Toxicant use in the zoo environment

Toxicants, such as insecticides, rodenticides, caging material, and cleaning agents, are used on a daily basis in zoos to provide a healthy environment. These products must be used carefully so that the zoo inhabitants are not inadvertently poisoned. Product labels should be read, directions followed, and warnings heeded. An understanding of the mechanisms of action of the products as well as their effects on different species will assist zoo personnel in diagnosis and treatment decisions should toxicosis occur. Information regarding the effects of toxicants in exotic species is limited and so much information must be extrapolated from information on domestic species.