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Second-generation rodenticides and polecats (Mustela putorius) in Britain
R F Shore1, J D Birks, P Freestone
1NERC, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE17 2LS, UK.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Second-generation rodenticide residues were detected in 31% of British polecats surveyed. Difenacoum was the most common, found in 28% of animals, indicating secondary exposure risks for wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Mammalian Biology
Background:
- Polecats (Mustela putorius) in Britain inhabit areas near farms, increasing their risk of exposure to rodenticides.
- Secondary poisoning can occur when predators consume prey contaminated with rodenticides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first survey of second-generation rodenticide residues in polecats in Britain.
- To identify the types and prevalence of rodenticides present in polecat populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of liver and stomach wall samples from 29 adult polecats collected between 1992-1994.
- Samples were tested for four second-generation rodenticides: difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, and flocoumafen.
- Polecats were sourced from road casualties, traps, or unknown causes of death.
Main Results:
- Rodenticide residues were detected in 31% of the analyzed polecats.
- Difenacoum was the most frequently detected rodenticide (28%), followed by bromadiolone (10%) and brodifacoum (3%). Flocoumafen was not detected.
- Two animals showed residues of multiple rodenticides; multiple residues were only found in liver samples.
Conclusions:
- Polecats are exposed to second-generation rodenticides, with difenacoum being the primary contaminant.
- Exposure occurs through secondary poisoning, highlighting potential risks to British wildlife.
- Rodenticide presence was noted across multiple counties and during winter months (January-April).