Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1985

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Ernest J. Hugghins

Abstract

Sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is a highly toxic rodenticide which has ·been used in control of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). The toxic effects of Compound 1080 to non-target species caused Compound 10SO to be banned as a rodenticide. This study was initiated to develop a low-level bait which could be effective in prairie dog control and would have a higher margin of safety to non-target species. Compound 1080 was administered to 83 black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). The primary research objective was to determine the acute ·oral median lethal dose (LD50) in black-tailed prairie dogs. This was established at 0.173 mg/kg. To test the hazard of Compound 1080 poisoning to a non-target species, European ferrets (Mustela furo) were selected to be tested as they are the closest relative to the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Whole carcasses of poisoned prairie dogs, when fed to the ferrets, caused no observed reaction. Based on laboratory results, a theoretical bait concentration was extrapolated. A concentration of 0.010% active ingredient would appear to be effective in prairie dog control and to cause little if any secondary poisoning effects to ferrets. Further testing, including field tests, should be performed before this bait concentration is applied on a large-scale basis. Compound 1080, as with any other chemical toxin, has advantages and disadvantages in its use. These should be examined carefully before any control program which includes Compound 1080 is established.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Prairie dogs -- Control
Black-tailed prairie dog -- Control.

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

56

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - United State
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

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