Poisoning with 3-nitropropionic acid in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the toxicity, animal behavioural effects and animal welfare implications of 3-nitropropionic acid administration in possums.


METHODS
The behavioural effects following 3-nitropropionic acid administration were recorded in 26 possums.


RESULTS
The oral LD50 was between 110 and 170 mg/kg. Time to death averaged 9.5+/-1.9 h (mean+/-s.e.m.). Adverse signs from an animal welfare perspective were retching and restless behaviour that occurred in episodes during a period that averaged 1 h 51 min. Retching occurred in possums that were injected intraperitoneally or dosed orally with the 3-nitropropionic acid, suggesting that this effect was not necessarily initiated by gastric irritation.


CONCLUSIONS
The potency of 3-nitropropionic acid as a toxin was low compared to other toxins that are used in possums, but it is relatively quick acting. It may cause some discomfort (retching and restlessness) prior to death.
Gregory
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NG
SARDI, PO Box 1571, SA 5153, Australia.
Orbell
G M
GM
Harding
D R
DR