Assessment of the Potential Toxicity of an Anticoagulant, Pindone (2-Pivalyl-1,3-Indandione), to Some Australian Birds.

Abstract

The sensitivity of a number of avian species to the rabbit poison pindone (2-pivalyl-1,3-indandione) was investigated using increase of prothrombin time (PT) as an index of poisoning. Daily dose levels of pindone were 0.25 mg/kg for eagles, 4.0 mg/kg for magpies and 5.0 mg/kg for pigeons, parrots and ducks. Considerable species variation in response was observed, and within each species there was considerable individual variation in response to pindone. The PTs of magpies and ducks increased to approximately twice baseline levels. Significant elevations (4- to 7-fold) occurred in parrots, pigeons and eagles. Clinical symptoms were observed in only one species, the wedge-tailed eagle. Results of dosing trials indicate that all species tested are theoretically at risk of pindone poisoning, although the risk to some species is minimised by factors such as population size, food availability and bait placement.