the toxin. 

Twigg, L. E., Eldridge, S. R., Edwards, G. P., Shakeshaft, B. J., dePreu, N. D., and Adams, N. (2000). The 

longevity and efficacy of 1080 meat baits used for dingo control in central Australia. Wildlife research 27, 

473-481. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/cats/non-target species 

Twigg, L. E. and King, D. (2000). Artificially enhanced tolerance to fluoroacetate and its implications for 

wildlife conservation. Pacific Conservation Biology 6, 9-13. 

Keywords: tolerance/fluoroacetate/bacteria/1080/livestock/poisoning/GMO/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: It is with some concern that we have been following a research programme aimed atdeveloping 

non-specific geneticlaly modified ruminant bacteria capable of detoxifying fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) 

to protect domestic livestock from fluoroacetate poisoning. The main thrust of this research programme is 

the prevention of cattle losses in the Georgina Basin in the Northern Territory and Queensland where the 

toxic plant Gidgee Acacia georginae occurs. Although rarely mentioned in formal reports of this work, 

1080 is an important vertebrate pesticide that is widely used throughout Australia and New Zealand. It is 

the first defence against a number of pest species that impact on agricultural production and conservation 

efforts in both countries. The main concerns about this work relate to the potential lack of target specifity of 

these modified microorganisms, and also, if released, their potential impact on conservation biology. We 

raise these questions now because the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Council has been approached for 

approval to conduct field trials in Western Australia using the modified bacteria. We believe the perceived 

advantages and disadvantages of these modified organisms need informed debate before such approval, or 

any general release of these modified rumen bacteria could be considered. 

Twigg, L. E. and Socha, L. V. (2001). Defluorination of sodium monofluoroacetate by soil microorganisms 

from central Australia. Soil biology and biochemistry 33, 227-234. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in soil/1080 

Twigg, L. E., Kok, N. E., Kirkpatrick, W. E., and Burrow, G. (2001). The longevity of 1080 egg-baits in a 

regularly baited nature reserve in south-western Australia. Wildlife research 28, 607-618. 

Keywords: 1080/foxes/baits/bait degradation/birds/non-target species/reptiles 

Abstract: The longevity of 1080 in egg-baits (4.5 mg 1080 per egg) used for fox control was monitored at 

the Corackerup Nature Reserve, Western Australia. Irrespective of season, most egg baits (94%) were 

found to retain sufficient 1080 to be theoretically lethal to all foxes for at least 42 days, and 75% of baits 

contained an LD50 of 1080 at Day 63. Exponential decay curves also predicted that these baits would 

remain toxic to most foxes for up to 32 weeks, depending upon environmental conditions. Sealing the 

injection hole with wax, or using sterile techniques to prepare some egg-baits, appeared to have little effect 

on the longevity of 1080 in these baits compared with that of unsealed eggs. Bait take, and identification of 

those species taking baits were monitored over 12 days at 216 permanent bait stations in the reserve. Track 

plots were present for 3-6 days on 83 of these stations in spring and summer but not in winter. In spring and 

summer, of those species likely to take bait, goannas were the most frequent visitors to the track plots and 

they were also responsible for most of the baits taken at this time (59% and 90% of baits taken). Foxes 

accounted for 27% (spring), 8% (summer) and 75% (winter) of the egg-baits taken. No egg-baist were 

taken by goannas in winter, but the overall bait take was also low at this time (28 of 211 baits laid, 13%). 

Overall bait take after 12 days in spring and summer was 64% (135 of 211) and68% (145 of 212) of baits 

laid. Except for goannas, birds and other non-target species (eg bob-tail skink) took relatively few baits in 

any season. 

Twigg, L. E., Gray, G. S., Massam, M. C., Lowe, T. J., Kirkpatrick, W., Bendotti, G., and Chester, D. R. 

(2001). Evaluation of bait stations for control of urban rabbits. Wildlife research 28, 299-310. 

Keywords: rabbits/field efficacy/efficacy/1080/pindone/non-target species/birds/resistance 

207


Appendix C 

Abstract: The acceptability of four different bait station designs (drum, slab, tyre, corrugated iron) to 

rabbits was tested in the field using unpoisoned oat bait. The drum (200 L, cut longitudinally) and the 

raised concrete slab (60 X 60 cm) designs were the most acceptable to rabbits. The raised tyre design was 

unacceptable, and this was supported by later field efficacy trials that compared the drum and tyre designs 

using 1080 One-shot oats. The efficacy of three of these designs (drum, slab, tyre) against 'urban' rabbits 

was assessed more fully using pindone oat bait. The tyre stations were again found to have little impact on 

rabbit numbers. With the exception of one drum site where pindone bait stations were totally ineffective, 

the proportional reductions in rabbit numbers for the remaining sites were similar between the drum (69%, 

n = 3) and slab (70%, n = 5) designs. However, the slab design provided much easier access to bait by nontarget 

species (particularly birds), and we therefore recommend that the drum design would be the best bait 

station for controlling rabbits. The overall proportional reduction in rabbit numbers achieved with pindone 

bait stations was 48% (range 0-80%, n = 13), which is less than that usually achieved during broadacare 

control programs with pindone (60-90+%). In addition, these kills took 30-60 days to achieve, and as rabbit 

damage sstill occurred over this period, the use of pindone bait stations did not always result in damage 

mitigation or, ultimately, an economic benefit. Some potential problems associated with the use of pindone 

bait stations, such as the possibility of the development of 'resistance' to pindone bait and the risk to nontarget 

species, are also discussed. The combined use of track counts and a 'digs' index proved a reliable 

indicator of changes in rabbit abundance 

Twigg, L. E., Martin, G. R., and Lowe, T. J. (2002). Evidence of pesticide resistance in medium-sized 

mammalian pests: a case study with 1080 poison and Australian rabbits. Journal of applied ecology 39, 

549-560. 

Keywords: 1080/efficacy/lethal dose/poison/rabbits/resistance/rodents/toxicity/wildlife 

Abstract: Toxicant-resistance is a potential, or very real, problem with many pest-control programmes 

world-wide. However, apart from rodents, pesticide-resistance has not been well documented in 

vertebrates. We assessed the potential impact of developing resistance to 1080 in rabbit populations with 

differing levels of historical exposure to 1080-baiting programmes in south-western Australia. The 

sensitivity to 1080 of three out of the four populations of rabbits examined had decreased signficantly since 

Australian rabbits were last tested over 25 years ago. The lethal dose values (LD50) for these populations, 

as determined from formal toxicity trials, ranegd from 0.744 to 1.019 mg pure 1080/kg, and were 

significantly greater (P0.05). The lethal dose 

values (LD99) fort eh four rabbit populations tested ranged from 1.181 to 1.666 mg pure 1080/kg, and 

suggested that, theoretically, all rabbits should be killed during routine baiting compaigns provided that 

there is no loss of active ingredient from the bait. In reality, the efficacy of 1080 poison bait laid in trails for 

controlling free-ranging rabbits was reduced in those populations where rabbits had decreased sensitivity to 

1080. Mean reductions in rabbit numbers 7-9 days after trail baiting of resistant and sensitive populations 

ranged from 51.2% to 65.2%, and from 76.4% and 76.5% respectively. These findings suggest that genetic 

resistance to 1080 is developing in at least some populations of Australian rabbits. This has world-wide 

implications for agricultural protection and wildlife conservation programmes that rely on a 1080-baiting 

strategy for reducing the impact of vertebrate pests. 

Twigg, L. E., Martin, G. R., Eastman, A. F., King, D. R., and Kirkpatrick, W. E. (2003). Sensitivity of 

some Australian animals to sodium fluoroacetate (1080): additional species and populations, and some 

ecological considerations. Australian Journal of Zoology 51, 515-531. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080/rodents/rodent/tolerance/lethal dose 

Abstract: The sensitivity to fluoroacetate ( 1080) of a number of species of rodents and dasyurids with and 

without evolutionary exposure to fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation was determined. Rattus fuscipes, and 

species of Pseudomys from populations with exposure to this vegetation, were particularly tolerant to 

fluoroacetate. However, the level of tolerance varied among the different populations of each species, 

depending on the degree to which the toxic plants were present in their microhabitat. The tolerance of the 

F1 offspring of sensitive R. fuscipes ( South Australia) crossed with tolerant conspecifics from Western 

Australia was mid-range between those of the parental populations. The sensitivity of introduced R. rattus 

and Mus domesticus from areas with fluoroacetate-producing plants in Western Australia was similar to 

that reported elsewhere for these rodents. This suggests that their relatively short coexistence with the toxic 

208


Appendix C 

plants has had little obvious impact on their level of sensitivity to fluoroacetate. The dibbler, Parantechinus 

apicalis, which coexists with the toxic vegetation, was exceptionally tolerant for a native 

carnivore/insectivore (LD50 similar to35 mg 1080 kg(-1)). In contrast, however, Phascogale tapoatafa from 

southern Western Australia was more sensitive to 1080 than was expected, with an estimated LD50 of 7 mg 

1080 kg(-1). Although the level of tolerance to fluoroacetate was seen to vary depending on the level of 

exposure of each species/ population to fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation, our findings provide further 

evidence of the evolutionary impact that fluoroacetate-producing plants appear to have had on the genetic 

composition of indigenous Australian fauna. 

Twyford, K. L., Humphrey, P. G., Nunn, R. P., and Willoughby, L. (2000). Eradication of feral cats (Felis 

catus) from Gabo Island, south-east Victoria. Ecological Management & Restoration 1, 42-49. 

Keywords: cats 

Ueno, Y. (1983). Effect of fluoroacetate on the physiological distal drift of rat molar. Bulletin of the Tokyo 

Medical & Dental University 30, 119-127. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/inhibition/bone 

Abstract: The effect of fluoroacetate (FA) on the physiological distal drift of the rat molar was investigated 

in this study. FA produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the bone formation ratio on the modeling side. 

The total number of osteoclast population on the remodeling side decreased with the increase of the dose of 

FA, but not dose-dependently. Therefore, the physiological distal drift seemed to be inhibited by the FA 

injections and the rate of the distal drift seemed to be not proportional to the total number of osteoclasts on 

the remodeling side. Among the osteoclast population, the number of multinucleated cells in contact with 

the bone surface (on-bone multinucleated osteoclasts) decreased considerably when the physiological distal 

drift was inhibited by the FA injections. The availability of the change in the number of the on-bone 

multinucleated osteoclasts as a marker of the degree of bone resorption was also discussed 

Vagelos, P. R., Alberts, A. W., and Martin, D. B. (1963). Studies on the mechanism of activation of acetyl 

coenzyme A carboxylase by citrate. Journal of biological chemistry 238 , 533-540. 

Keywords: citrate/enzyme/fluorocitrate/behaviour/Krebs cycle/biochemistry 

Abstract: The mechanism of citrate activation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase has been investigated. 

Several chelating agents cannot substitute for citrate in the activation of this enzyme. The activation of the 

enzyme by citrate is not blocked by either trans-aconitate or fluorocitrate. Fluorocitrate activates the 

enzyme to the same extent as citrate. 

Sucrose gradient centrifugation studies indicate that the enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient (s20,w) of 

approximately 18.8 S. When the enzyme is incubated with citrate under the conditions that activate the 

enzyme, and then centrifuged in medium containing citrate, it sediments much faster. The approximate 

s20,w value of the citrate-treated carboxylase is 43 S. Centrifugation of control carboxylase in the presence 

of citrate did not give rise to the new, rapidly sedimenting peak. Centrifugation of citrate-treated 

carboxylase in the absence of citrate gave rise to a series of peaks, none of which was in the usual location 

of the citrate-treated enzyme. The change in sedimentation behaviour is quite specific as to the Krebs cycle 

compounds that can cause it to occur. Nonspecific protein does not sediment with the citrate-treated 

carboxylase. 

Further studies on the activation process have shown that activation by citrate does not occur at 0º, that the 

rate of activation at 30º is dependent upon the concentration of the enzyme, and that activation is rapidly 

reversible upon dilution of citrate. 

Valette, G. and Leclair, M. F. (1976). Influence of metabolic inhibitors on the mechanical responses 

observed on Rat isolated duodenum following variations of the amount of calcium in the bathing medium. J 

Pharmacol (Paris) 7, 549-562. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/cyanide 

Abstract: 1. Using isolated Rat duodenum previously decalcified, the authors had compared the effect of 

various metabolic inhibitors on the increase of tonus brought about by addition of calcium ions. 

Conversely, the same inhibitors had been assayed on the fall of tonus following the decalcification of the 

same organ. 

4. Sodium fluoroacetate (2,0 µmol/l) and 2,4-DNP (0,27 µmol/l) induced sensitization of the organ only in 

case of high doses of Ca 2+ (0,45 mmol/l). 

209


Appendix C 

5. Sodium cyanide, sodium malonate and sodium fluoroacetate hindered the fall of tonus following the 

decalcification of the organ. 

van den Berg, M. A. and Steensma, H. Y. (1997). Expression cassettes for formaldehyde and fluoroacetate 

resistance, two dominant markers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast 13, 551-559. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/resistance 

Abstract: We employed two genes in constructing yeast expression cassettes for dominant, selectable 

markers. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene SFA1, encoding formaldehyde degydrogenase, was placed 

under the control of the GPD1 promoter and CYC1 terminator. The Moraxella sp. strain B gene dehH1, 

encoding fluoroacetate dehalogenase, was placed under the control of both the GPD1 and CYC1 promoters. 

With these constructs it was possible to select directly for yeast strains resistant to either formaldehyde or 

fluoroacetate. Both selective agents are completely metabolized and inexpensive, making them very useful 

in the pursuit of yeast gene functions and for industrial applications. An additional advantage of the 

formaldehyde dehydrogenase marker is that it is an S. cerevisiae gene, thus allowing 'all yeast' constructs. 

Van Dijk, C., Vickery, B., and Vickery, M. L. (1972). Poisoning of livestock by Dichapetalum toxicarium. 

Nigerian Journal of Science 6, 135-138. 

Keywords: poisoning/livestock/poison/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/Krebs 

cycle/heart/rabbits/antidote/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: In Njala, Sierra Leone, N'Dama cattle died or became ill. In the dry season when grass was 

scarce, they had eaten the palatable young leaves of Dichapetalum toxicarum. The plant is used as rat 

poison and has fluoro-fatty acids that are oxidised in the body to fluoroacetate and converted enzymically 

to fluorocitrate, which upsets the Krebs cycle in heart cells. Clinical and postmortem signs are described; 

similar signs were found in calves and rabbits given the leaves. Antidotes are being studied 

Vartiainen, T. and Kauranen, P. (1984). The determination of traces of fluoroacetic acid by extractive 

alkylation, pentafluorobenzylation and capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analytica chimica 

acta 157, 91-97. 

Keywords: occurrence in nature/analysis 

Abstract: A method is described for the extraction and determination of nanogram amounts of the highly 

toxic fluoroacetic acid in plant samples. The acid is extracted by ammonia solution and purified by 

repeated other extractions. The fluoroacetate is then transferred to dichloromethane by using 

tetrahexylammonium as counter-ion, and finally derivatized by pentafluorobenzyl bromide. The 

determination is completed by capillary gas chromatography and single-ion monitoring mass spectrometry. 

Small amounts of fluoroacetate were found in many plan samples, including tea. The limit of detection was 

about 0.005 Fg g-1, The reproducibility about ±9% and The recovery of added fluoroacetate 89 ± 6%. 

Vartiainen, T. and Gynther, J. (1984). Fluoroacetic acid in guar gum. Food and chemical toxicology 22, 

307-308. 


Abstract: The toxicity of guar gum, derived from the Indian leguminous plant Cyamopsis 

tetragonolobus, is thought to be due to a globulin which can be denaturated and made non-toxic. Another 

very toxic compound, fluoroacetic acid, has been detected at a low level in raw samples of guar gum (0.07- 

1.42 microgram fluoroacetic acid/g). A sample of a guar-gum pharmaceutical formulation contained only 

0.08 ppm fluoroacetate. One exceptionally high value of 9.5 micrograms/g was found in a guar-gum 

powder. The low concentrations of fluoroacetate found in guar gum dispel any considerations about 

possible health risks associated with fluoroacetate during the prolonged use of guar gum at the 

recommended doses. 

Vartiainen, T., Takala, K., and Kauranen, P. (1995). Occurrence of fluoroacetate, a naturally-produced 

organohalogen, in plants. In 'Naturally-Produced Organohalogens: Selected and Edited Proceedings of the 

First Conference on Naturally-Produced Organohalogens'. (A. Grimvall and E. W. B. de LeerEds. ) pp. 

245-250. (Kluwer Academic: 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/occurrence in nature 

210


Appendix C 

Veltman, C. J. and Pinder, D. N. (2001). Brushtail possum mortality and ambient temperatures following 

aerial poisoning using 1080. Journal of wildlife management 65, 476-481. 

Keywords: temperature/poisoning/1080/baits/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/treatment/field 

efficacy 

Abstract: Kill rates estimated after aerial broadcast of cereal baits containing sodium monofluoroacetate 

(1080) to control brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations in New Zealand varied from 61- 

100% in 48 operations between 1994 and 1999. Possum mortality was not related to size of treated area, 

toxin concentration, bait sowing rate or year of operation. We tested the hypothesis that ambient 

temperature influenced operational outcome using temperature measurements from meteorological 

recording stations (local scale) and latitude (regional scale) nearest to application sites. Field temperatures 

ranged from 3.0 - 17.4 o C, and both temperature and latitude contributed significantly to a regression model 

for predicting possum kill rates. Highest estimated kill rates were observed during winter and at southern 

latitudes, consistent with previous laboratory studies of 1080 toxicity at warm and cool temperatures. 

Modeling showed populations that were reduced by more than 90% returned to 95% of initial density after 

14.5 years, while sites with a kill rate of 70% needed only 9 years to reach 95% of initial density. During 9 

years following an operation, simulated average possum densities were over 2 times greater in forests that 

experienced a 70% kill. Shorter intervals between control operations led to lower averge densities for given 

kill rates in simulated populations. Therefore, we recommend that managers limit their operations to 

months with the coldest average temperatures and consider varying treatment intervals to remedy the 

ecological effects of low possum mortality after some operations. 

Vickery, B. and Vickery, M. L. (1972). Fluoride metabolism in Dichapetalum toxicarium. Phytochemistry 

11, 1905-1909. 

Keywords: fluoride/metabolism/monofluoroacetic acid/monofluoroacetate/livestock/occurrence in nature 

Abstract: Samples of the toxic plant D. toxicarium were collected from a 20-km2 area at Njala, and 

analysed. No free monofluoroacetic acid was detected in the leaves, but the monofluoroacetate ion (MFA) 

was present. MFA concentration was highest in leaves adnate to the flowers (1100 ppm on a fresh tissue 

basis), young leaves (450) and young stems (270), was lowest in the wet season and highest in the hot, dry 

season. D. toxicarium, however, was toxic to livestock throughout the year. The fluoride ion was an 

intermediate in the synthesis of MFA and it was concluded that D. toxicarium had an unusual ability to 

withdraw fluoride from a low fluoride environment 

Vickery, B. and Vickery, M. L. (1973). Toxicity for livestock of organofluorine compounds present in 

Dichapetalum plant species. The Veterinary Bulletin 43, 537-542. 

Keywords: livestock/goats/dogs/rabbits/occurrence in nature/mode of action/symptoms/antidote 

Abstract: When the Voortrekkers crossed the Transvaal in the 1830s they found that their cattle died after 

eating the leaves of a particular, small, green-leaved plant. This plant was given the Afrikaans name 

gifblaar- poison leaf. Its botanical name is Dichapetalum cymosum. Since that time many cattle have been 

poisoned by this plant, which is alos highly toxic to goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, dogs, rabbits and guineapigs. 

Apart from D. cymosum, there are at least twelve other poisonous species of the genus Dichapetalum. 

These are found in West, South-West, East and South Africa. The genus is , however, wodespread 

throughout the tropics, more than 200 species being known. The toxicity or otherwise of most of these 

species has not yet been determined. 

Vickery, B. and Vickery, M. L. (1975). The synthesis and defluorination of monofluoroacetate in some 

Dichapetalum species. Phytochemistry 14, 423-427. 

Keywords: defluorination/monofluoroacetate/occurrence in nature/biosynthesis/persistence in plants 

Villafranca, J. J. and Platus, E. (1973). Fluorocitrate inhibition of aconitase. Reversibility of the 

Inactivation. Biochemical and biophysical research communications 55, 1197-1207. 

Keywords: fluorocitrate/inhibition/aconitase/fluoride/metabolism 

Abstract: Fluoride ion is released nearly stoichiometrically when (-)-erythro-fluorocitrate is incubated with 

aconitase. The release of F - parallels the loss in activity and could arise from direct displacement of F - by a 

base on the enzyme or from dehydration to fluoro-cis-aconitate and attack of an enzymic base to release F - . 

Aconitase inactivated by 14 C-fluorocitrate does not retain radioactivity when passed through G-50 

Sephadex or precipitated by ammonium sulfate. Full enzymic activity can be regained after either of these 

211


Appendix C 

treatments by activation by cysteine or ferrous salts. These data are consistent with the report of 

fluorocitrate being a competitive (and non-competitive) inhibitor of acontase (Villafranca,J.J. 1972 Intra- 

Science Chem. Rept. 6 (4), 1-11) which rapidly inactivates the enzyme. This inactivated enzyme may be a 

very labile covalent complex, a very tight complex between enzyme and fluoro-cis-aconitate or a tight 

complex between a defluorinated derivative of fluorocitrate. 

Virgili, M., Paulsen, R., Villani, L., Contestabile, A., and Fonnum, F. (1991). Temporary impairment of 

Müller cell metabolism in the rat retina by intravitreal injection of fluorocitrate. Experimental eye research 

53, 115-122. 

Keywords: mode of action/pathology/metabolism 

Abstract: Fluorocitrate was injected in the vitreum of rats in order to define the experimental conditions for 

a temporary impairment of Muller cell metabolism in the retina. Injection of 16 nmol of fluorocitrate 

appeared to fulfil this requirement since this dose resulted in a large decrease in retinal endogenous 

glutamine and a smaller decrease in glutamate within 6 hr of administration. The reversible nature of the 

effect was attested by a substantial recovery of the retinal levels of the two amino acids within 24 hr of 

injection. In vitro experiments of carbon incorporation from different substrates, carried out with retinas 

dissected from eyes previously injected with fluorocitrate, were consistent with a metabolic impairment of 

glial cells, since carbon incorporation from [14C]acetate into glutamine was almost completely abolished in 

the fluorocitrate-treated retinas. Electron microscopic examination in fluorocitrate-poisoned retinas 

demonstrated essentially selective ultrastructural alterations of Muller cells at times corresponding to their 

maximal metabolic impairment. Since Muller cells are by far the largest glial population of the rat retina, 

common astrocytes being only scattered in the nerve fibre layer, the present experimental model may be 

used to study the role of Muller cells in the metabolism of retinal neurotransmitters. 

Viriyanondha, P. and Baxter, R. M. (1970). Incorporation of fluoroacetate into uridine nucleotides of 

Staphylococcus aureus. Biochim.Biophys.Acta. 201, 495-496. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/bacteria 

Visscher, P. T., Culbertson, C. W., and Oremland, R. S. (1994). Degradation of trifluoroacetate in oxic and 

anoxic sediments. Nature 369, 729-731. 

Keywords: degradation/soil/monofluoroacetate/bacteria/chemistry 

Abstract: The deleterious effect of chlorofluorocarbons on stratospheric ozone has led to international 

cooperation to end their use.The search for acceptable alternatives has focused on hydrofluorocarbons 

(HFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which are attractive because they have relatively short 

atmospheric residence times. HFCs and HCFCs are attacked by tropospheric hydroxyl radicals, leading to 

the formation of trifluoroacetate (TFA). Most of the atmospheric TFA is deposited at the Earths surface, 

where it is thought to be highly resistant to bacterial attack. Therefore, use of HFCs and HCFCs may lead 

to an accumulation of TFA in soils, where it could prove to be toxic or inhibitory to plants and soil 

microbial communities. Although little is known about the toxicity of TFA, monofluoroacetate, which 

occurs at low levels in some plants and which is susceptible to slow attack by aerobic soil microbes, is 

known to be acutely toxic. Here we report that TFA can be rapidly degraded microbially under anoxic and 

oxic conditions. These results imply that signficant microbial sinks exist in nature for the elimination of 

TFA from the environment. We also show that oxic degradation of TFA leads to the formation of 

fluoroform, a potential ozone-depleting compound with a much longer atmospheric lifetime than the parent 

compounds. 

Wade, D. A. Standard guideline for the use and development of sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 

1080) as a predacide (ASTM Designation E 590-76). Jackson, W. B. and Marsh, R. E. ASTM Special 

Technical Publication 625, 157. 1976. University of California, Davis. 8-3-1976. 



Abstract: This is a "state of the art" document prepared by the Predator Task Group, American Society for 

Testing and Materials (ASTM) Subcommittee E35.17, as a consensus guideline for the use of Compound 

1080 in wild canid control. Toxicology, storage, handling, bait formulations and preparation of baits are 

discussed. Bait placement, exposure period, disposal, human safety factors and environmental impact are 

also treated. Toxicity data and a reference list also are included. 

212


Appendix C 

Wainwright, M. and Supharungsun, S. (1984). Release by fungi of F- from insoluble fluorides. J.???? 

Br.mycol.Soc. 82, 289-292. 

Keywords: fluoride 

Abstract: A number of fungi capable of releasing F - from insoluble fluorides in vitro, were isolated from F - 

polluted soils. All isolates were capable of releasing F - from cryolite (Na3AlF6) and fluorspar (CaF2) in 

vitro, a process which was associated with an increase in medium pH. Fusarium culmorum and a 

Penicillium sp. also released F - from MgF2, in vitro, and the Penicillium sp. was able to release the ion from 

AlF3. Neither species grew in the presence of LiF3, or MnF2. Culture variables influencing the release of F - 

by fungi are reported. The Penicillium sp. was also able to release F - from cryolite when growing in 

autoclaved soils, but like Fusarium merismoides, it was incapable of releasing F - from fluorspar under these 

conditions. Implications of release of F - from insoluble fluorides on the toxicology of the element in soils, 

and the possibility of using fungi to remove F - from industrial raw materials are commented upon. 

Waldbot, G. L. (1963). Acute Fluoride Intoxication. Acta Medica Scandinavica 400, 1-44. 

Keywords: blood/convulsions/fluoride/humans/poison/stomach 

Abstract: 1. Acute intoxication with fluoride compounds through accidental exposure, homicides and 

suicides, is not uncommon. Epidemics of rather serious proportions have been caused by mistaking 

fluoride compounds for baking soda, flour, sugar, etc. 

2. There are wide variations in response to fluoride intake, depending on such factors as the particular 

fluoride compound involved, the animal species and on various biological conditions in humans. Inorganic 

fluorides, especially NaF and Na2SiF6, are more frequently involved in acute intoxication than organic compounds. HF, H2SiF6 and particulate 

NaF are mostly responsible for acute intoxication from air contamination. 

3. Three autopsied cases of intoxication with NaF are reported, namely two homicides and one accidental case. 

4. Clinical, autopsy and laboratory findings of acute fluoride intoxication are sparse and inconsistent. Hemorrhagic gastritis, tetaniform convulsions, hypoglycemia 

and hyperfluoruria are the principal clinical findings. There are no pathognomonic changes at autopsy. Corrosive lesions in the upper intestinal tract, congestion and 

hyperemia in other vital organs are usually encountered. Changes suggestive of corrosion have been reported in the respiratory tract in intoxication from airborne 

fluoride. 

5. Therapy should be directed toward removal of the poison from the stomach and intestinal tract; toward retarding its absorption into the blood stream; toward 

countering calcium deprivation in the blood. 

6. A description of the topical effect of fluoride and of allergic reactions is presented. 

Walker, B. (2001). New hazardous substances regime starting up. Law talk 568, 27. 

Keywords: regulatory toxicology/legislation/1080 

Walker, J. R. L. and Bong, C. L. (1981). Metabolism of fluoroacetate by a soil Pseudomonas sp. and 

Fusarium solani. Soil biology and biochemistry 13, 231-235. 

Keywords: persistence in 

soil/metabolism/fluoroacetamide/biochemistry/bacteria/defluorination/enzyme/temperature 

Abstract: Enzymes (haloacetate halidohyrolases) capable of cleaving the C-F bond of fluoroacetate and 

some other organofluorine compounds have been isolated and partially purified from a soil pseudo-monad 

and from the common soil fungus Fusarium Solami. Both enzymes readily released F-from 

monofluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide but were without effect on a wide range of other organic fcompounds. 

The enzymes also cleaved the C-CI and C-Br bonds in mono-chloroacetate and monobromoacetate. 

Inorganic F- acted as a competitive inhibitor of the enzymes. The molecular weighs both 

enzymes were about 62,000. This the properties of the halidohyrolases from both organisms were similar 

in many respects by the bacterial enzyme was more stable at 55EC and exhibited an unusual difference in 

temperature coefficient (q10 value) over its higher (30-55EC) and lower (15-30EC) temperature ranges. 

Walker, J. R. L. (1994). Degradation of sodium monofluoroacetate by soil micro-organisms. In 

'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080, 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand'. (A. A. 

Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 50-53. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 


Abstract: Using simple enrichment culture techniques micro-organisms capable of detoxifying 

monofluoroacetate by removal of F-have been found in many and diverse samples of local soils. Species of 

Pseudomonas and fusarium were found to be capable of growth on fluoroacetate as sole source of carbon 

whilst several other organisms display defluorinating activity if supplied with a supplementary carbon 

213


Appendix C 

source for growth. It was concluded that fluoroacetate had a relatively short biological half life in most NZ 

soils. 

Wang, F., Dicinoski, G. W., Zhu, Y., and Haddad, P. R. (2004). Simultaneous determination of 

monofluoroacetate, difluoroacetate and trifluoroacetate in environmental samples by ion chromatography. 

Journal of chromatography A 1032, 31-35. 

Keywords: monofluoroacetate/ion chromatography/fluoroacetate/analysis/carrot/baits 

Abstract: A method is reported for the sensitive, simultaneous determination of mono- (MFA), di- (DFA), 

and trifluoroacetates (TFA) by ion chromatography (IC). These species were separated using a Dionex 

AS17 anion-exchange column employed with a potassium hydroxide gradient (via a Dionex EG40 eluent 

generator) and suppressed conductivity detection. The fluoroacetates were successfully separated from a 

range of inorganic and organic species likely to be present in environmental samples, in a total analysis 

time of 35 min (including re-equilibration of the column). Detection limits for mono-, di- and 

trifluoroacetate were 21, 38 and 36 mug/l, respectively, determined using a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, and 

were obtained using a sample injection volume of 50 mul. Precision was less than 0.83% relative standard 

deviation (RSD) for replicate injections performed over a period of 30 days. The method was applied to the 

determination of *monofluoroacetate* in river water samples and also in carrot baits. 

Wang, S. L., Rice, S. A., Serra, M. T., and Gross, B. (1986). Purification and identification of rat hepatic 

cytosolic enzymes responsible for defluorination of methoxyflurane and fluoroacetate. Drug metabolism 

and disposition 14, 392-398. 

Keywords: metabolism/enzyme/defluorination/fluoroacetate/rats/liver/biochemistry 

Abstract: Enzymes responsible for the defluorination of methoxyflurane (MOF) and fluoroacetate (FAc) 

were separated and purified from rat liver cytosol. Both hepatic cytosolic enzymes with defluorination 

activity were labile and addition of 2-mercaptoethanol had little effect on the stability of these enzymes. 

Glutathione S-transferase (GT) activity of the same cytosolic fractions was stable for at least 11 days. 

Separation of defluorination and GT ezymatic activities on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and reduced glutathioneaffinity 

columns revealed that the defluorination of MOF and FAc were primarily catalyzed by anionic 

proteins which also exhibited GT activity. Further identification by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl 

sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed protein bands with pl values of approximately 6.5 and 

6.9 and molecular weights of approximately 20,000. However, other proteins that exhibited no GT activity 

also defluorinated MOF and FAc, but accounted for only 10% of the total defluorination activity present in 

anionic proteins. Results from a separate purification experiment using a CM-cellulose column also 

indicated that the enzymes responsible for defluorination coeluted with cationic GTs. Collectively, these 

cationic enzymes were responsible for about 20% of the recovered cytosolic defluorination activities. The 

results suggest that the cytosolic defluorinations of both MOF and FAc are primarily the result of a 

dehalogenation reaction catalyzed by one or more species of rat liver cytosolic GTs. 

Warburton, B. (1990). Control of Bennett's and Tammar wallabies in New Zealand using compound 1080 

gel on foliage baits. Australian wildlife research 17, 541-546. 

Keywords: ground control/field efficacy/target species/1080/baits/marsupials 

Ward, A. A. (1947). Convulsive activity induced by fluoroacetate. Journal of neurophysiology 10, 105-111. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/symptoms/convulsions/brain/cats/carnivores 

Abstract: Intravenous injection of sodium fluoroacetate causes local, rythymic, seizure discharges in 

subcortical structures. These occur at a time when the animal is exhibiting repeated tonic seizures. There is 

no clear correlation between the electricla activity of the cortex and the paroxysmal activity occurring in the 

thalamus, hypothalamus or reticular formation of the pons. Dome and spike activity has been recorded from 

the cortex synchronously with rapid seizure discharges in subcortical structures. 

Ward, J. C. (1946). Rodent control with 1080, ANTU and other war-developed toxic agents. American 

journal of public health 36, 1427-1431. 

Keywords: 1080/field efficacy/rodents 

214


Appendix C 

Ward, J. C. and Spencer, D. A. (1947). Notes on the pharmacology of sodium fluoroacetate - compound 

1080. Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association 36, 59-62. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/birds/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/1080 

Ward, P. F. (1970). Studies on an alternative pathway for the metabolism of fluoroacetate. WAAP / IBP 

symposium 187-189. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/persistence in plants 

Ward, P. F. and Huskisson, N. S. (1978). The energy metabolism of adult Haemonchus contortus, in vitro. 

Parasitology 77, 255-271. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in invertebrates/invertebrates/fluorocitrate/fluoroacetate/citrate 

Abstract: A comparison was made of the major excretory products when adult Haemonchus contortus 

worms were incubated with D-[U-14C] glucose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Catabolites 

measured were propan-1-ol, acetate, n-proprionate and CO2 and the only major difference was that nearly 

twice as much CO2 both in terms of quantity and radioactivity was excreted under aerobic than anaerobic 

conditions. The worms were also much more physically active under aerobic conditions. When worms were 

incubated under aerobic conditions with increasing amounts of fluoroacetate their CO2 production was 

progressively reduced to the anaerobic level. Their movement and their ability to clump together was also 

progressively reduced. After aerobic incubation with fluoroacetate and D-[U- 14 C] glucose the quantity and 

radioactivity of citrate within worms increased greatly. When worms were similarly incubated 

anaerobically no increase in citrate occurred and the worms appeared physically unaffected. When worms 

were incubated aerobically with fluoro[1-14C] they produced radioactive fluorocitrate. 

Ward, P. F. V. and Huskisson, N. S. (1969). The metabolism of fluoroacetate by plants : in Proceedings of 

the Biochemical Society short note on. Biochemical journal 113(2) [appendix], 9. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in plants 

Abstract: A short note on investigation of the metabolism of fluoroacetate in lettuce plants - results reported 

in later paperby same authors. 

Ward, P. F. V. and Huskisson, N. S. (1972). The metabolism of fluoroacetate in lettuce. Biochemical 

journal 130, 575-587. 

Keywords: metabolism/persistence in plants 

Abstract: 1. Whole lettuce plants were incubated with (1) (1-14C) acetate (2) fluoroacetate followed by (1- 

14C) acetate, (3) fluoro(1-14C)acetate, (4) fluoro(2-14)acetate or (5) s-carboxy(14C)methylgulathione. 2. 

Fluoroacetate did not affect the expiration of 14CO2 from (1-14C)acetate and only a small amount of 

14Co2 was produced from either fluoro (1-14C)-acetate or fluoro (2-14C)acetate in 43 h. 3. Fluoroacetate 

at 50 mg/kg wet wt. doubled the plant citrate concentration after 43h incubation, and depending on the age 

and size of the plant 50-100% of the compound was metabolized. 4. With both fluoro (1-14C)acetate and 

fluoro (2-14C)acetate all the radioactivity except that in the CO2 was found in the water-soluble acid 

fraction. About 2% was in fluorocitrate and the remainder, apart from unchanged fluoroacetate was in a 

number of compounds devoid of fluorine but containing nitrogen and sulphur. These were peptide-like and 

could be separated by chromatography on an amino acid analyser. 5. Identical compounds were obtained 

form the spontaneous reaction between iodo (2-14C)acetate and glutathione, the major product being Scarboxy-methylglutathione. 

6. S-Carboxymethylcysteine was also isolated and its mass spectrum compared 

with a commercial sample. 7. Reaction rates of all the monohaloacetates with glutathione were studied at 

pH7 at 25EC. No reaction was observed with fluoroacetate. 8. The metabolism of fluoroacetate by lettuce 

is discussed in relation to that of aliphatic and aromatic halogen compounds, including fluoroacetate, by 

mammalian liver and to the metabolism of fluoroacetate by different plant reported by other workers. 

Ward, P. F. V. and Huskisson, N. S. (1972). Defluorination of fluoroacetate by lettuce. The Biochemical 

Journal 127, 89P-90P. 

Keywords: defluorination/fluoroacetate/metabolism 

Abstract: It appears that lettuce can remove fluorine from fluoroacetate in much the same way that animals 

remove halogens from some halogenated aliphatic compounds (Thomson et al.,1963). Unlike 

fluoropyruvate, fluoroacetate does not react directly with cysteine or glutathione; a catalyst such as an 

enzyme is required. 

215


Appendix C 

Watts, M. Parkinson's disease, pesticides and derris dust. Soil & Health, Pesticide Report , 16-18. 2001. 


Keywords: 1080/humans/sublethal effects 

Abstract: In September last year we reported on the medical finding of Parkinson's disease as a result of 

exposure to 2,4-D in Northland. In November, the mainstream media published the results of a laboratory 

study linking the disease to rotenone, more commonly known as Derris Dust. There is a gathering body of 

evidence and worldwide concern that exposure to pesticides might be an important triggering factor in the 

development of this devastating and irreversible condition of the nervous sytem. We take a closer look at 

the problem. 

Weaver, S. A. (2003). Policy implications of 1080 toxicology in New Zealand. Journal of Rural and 

Remote Environmental Health 2, 46-58. 

Keywords: 1080/New Zealand/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/pest/poison/temperature 

Abstract: Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is used for large-scale pest control operations in New Zealand 

to control the introduced marsupial brush tailed possum. Wide-scale opposition to the use of 1080 had 

grown in recent years with the development of a substantial "anti 1080" lobby. Concerns for public health 

and effects on non-target animals among critics of 1080 have prompted the Environmental Risk 

Management Authority to undertake an official review of this pesticide. In anticipation of this regulatory 

review an evaluation of the peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted on the risks associated with 

the use of 1080, in order to ascertain the dgreee to which regulations of 1080 reflect current scientific 

knowledge of the toxicology of this poison. Key areas of concern revealed in the literature incldue evidence 

that 1080 could have endocrine disrupting capabilities and that it is relatively slow to break down to low 

temperature when microbial activity is low. These two issues are yet to be fully resolved through further 

research and represent significant gaps in current knowledge. If regulations are to take full account of 

current science on 1080 they will need to acknowledge and reflect what is known, the gaps in thie 

knowledge, and the risks asscoaited with this uncertainty. Recommendations include further targeted 

research to fill gaps in current knowledge, regulatory precaution intil such research is completed, and 

explorations of alternative methods to be used euther in conjunction with, or instead of this toxin. 

Weis, K. Forests flourish after possum control. New Zealand Geographic 57[May-June], 10-11. 2002. 


Abstract: Refers to monitoring of forest after possum control in Taranaki and Wanganui. 

Westbrooke, I. M., Etheridge, N. D., and Powlesland, R. G. (2003). Comparing methods for assessing 

mortality impacts of an aerial 1080 pest control operation on tomtits (Petroica macrocephala toitoi) in 

Tongariro Forest. New Zealand journal of ecology 27, 115-123. 

Keywords: 1080/poisoning/baits/poison/non-target species/birds 

Abstract: This study aimed to estimate the level of mortality of North Island tomtits (Petroica macrocephala 

toitoi) during an aerial 1080 possum poisoning operation in Tongariro Forest, New Zealand, and to evaluate 

transect-based alternatives to banding for monitoring tomtit populations. The operation used 12 g toxic 

(1080 at 0.15% weight/weight) cereal baits sown at 3 kg/ha. Transects were established at three 

neighbouring sites; two within the 1080 poison area, and one outside. The re-sighting of 14 out of 15 

banded male tomtits at one site within the 1080 operation indicated that mortality was low. This was 

backed up by results from a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to analyse density estimates from 

distance sampling along transects. We analysed the change in counts of territorial males before and after 

the operation based on the same transect surveys. This also showed little impact of poisoning on tomtits, 

and indicated that loss rates greater than 8.4% due to 1080 were incompatible with the data (95% one-sided 

confidence bound). Counts of territorial males gave a much tighter confidence bound than the banding or 

distance sampling results. Of the techniques applied, the counting of territorial males appears to have the 

most promise for providing high-precision estimates of short-term impacts, by taking full advantage of the 

territorial habits of male tomtits in spring. However, distance sampling shows potential for providing the 

basis for longer-term monitoring of tomtit populations. The transect-based approaches involved 

substantially fewer resources than banding for estimating short-term impacts, and offer a considerably lessintensive 

means of longer-term monitoring of tomtits. 

216


Appendix C 

Western Australian Department of Agriculture (1973). Poison plants of Western Australia. The toxic 

species of the genera Gastrolobium and Oxylobium. Western Australian Department of Agriculture Bulletin 

3772, -66. 


Wheeler, S. H. and Oliver, A. J. (1978). The effect of rainfall and moisture on the 1080 and pindone 

content of vacuum-impregnated oats used for control of rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Australian wildlife 

research 5, 143-149. 

Keywords: bait degradation/1080/rabbits 

Abstract: The effect of rainfall, dew and soil moisture on the losses of pindone (2-pivalyl-1,3 indandione) 

and 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) from vacuum-impregnated oat grains used for rabbit control are 

described. 1080 is lost much faster than pindone. The practical significance of these results is discussed. 

Wheeler, S. H. and Hart, D. S. (1979). The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate to wild rabbits, 

Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), from three sites in Western Australia. Australian wildlife research 6, 57-62. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mammals/rabbits 

Whittem, J. H. and Murray, L. R. (1963). The chemistry and pathology of Georgina River poisoning. 

Australian veterinary journal 39, 168-173. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/mode of action/mammals/occurrence in 

nature/pathology/poisoning/fluoroacetate/heart/sublethal effects 

Abstract: A fatal disease of cattle and sheep which has come to be known as Georgina River poisoning or 

gidyea poisoning has been know to occur in the region of the Georgina River basin in the eastern Northern 

Territory and western Queensland since the early days of settlement. Bell et al (1955) have described the 

history and distribution of the disease in Queensland and established that it is due to the ingestion of the 

pods and leaves of the gidyea tree Acacia georgina. Barnes (1958) described the disease in the Northern 

Territory and confirmed that is can be produced by experimental feeding of the leaves and pods of the 

gidyea tree. Neither author described in detail the pathology and histopathology. 

Subsequent investigations in the Northern Territory and Queensland have revealed that the toxic principle 

of the gidyea tree is the fluoroacetate ion (Murray, McConnell and Whittem 1961; Oelrichs and McEwan 

1961). 

This paper presents details of the phyto-chemical investigation carried out in the Northern territory and an 

account of the histopathology of Georgina River poisoning as established by the study of a considerable 

number of natural and experimental cases in cattle and sheep. The lesions of experimental fluoroacetate 

poisoning in sheep and guinea pigs are also described. 

Wickstrom, M. and Eason, C. T. (1997). Sample collection for the diagnosis of 1080 poisoning in livestock. 

Vetscript New Zealand 10(7), 30. 

Keywords: acute toxicity/diagnosis/1080 

Abstract: Numerous cases of susepect accidental poisoning of livestock with sodium monofluoroacetate 

(1080) occur in New Zealand every year. Veterinarians are often called upon to perform postmortem 

examinations and collect samples to confirm the cause of death. Inadequate or inappropriate sample 

collection, handling or analysis significantly weakens the livestock owner's ability to prove liability and 

obtain compensation for loses from the Regional Council or other authority involved in the pest control 

operation. This article outlines the correct procedures for sample collection and handling to establish a 

diagnosis of 1080 toxicosis in livestock. 

Wickstrom, M., Milne, L., Eason, C. T., and Arthur, D. The short- and long-term effects of a single 

exposure of 1080 in sheep. Landcare Research Contract Report: LC9798/40 , -9. 1997. 


Keywords: 1080/brain/heart/mammals/sublethal effects/developmental toxicity/gut/livestock 

Abstract: Ewes that survived a single exposure to 1080 did not experience any adverse long-term effects. 

Over 2 years, including two lambing cycles, 1080-exposed (n=21) and control ewes did not differ in the 

following indices of health and productivity; incidence of infectious of metabolic disease, chronic organ 

damage, mortality, general condition / live weight, fleece weight, lambing percentage, lamb birth weight, 

lamb survival and growth rate. Contrary to preliminary findings that indicated no evidence of 1080-induced 

217


Appendix C 

lesions 14 days after exposure (Miekle et al 1996), detailed histopathological examination of heart sections 

using special stains revealed scattered foci of fibrous tissue in cardiac muscle more than 2 years after the 

single 1080 dose. These lesions may represent scarring resulting from toxin-induced damage to heart tissue. 

The clinical significance of these lesions in uncertain, but is likely to be minor given the lack of evidence 

for any adverse effects over a 2-year period. From a diagnostic perspective, this type of lesion is rather nonspecific 

and could result from other toxic or non-toxic insults causing damage to heart muscle. Finding 

similar lesions in animals suspected of exposure to 1080 would strengthen the case for toxicosis, but their 

presence or absence could not be considered definitive proof. 

Wickstrom, M. L., Cook, C. J., and Eason, C. T. (1998). Development of antidotes and improved treatment 

of 1080 toxicosis. (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research: Lincoln.) 


Abstract: Objectives : To improve veterinary treatment of non-target animals exposed to 1080 by: 

Determining the efficacy of anion exchange resins and other potential 1080 absorbents to decrease toxin 

uptake and reduce mortality in orally dosed rats; Determining the efficacy of specific glutamate 

antagonists, GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) agonists, and other neurotransmitter modulators to reduce 

the severity of seizures and increase the survival of rats exposed to 1080; Determining the efficacy of the 

best binding agent to reduce 1080 uptake, and the effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis to enhance 

elimination of the toxin in anaesthetised dogs dosed with 1080. 

Conclusions : Although both Carbosorb and colestipol were effective at binding 1080 in vitro, and 

colestipol reduced 1080 serum concentration by 50% during the first 4 h after exposure in a previous study 

(Wickstorm et al. 1998, unpub;.), neither compound appears able to reduce absorption sufficiently to affect 

survival in rats given a high dose of 1080, even when a large amount of absorbent is given immediately 

after dosing; Oral administration of a mixture of centrally acting, neurotransmitter modulating agents 

appears to provide significant protection from the lethal effects of 1080 in rats given an LD80 dose of the 

toxin. The margin of safety with this mixture of potent compounds is rather small, since treatment at 2-4 

times the therapeutic dose actually contributed to mortality in 1080-exposed rats, by excessive depression 

of the central nervous system or reduction/disruption of baseline transmission levels required to maintain 

homeostasis; Unlike the results seen in rats in a previous study (Wikerstorm et al. 1998, unpubl.), 

administration of colestipol to anaesthetised dogs immediately after oral 1080 dosing does not appear to 

significantly inhibit toxin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; Peritoneal dialysis is not effective at 

reducing 1080 blood concentrations in orally dosed dogs, even though substantial amounts of toxin can be 

removed from circulation in the dialysate. 

Wiedemann, P., Szinicz, L., and Weger, N. (1983). Biochemical aspects of fluoroacetate poisoning in 

isolated rat kidney tubules: reversibility of inhibition of gluconeogenesis by α−ketoglutarate. Toxicology in 

the use, misuse and abuse of food, drugs and chemicals, Arch.Toxicol., Suppl.6 232-237. 

Keywords: fluoroacetate/poisoning/kidney/inhibition/citrate 

Abstract: The effects of fluoroacetate (FAC) on suspensions of isolated rat kidney tubules were 

investigated. FAC inhibited gluconeogenesis from lactate, pyruvate, fructose, dihydroxyacetone, 

α−ketoglutarate and succinate. The gluconeogenesis from pyruvate, ketoglutarate and lactate was less 

sensitive to FAC than that from other substrates. FAC also caused a decrease in oxygen consumption, 

hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate ratio, α−ketoglutarate, ATP and total adenine nucleotide content; the 

citrate content was increased. Addition of α−ketoglutarate, 5 mmol/l, caused a reversal of gluconeogenesis 

inhibition, an increase in ATP content and a delay in citrate accumulation in isolated rat kidney tubules 

incubated with FAC. 

Wienhaus, H. (1973). The responses of different grapevine organs to the application of metabolic inhibitors 

and uncouplers during the ripening stage. Vitis 12, 105-118. 

Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/fluoride/treatment/cyanide 

Abstract: Six respiratory inhibitors were applied to the berries and other plant parts. Sodium fluoroacetate 

decreased berry weight, reducing sugar and K contents, but increased titratable acidity and Ca content; it 

also caused stalk necrosis. Malonic acid promoted fruit sugar accumulation, lowered acidity, and did not 

affect weight. Sodium fluoride induced fruit skin discoloration and curtailed the rise in berry weight and 

sugar accumulation. After treatment with CCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) berry weight, 

218


Appendix C 

reducing sugars, titratable acidity, K and Ca all increased. Sodium azide and dl-glyceraldehyde had no 

effect 

Wildlife Advisory Committee. An Investigation into the use of the Poison 1080 in Tasmania. 1-32. 1990. 


Keywords: poison/1080 

Williams, A. T. (1948). Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning. Hospital Corps Quarterly 21, 16-18. 


fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/humans/symptoms/welfare/treatment/1080/inhalation 

Abstract: During the weighing [of 1080 powder], a small quantity of poison was blown into the writer's 

face and some of it was inhaled. A tart, sourish taste was shortly thereafter noted, followed almost 

immediately by a tingling sensation around the corners of the mouth and in the nasal passages. Becoming 

alarmed, medical assistance was sought. Soon the entire face had become numb, and the tingling sensation 

was rapidly entering the arms and legs. This was followed by spasmodic contractions of the voluntary 

muscles, gradual loss of speech, and within 2 and 1/2 hours after inhaling the powder as noted above, 

unconsciousness. No actual pain was noted during the entire onset. 

Williams, C. K. and Moore, R. J. (1995). Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Control of the Wild Rabbit, 

Oryctolagus Cuniculus (L), By Combinations of Poisoning, Ripping, Fumigation and Maintenance 

Fumigation. Wildlife research 22, 253-269. 

Keywords: poisoning/treatment/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/1080/rabbits 

Abstract: An experiment compared effectiveness, cost and cost-efficiency of factorial combinations of the 

four commonly used methods of rabbit control on grazing properties in the Southern Tablelands of eastern 

Australia. Sixteen different treatment combinations were applied to 32 sites. The treatments comprised 

initial control, applied over four months, followed by repeated maintenance control on half the replicates, 

applied after intervals of 2, 6 and 12 months. Initial control comprised no treatment, or poisoning (P) with 

sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), or warren-ripping (R), or chloropicrin pressure fumigation (F), or 

combinations of these (P+R, P+F, R+F, P+R+F). Maintenance control consisted of phosphine-diffusion 

fumigation (M). Indices of rabbit abundance were compared one month before treatments were 

implemented. Treatment effects were assessed one month after completion of the initial control, and one 

and 5-6 months after the three maintenance controls, and additionally nine months after the second 

maintenance control. Control combinations that were highly effective and cost-efficient included both 

warren-ripping and maintenance treatment. poisoning prior to warren-ripping, or fumigating subsequently, 

or both, improved effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Warren-ripping interacted positively with one or more 

subsequent fumigations, improving effectiveness and cost-efficiency non-additively. Control combinations 

that excluded warren-ripping were ineffective and cost-inefficient, and one combination interacted 

negatively. Single treatments of poisoning or fumigation were cost-inefficient, allowing rabbits to 

recolonise rapidly to densities higher than original. Only multiple combination treatments or repeated 

applications were highly effective and cost-efficient; single applications of any method were inefficient and 

costly. The most effective and cost-efficient combination comprised the maximum six applications 

including ripping and maintenance treatment, namely P+R+F+M. The high effort and expenditure on the 

initial control resulted in high effectiveness and cost-efficiency, which maintenance control sustained at 

low cost. Maintenance treatments sustained or achieved effective control of rabbits; the cost of maintenance 

treatments halved on each repetition. [References: 28] 

Williams, D. Animal welfare aspects of the use of sodium fluoroacetate to poison wild rabbits. Fisher, P. 

and Marks, C. A. Humaneness and vertebrate pest control : proceedings of the seminar held on March 27th 

1996. 37-41. 1996. [Melbourne], Agriculture Victoria, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. 

Report series / Victorian Institute of Animal Science. Vertebrate Pest Research Unit. 


Keywords: welfare/rabbits/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/poisoning/poison/1080/lethal 

dose/convulsions/cardiac 

Abstract: The effect of 1080 on a rabbit is dose dependent. A lethal dose results in a period of weakness, 

not attended by evidence of pain, which precedes unconsciousness. Convulsions occur only after the rabbit 

loses consciousness and is insensible to pain. The convulsions are due to barin anoxia resulting from acute 

219


Appendix C 

cardiac failure and circulatory collapse. Poisoning with sublethal doses often results in anorexia but rabbits 

recover fully within 24-48 hours. Killing rabbits with 1080 does not contravene the spirit of the Prevention 

to Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 because there is no evidence that its use causes pain. 

Williams, J. M. (1994). Food and fibre markets and societal trends: implications for pest management. In 

'Proceedings of the Science Workshop on 1080. 12-14 December 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand.'. (A. 

A. Seawright and C. T. EasonEds. ) pp. 20-32. (Royal Society of New Zealand: Wellington.) 

Keywords: 1080/possums/rabbits 

Abstract: In global markets New Zealand is in the business of pampering the palates of the prosperous. 

Our sophisticated markets, in east and west, are demanding ever-higher quality in foods and fibres, both in 

the product and in the environment in which they are produced. The market scene of the 1990s will be 

influenced more strongly by concerns for personal health, the environment in general and concerns for 

nature in terms of animal welfare. 

For New Zealand, these factors mean that our clean, green image must be substantive. Perceptions of 

"quality" will be governed as much by the way we manage, and are seen to manage, our natural and manmade 

environments, as by scientific evidence of safety of inputs or product quality. 

Parallel to these trends is a growing disenchantment in influential sectors of western society, with what 

science and modern medicine has provided, there is a rising level of environmental awareness. These 

trends are expressed in many ways: debates on the benefits of bio-technology; the increase in medical 

ethics committees; and "phobic" responses to perceived chemical risks, e.g. Alar on apples. These societal 

trends are having an impact on public perceptions of the seriousness of pests and the risks associated with 

various control methods. One of the few studies of perceptions of pest risks in New Zealand revealed that 

rabbits and possums were considered "serious" or "very serious" pests by 93% and 90%, respectively, of 

1,000 respondents. However, only 44-45% considered 1080 a suitable or very suitable control method. 

Biological control, via disease, was slightly more acceptable (46-49%), while shooting was favoured by 68- 

69%. This highlights one of the great needs of pest research: study of the societal values threatened by 

pests or the control methods. For too long, pest researchers and controllers have focused on pest damage 

(impacts) and control efficacy and safety. The future use of 1080 in New Zealand is now critically 

dependent on establishing consensus on: 

(a) What values possums and rabbits threaten; 

(b) What are the ways (including 1080) of protecting or enhancing these values; 

(c) What are the risks associated with each of the "ways". 

This will require a significant increase in risk perception and societal values research. On-going refinement 

of the understanding of 1080 chemistry and bio-impacts will do little to allay societal concerns. Future 

emphasis must be on understanding the values bases from which such concerns arise and on developing 

strategies to address the concerns, while reducing pest and market risks. 

Williamson, J. R., Jones, E. A., and Azzone, G. F. (1964). Metabolic control in perfused rat heart during 

fluoroacetate poisoning. Biochemical and biophysical research communications 17, 696-702. 

Keywords: heart/fluoroacetate/poisoning/fluorocitrate/inhibition/citrate/aconitase/metabolism/mode of 

action 

Abstract: These results suggest that although the initial effect of fluoroacetate is to give rise to fluorocitrate, 

the secondary inhibition of phosphofructokinase by the accumulated citrate is actually lethal since it 

deprives the cell of pyruvate which would eventually overcome the inhibition of aconitase. 

Williamson, J. R. (1967). Glycolytic control mechanisms III. effects of iodoacetamide and fluoroacetate on 

glucose metabolism in the perfused rat heart. Journal of biological chemistry 242, 4476-4485. 

Keywords: mode of action/fluoroacetate/metabolism/heart/citrate/enzyme 

Williamson, J. R. and Corkey, B. E. (1979). [23] Assay of citric acid cycle intermediates and related 

compounds - update with tissue metabolite levels and intracellular distribution. In 'Methods in 

Enzymology, Volume LV. Biomembranes: Part F: Bioenergetics-Oxidative Phosphorylation'. (S. Fleischer 

and L. PackerEds. ) pp. 200-222. (Academic Press: New York, San Francisco, London.) 

Keywords: citric acid/metabolism/citrate 

220


Appendix C 

Wilson, C. and Cannon, J. (2004). Community consultation processes for aerial 1080 applications. Science 

for Conservation 247, -52. 

Keywords: 1080/New Zealand/baits/poison 

Abstract: Research is reported on case studies in six localities throughout New Zealand where the 

Department of Conservation (DOC) and communities have engaged in consultation processes on possum 

control and aerial spreading of 1080-poisoned baits. Information from DOC staff and community groups 

and individuals was obtained by interviews and focus group discussions. The report provides an overview 

of the consultation and information-sharing process used in each case study. Key factors discussed that can 

influence community consultation processes (aside from the methods and tools adopted) included: differing 

perceptions of what 'consultation' meant; the approach and attitude of DOC staff; risk perceptions of aerial 

spreading of 1080 poison; community impressions of different organisations and contractors involved; 

differing structures and social contexts of communities; and media involvement. The various processes and 

methods used by staff when undertaking community consultation and information sharing over aerial 1080 

are assessed. The report also highlights key considerations for staff who are involved in community 

consultation processes. Consultation should be part of a wider relationship-building process with 

communities, but the need to clearly define what DOC is consulting on in any operation is emphasised. 

Winfrey, M. R. and Zeikus, J. G. (1979). Anaerobic metabolism of immediate methane precursors in Lake 

Mendota. Applied and environmental microbiology 37, 244-253. 

Keywords: metabolism/fluoroacetate/bacteria/persistence in water/inhibition 

Abstract: Lake Mendota sediments and the immediate overlying water column were studied to better 

understand the metabolism of methanogenic precursors H2/CO2 and acetate in nature. Air and nitrate 

addition inhibited CH4 formation and stimulated CO2 production, whereas fluoroacetate addition totally 

inhibted acetate metabolism. 

Wolfe, G. W. Subchronic toxicity study in rats with sodium fluoroacetate. HLA Study No. 2399-118, -505. 

7-12-1998. 


Keywords: rats/sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate/heart/testes/reproductive 

effects/chemistry/fluorocitrate/spleen/pathology/brain 

Abstract: The test material, sodium fluoroacetate (RN62-74-8) was administered by oral gavage to 

Sprague-Dawley rats (20 animals/sex/group), to evaluate its subchronic toxicity. The rats received 0.05, 

0.20 and 0.50 mg/kg/day sodium fluoroacetate (Groups 2 to 4 respectively) in deionized water for 13 

weeks. The controls (Group 1) received deionized water only. Criteria evaluated included mortality, clinical 

signs, body weights, total food consumption, opthalmologic examinations, hematology, clinical chemistry, 

organ weights, organ-to-body weight ratios, gross- and histopathology. No treatment-related findings were 

noted in survival, clinical observations, mean body weights, body weight gains, total food consumption, 

opthalmological examinations, or hematology and clinical chemistry findings, except for fluorocitrate 

results. Fluorocitrate levels were significantly increased at Week 4 in group 4 males and Groups 3 and 4 

females and at Week 13 in Groups 3 and 4 of both sexes. Treatment-related findings were noted in absolute 

and/or relative organ weights of the heart, testes/epididymides, and spleen. Absolute and relative heart 

weights were signficantly increased in Group 4 males and Group 3 and 4 females. Absolute spleen weights 

were significantly decreased in Group 4 males. Significant decreases in absolute and relative 

testes/epididymides weights in Groups 3 and 4 males were accompanied by corresponding findings in gross 

and microscopic pathology. At necropsy, testes/epididymides were noted as small. Microscopic examintion 

of the tissues revealed compound-related findings in the testes and epididymides and the mid and high-dose 

(Groups 3 and 4) rats. Testicular changes consisted of bilateral hypospermatogensis with fusion bodies in 

the seminiferous tubules. Changes in the epididymides consisted of immature/abnormal sperm forms and 

hypospermatogenesis with reduced numbers of sperm forms in the epididymal ducts. Testes and 

epididymides from low-dose rats showed no evidence of compound-related effects. No treatment-related 

effects were observed in the other tissues of the males or in any of the tissues of the females. The findings 

of this study indicated that the no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) for sodium fluoroacetate, when given 

orally to Sprague-Dawley rats for 13 weeks, was 0.05 mg/kg/day. 

Wong, D. Outfoxing the fox: Microbial degradation of compound 1080. Curtin Gazette 3[3], 22-24. 1988. 


221


Appendix C 

Keywords: 1080/bait degradation/persistence in soil/non-target species/foxes/soil/degradation 

Abstract: Over the last few years there has been an increasing awareness of the need for fox control in 

Australia to protect native species of fauna from excessive levels of predation and possible extinction. 

Compound 1080, a poiosn impregnated into various types of baits has been used to control foxes by the 

department of Conservation and Land Management and the Agriculture Protection Board in Western 

Australia. Studies on the degradation of compound 1080 in bait materials and Western Australian soils, 

conducted by Dr. Dee Wong, Lecturer in the School of Medical Technology at the University, have 

provided vital information on long term environmental hazards. 

Wong, D. H., Kinnear, J. E., Runham, C. F., and DenHollander, L. C. (1991). A preliminary report on a 

bacteriological assay for compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate). Letters in applied microbiology 12, 

161-163. 

Keywords: product chemistry/bioassay 

Wong, D. H., Kirkpatrick, W. E., Kinnear, J. E., and King, D. R. (1991). Defluorination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) by microorganisms found in bait materials. Wildlife research 18, 539-544. 

Keywords: bait degradation/defluorination/sodium monofluoroacetate/1080 

Wong, D. H., Kirkpatrick, W. E., King, D. R., and Kinnear, J. E. (1992). Defluorination of sodium 

monofluoroacetate (1080) by microorganisms isolated from Western Australian soils. Soil biology and 

biochemistry 24, 833-838. 


Abstract: Soils from four sites, two with and two without previous exposure to sodium monofluoracetate 

(1080), in Western Australia were investigated to determine whether they contained microorganisms 

capable of defluorinating 1080. Most samples from these four sites showed microbial defluorination 

activity. A number of species of bacteria and fungi were isolated: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium 

oxysporum, Pseudomonas acidovorans, Pseudomonas fluorescens 1, an unidentified Pseudomonas sp., 

Penicillium purpurescens and Penicillium restrictum. These seven microorganisms could defluorinate 1080 

when grown in a 1080 solution, which was the sole carbon source, and also in autoclaved soil. The amount 

of defluorination varied with different species of microorganisms, ranging from 2 to 85% in soil and from 2 

to 89% in 1080 solutions. A time-course experiment showed that some indigenous soil microflora were 

able to defluorinate over 50% and up to 87% of the 1080 within 5-9 days in soil with a moisture content of 

about 10% when kept at 28°C (day) and 15°C (night). Soils from four other arid or semiarid sites were also 

investigated for the presence of thermophilic microorganisms with 1080 defluorinating ability; no 

thermophilic microorganisms were isolated 

Wong, D. H., Kirkpatrick, W. E., King, D. R., and Kinnear, J. E. (1992). Environmental factors and 

microbial inoculum size, and their effect on biodefluorination of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). Soil 

biology and biochemistry 24, 839-843. 


Abstract: The effects of inoculum size and the environmental factors of pH, temperature and soil moisture 

on the biodefluorination of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) by seven microorganisms (four bacterial 

species and three fungi) were studied. In the presence of 1080 as the sole carbon source, the effect of pH on 

1080 defluorination varied among the organisms. Optimum 1080 defluorination by soil bacteria 

(Pseudomonas acidovorans and P. fluorescens 1) was at neutral to alkaline pH and the maximum 

defluorination by fungi (Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium restrictum) was at pH 5. Most organisms 

grew on nutrient agar at a pH range of 5-8. The optimal temperature for 1080 defluorination varied with 

different microorganisms and with different organic carbon sources. On agar, all seven isolates grew best in 

the temperature range of 28-30°C. The highest rate of 1080 defluorinatiion in soil for all isolates occurred 

with fluctuating temperatures (minimum = 11°C, maximum = 24°C) and at soil moisture contents of 8- 

15%, while the lowest rates occurred at a soil moisture content of 30%. The defluorination rate of 1080 

when it was present at the sole carbon source decreased as the inoculum size decreased. In soil the rate of 

reduction in 1080 defluorination was not directly proportional to the microbial inoculum size and the rate 

varied with different microorganisms. Some microorganisms had their highest rate of defluorination 

activity at a low inoculum density (105 cells/ml in 1080 solution and 107 cells/ml in soil) 

222


Appendix C 

Wong, D. H., Kinnear, J. E., and Runham, C. F. (1995). A simple rapid bioassay for compound 1080 

(sodium fluoroacetate) in bait materials and soil - its technique and applications. Wildlife research 22, 561- 

568. 

Keywords: bioassay/bait degradation/1080/sodium fluoroacetate 

Woodfield, B. R. G. A Manual for the use of 1080 in Rabbit Control. 1976. Frankston, Victoria, The Keith 

Turnbull Research Institute. 



World Health Organisation. Sodium fluoroacetate. Data Sheets on Pesticides No. 16, VBC/DS/75.16, -11. 

1975. 


Keywords: sodium fluoroacetate/fluoroacetate 

Wright, G., Brown, L. E., and Eason, C. 1080 binding to cellulose: a pilot study. LC0102/022, -13. 2001. 

Landcare Research Lincoln. Landcare Research Contract Report. 


Keywords: 1080/persistence in plants/persistence in water/degradation 

Abstract: 1080 in the presence of aquatic weed reduced in concentration depending on the amount of weed 

present. There was no observed reduction of 1080 in the presence of shredded carrot. Neither cellulose nor 

glass fibre filter material showed any effect on 1080 concentration in water. 

Wright, G. R., Booth, L. H., Morriss, G. A., Potts, M. D., Brown, L., and Eason, C. T. (2002). Assessing 

potential environmental contamination from compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) in bait dust 

during possum control operations. New Zealand journal of agricultural research 45, 57-65. 

Keywords: 1080/sodium monofluoroacetate/monofluoroacetate/poisoning/invertebrates/baits/soil/nontarget 

species/persistence in plants/persistence in soil 

Abstract: The risk of environmental contamination by 1080 from bait dust during possum control 

operations was assessed after three such operations. This research was prompted by the lack of data on the 

potential risk of poisoning invertebrates in leaf litter by 1080 from bait dust. Cereal baits containing 0.15% 

1080 were aerially applied and samples of bait dust (from application of bait), plants, leaf litter, soil, and 

water (from within and up to 1000 m outside the treatment areas) were collected prior to and up to 30 days 

after bait application. A maximum concentration of 25.2 µg 1080 m –2 was detected in bait dust (from dust 

collectors) within the control zone immediately after aerial application of 1080 baits. Lower concentrations 

of 1080 were found outside the treatment areas indicating relatively little drift of bait dust. There were 

detectable short-term 1080 residues in water, plant, leaf litter, and soil samples after two of the three baiting 

operations. However, the residues were very low indicating only minor contamination by 1080. Using the 

maximum concentration of 1080 found in leaf litter, and literature LD50 values for invertebrates, these 

results indicate that 1080 derived from bait fragments and bait dust does not pose a significant risk of 

poisoning to resident leaf litter invertebrates. However, the presence of 1080 baits on the ground may still 

pose a risk to those invertebrates in close proximity to these baits. 

Wright, G. R. G. Trends in vertebrate pesticide contamination of wildlife. -68. 2000. University of 

Waikato New Zealand. New Zealand Ecological Society Conference, 19-23 Nov 2000 Hamilton. 


Wright, G. R. G. Protocol for environmental water sampling and testing associated with 1080 pest control 

operations. 1-6. 2003. 


Keywords: 1080/livestock/poison/poisoning/rats/treatment/persistence in water 

Abstract: Water quality is to be monitored during 1080 poisoning operations to determine whether or not 

1080 is present at undesirable concentrations in the natural waters of the poison treatment area. This is of 

particular concern where drinking water for domestic purposes or for livestock is drawn from catchments in 

or adjacent to these areas. As a result of recent research findings on the teratogenicity (effects on unborn 

offspring) of 1080 in rats (Eason et al. unpublished contract report 1998), the Ministry of Health has issued 

223


Appendix C 

guidelines recommending that water should not be used for drinking until tests show that the concentration 

of 1080 is below 2 parts per billion. This value was taken from the Ministry's approach to priority 

determinands in drinking water. The Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand require that, whenever a 

determinand is present at more than 50 percent of the maximum acceptable value (MAV), additional 

sampling is carried out until it has been established that its concentration does not exceed the MAV. The 

figure of 2ppb is an approximation to 50 percent of the provisional MAV of 5ppb. 

An intensive water-monitoring programme after a poisoning operation enables any water contamination 

to be detected and public concerns answered, provided due attention is given to site selection, timing, and 

the care and handling of samples. 

This sampling protocol has been prepared for Department of Conservation, regional council and district 

council pest control managers who need to undertake water monitoring, or Medical Officer of Health 

(MOH) who is involved in assessing the need for sampling. It provides information on water sampling, 

handling, transport, contact names, and the costs involved. Samples are received and analysed by the 

Toxicology Laboratory of Landcare Research, Lincoln. Advice on the establishment of a sampling strategy 

may be obtained from Environmental science and Research Ltd (ESR). 

Wright, G. R. G., Manning, L. M., and Fisher, P. M. Effects of aquatic plants on the concentration of 1080 

in water. Landcare Research Contract Report LC0203/177, -16. 2003. 


Keywords: 1080/metabolism/secondary poisoning/poisoning/humans/persistence in plants/persistence in 

water 

Abstract: The half-life of 1080 in solutions contaiing E.canadensis concentrations of 0.33 to 133 mg/mL 

ranged from 18.8 to 2.5 h respectively. The presence or absence of artificial light did not appear to affect 

the rate of elimination of 1080 from solutions containing plant material. E. canadensis absorbed 1080 from 

the solution to reach a maximum of 2.5 µg/kg after 2h. This concentration slowly decreased to below the 

method detection limit (2 µg/kg) after 24h. 

The elimination rate of 1080 from low-concentration solutions is influenced by the amount of living aquatic 

plant material present.The metabolism of 1080 by plant material is not affected by the presence or absence 

of artificial light. The rate of loss of 1080 from solution due to plant material is relatively slow below 15ºC, 

but becomes more rapid above 20ºC. There is a very low theoretical risk of acute secondary poisoning of 

humans and animals consuming aquatic plants contaminated with 1080 through exposure to low 

concentrations in water. 

Wright, J. A. (1975). Altered aconitase activity in Hamster cells selected for resistance to fluoroacetate. 

Biochemical and biophysical research communications 66, 578-585. 

Keywords: aconitase/resistance/fluoroacetate/fluorocitrate/citrate/temperature 

Abstract: Two independent Chinese hamster ovary cell lines have been isolated in cell culture which 

exhibit resistance to the cytotoxic effects of fluorocitrate. Although the oxidation ofcitrate by wild type cell 

suspensions was markedly inhibited by 1 mM fluorocitrate drug-resistant cells oxidized citrate at 

approximately normal rates in the presence of the drug. The aconitase activity from the resistant cells was 

less sensitive to the inhibitory action of fluorocitrate in vitro and showed altered heat stability properties 

when tested in heat inactivation experiments at 3 different temperatures. These results are consistent with 

the view that the resistant cell lines contain a structural gene mutation. 

Wurster, D. E., Burke, G. M., Berg, M. J., Veng-Pedersen, P., and Schottelius.D.D. (1988). Phenobarbital 

adsorption from simulated intestinal fluid U.S.P., and simulated gastric fluid, U.S.P., by two activated 

charcoals. Pharmaceutical Research 5, 183-186. 

Keywords: antidote/poisoning/treatment 

Abstract: Adsorption of phenabarbital from simulated intestinal and gastric fluids by two activated 

charcoals was studied. Adsorption isotherm data were analyzed by the linearized Langmuir equation and by 

nonlinear least-squares regression employing both Langmuir and Freundlich models. These analyses 

indicated differences in the capacities of the two charcoals for phenobarbital which could not be completely 

explained by surface-area considerations. 

Wurster, D. E., Kolling, W. M., and Knosp, B. M. (1994). Computer modeling of adsorption on an 

activated charcoal surface. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 83, 1717-1722. 

224


Appendix C 

Keywords: antidote/poisoning/treatment 

Abstract: The molecular modeling program SYBYL was used to simulate the adsorption of various 

barbiturates by an activated charcoal surface. The compounds barbituric acid (BA), barbital (B), 

phenobarbital (PB), mephobarbital (M), and primidone (Pr) were modeled, and their structures were 

energetically minimized. These structures agreed with literature reports for the conformations of these 

molecules in dimethyl sulfoxide-d6, methanol-d4, and chloroform-d. The activated charcoal surface was 

modeled using graphitic crystallites which had either no oxygen-containing functional group, a C-OH 

functional group, or a C=O functional group. The presence of the C-O (presumably C-OH) and C=O 

functional states on activated charcoal surfaces had been previously determined by X-ray photoelectron 

spectroscopy. It was assumed that the crystallite was locally flat. Upon docking, conformational changes 

were observed for barbital, phenobarbital, mephobarbital, and primidone. Estimates for the heat of 

adsorption ranged from -62.3 kJ/mol for barbituric acid to -91.1 kJ/mol for mephobarbital on the 

hydroxylated surface. Allowance for the heat of desorption of the required number of water molecules from 

the surface, also determined by SYBYL, gave heat of displacement values of -19.4 kJ/mol for barbituric 

acid and -32.6 kJ/mol for mephobarbital. These values compared well to the heat of displacement values 

obtained by isoperibol calorimetry, which were -20.3 kJ/mol for barbituric acid and -31.6 kJ/mol for 

mephobarbital. Previous laboratory studies had demonstrated the greater importance of the C-O functional 

state for barbiturate adsorption compared to the C=O functional state. The computer-modeled system 

predicted the same result. 

Yoshioka, K., Nisimaru, N., Yanai, S., Shimoda, H., and Yamada, K. (2000). Characteristics of 

monocarboxylates as energy substrates other than glucose in rat brain slices and the effect of selective glial 

poisoning - a P-31 NMR study. Neuroscience research 36, 215-226. 

Keywords: mode of action/NMR/metabolism 

Zahavi, M., Tahori, A. S., and Mager, J. (1968). Studies on the biochemical basis of susceptibility and 

resistance of the housefly to fluoroacetate. Biochimica et biophysica acta 153, 787-798. 

Keywords: resistance/fluoroacetate/persistence in invertebrates/citrate/inhibition/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: 1) Administration of fluoroacetate to sensitive houseflies in amounts close to the LD50 range (0.25 

- 0.3 ug per fly) brought about a prompt elevation of the citrate content. With about 10-fold higher doses of 

fluoroacetate a concurrent increase of both citrate and pyruvate levels took place in the fly tissues. 2) 

Incubation of sarcosomes of the sensitive housefly strain in the presence of oxidizable substrates and 

fluoroacetate resulted in accumulation of citrate , inhibition of respiration and uncoupling of oxidative 

phosphorylation. The magnitude of the effects varied considerably with the different substrates used, being 

particularly pronounced with pyruvate and malate and inappreciable with succinate and alphaglycerophosphate 

3) The respiratory inhibition induced by a brief exposure in teh cold of housefly 

sarcosomes to fluoroacetate, persisted after the sarcosomes had been washed free from fluoroacetate. The 

toxic effect of fluoroacetate on the respiratory chain could be prevented by an excess of simultaneously 

added acetate. 4)The susceptibility of the respiratory function of the sarcosomes to fluoroacetate inhibition 

was abolished by sonication. The unresponsiveness of the sonicated sarcosomes to fluoroacetate was 

attended by a loss of their respiratory chain phosphorylation activity 5) Sarcosomes derived from a partially 

resistant housefly strain, when incubated in the presence of fluoroacetate, failed to accumulate citrate, but 

displayed the characteristic respiratory-inhibition response. Sarcosome from a highly resistant strain 

showed no impairment fo their functional capacity by fluoroacetate. Howevre, all the different housefly 

strains tested proved to be equally sensitive to the deleterious effect of fluorocitrate in sarcosomal 

respiration. 6) The possible biochemical mechanisms underlying the toxicity of fluoroacetate in the 

housefly are considered with particular reference to the altered response of the target systems exhibited by 

the fluoroacetate-resistant strains. 

Zhou, J., Kaufmann, F. C., Ballow, C. H., and Thurman, R. G (1984). Inhibition of mixed-function 

oxidation in perfused rat liver by fluoroacetate treatment. Biochemical Pharmacology 33, 319-323. 

Keywords: inhibition/liver/fluoroacetate/treatment/citric acid/rats/sodium fluoroacetate/citrate/fluorocitrate 

Abstract: The effect of fluoroacetate, an inhibitor of the citric acid cycle, on the mixed-function oxidation 

of p-nitoranisole in isolated perfused livers from fed rats was studied. The citric acid cycle was inhibited by 

injection of 5 mg/kg sodium fluoroacetate into rats 3 hr prior to liver perfusion experiments. Inhibition of 

the citric acid cycle was marked by accumulation of citrate (5-fold) and decreases in rates of glycolysis and 

225


Appendix C 

glycogenolysis by 50-90%. Fluoroacetate treatment inhibited mixed function oxidation in the perfused liver 

by about 50% without affecting p-nitroanisole O-demethylation by isolated microsomes. Fluorocitrate at 

concentrations up to 50 uM did not inhibit microsomal p-nitroanisole O-demethylation in vitro. These data 

support the hypothesis that mixed-function oxidation in intact hepatocytes is dependent upon reducing 

equivalents generated via the citric acid cycle. 

226

Source: Landcare Research (1964). Control of poisons. Royal ...

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