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Effect of potassium cyanide on behaviour and time to death in possums
N G Gregory1, L M Milne, A T Rhodes
1Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Aim:
To assess the sickness behaviours of possums after eating a lethal dose of potassium cyanide.
Method:
Spontaneous behaviour and the time to loss of physical responses were examined.
Results:
Cyanide ingestion caused a short-lasting period of mild respiratory stimulation. There was no salivation, retching or vomiting. Convulsions occurred in 73% of the possums. After the ingestion of cyanide, the average time to onset of ataxia was 3 minutes, the average time to overall loss of consciousness was 6.5 minutes, and the time to cessation of breathing was 18 minutes.
Conclusion:
Cyanide is a rapid-acting toxin with few undesirable signs from the welfare perspective.
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