Factors Influencing the Intake of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (Compound-1080) by Free-Ranging Feral Pigs

Abstract

Post-mortem investigations of 207 feral pigs poisoned in the field were conducted to assess the influence on 1080 dose of bait type, site, sex, bodyweight and distance from bait stations. The stomachs of most (126/207) pigs contained only bait material., Bait type significantly affected intake and 1080 dose, with pellet intake greater than cereal baits. Sex and bodyweight also influenced intake: females ingested significantly larger 1080 doses than males; and larger pigs tended to consume more bait in absolute terms but lower doses of 1080 (mg kg-1). Average intake of 1080 varied widely at different locations. Pigs that died close to bait stations had higher 1080 doses but smaller proportions of bait in their stomach contents than those that died away from bait stations.