Recent finding in the development of noninvasive method to monitor wildlife exposure to bromadiolone

AGRO 141

Mickaël Sage, mickael.sage@univ-fcomte.fr1, Michael Coeurdassier1, Isabelle Fourel2, Jacques Barrat3, Philippe Berny2, and Patrick Giraudoux, patrick.giraudoux@univ-fcomte.fr1. (1) Department of Environmental Biology - UsC INRA EA3184, University of Franche-Comte, Place Leclerc, 25000 Besancon, France, (2) Métabolisme des Xénobiotiques et Mycotoxines - UMR INRA 1233, Lyon College of Veterinary Medicine, 1 av. Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, (3) Unité épidémiosurveillance des maladies de la faune sauvage et des carnivores domestiques, AFSSA Nancy, Domaine de Pixérécourt, BP 9, 54220 Malzeville, France
Poisoning of non target vertebrates with rodenticide is commonly reported, the environmental risk of the molecule depending on both its toxicity and on the exposure of non target animals. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of monitoring the exposure of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to bromadiolone by analysis of residues in faeces following a field treatment. This study was carried out in two parts: First, 4 captive foxes were fed with bromadiolone-contaminated voles for 2 or 5 days. Then, faeces and blood were collected for bromadiolone titration and blood clotting tests were performed during 30 days. A new LC-MS method was developed for analysis. Bromadiolone residues in faeces and blood exhibited similar patterns over time: a dramatic increase during the intoxication period and then a gradual decrease after the last intoxication. Bromadiolone was detected in faeces 15 hours after the first intoxication and for at least 24 days after the last intoxication (end of the experiment). Two of the foxes presented very severe external haemorrhages 6 days after the first intoxication. Their prothrombin time (PT) was multiplied by 6 compared to the day before intoxication and vitamin-K was administered. In a second time, we aimed at determining if the proportion of faeces with bromadiolone residues is related to the proportion of foxes with liver residues in field surveys. Sixty foxes will be trapped in areas treated for vole control and their liver will be collected for bromadiolone titration. At the same time, faeces sampling will be carried out in the same areas. Field experiments are currently in progress and the results will be presented during the symposium. These findings could be the basis of programs for understanding and monitoring the exposure of wild fox populations to bromadiolone using standard sampling and analysis of faeces, a non-invasive method.
 

New Developments and Issues in Agrochemical Sciences
8:45 AM-11:50 AM, Thursday, August 23, 2007 BCEC -- 259A, Oral

Division of Agrochemicals

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007