Acute toxicity of cholecalciferol and gliftor baits to the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus

R. J. Henderson and C. T. Eason

Abstract

Alternatives to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and pindone are required for control of wild rabbits. The palatability and toxicity of cereal baits containing either cholecalciferol or gliftor were assessed on captive domestic rabbits. Although rabbits showed considerable variation in their individual response to cholecalciferol, they were very susceptible to the toxicant (LD₅₀ = 4.4 mg kg^–1) and it would be lethal to almost all rabbits ingesting doses greater than 15 mg kg^–1. However, concentrations of 0.04% and 0.18% cholecalciferol in bait were not readily eaten by rabbits, suggesting that further research is required to mask the taste and/or smell of the toxicant. The LD₅₀ of gliftor in cereal bait to rabbits was 2.2 mg kg^–1. Rabbits showed no measurable aversion to baits that contained 0.2% w/w gliftor. A lower concentration of 0.1% gliftor in bait should be tested on wild populations of rabbits.

Wildlife Research 27(3) 297 - 300  doi:10.1071/WR99048