Endorsed by the Environment and Invasives Committee 30 August 2024.
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Background
Lethal baiting with sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is considered to be one of the most effective methods of quickly reducing feral pig numbers. 1080 is an odourless, tasteless, concentrated solution that has a coloured dye added for identification of the toxin. It is incorporated into a suitable bait material and offered along a trail or in a bait station. Free feeding with non-toxic bait is performed for a number of days prior to laying poisoned baits and is an essential step in a baiting program. In some jurisdictions, aerial application of bait may be an effective means for dealing with specific feral pig problems although a number of restrictions apply. A disadvantage of using 1080 is that it carries a high risk of non-target poisoning due to the larger doses required to kill feral pigs. Whilst there is no physiological data on the action of 1080 on feral pigs, the Relative Humaneness Matrix (Sharp and Saunders 2011) rated 1080 as relatively less humane than sodium nitrite.
This National Standard Operating Procedure (NATSOP) is a guide only; it does not replace or override the relevant state or territory legislation. The NATSOP should only be used subject to the applicable legal requirements (including WHS) operating in the relevant jurisdiction.
Individual NATSOPs should be read in conjunction with the overarching Code of Practice for feral pig. This is to help ensure that the most appropriate control techniques are selected and that they are deployed in a strategic way, usually in combination with other control techniques, to achieve rapid and sustained reduction of feral pig populations and impacts.
Application
- The handling and supply of 1080 powder or concentrated solution and preparation of baits can only be conducted by authorised and properly trained persons under the laws of each state, territory, or local government, subject to an authorised officer (AO) risk assessment and an assessment by the bait user of the risks of baiting to non-target species.
- 1080 baiting must only be conducted after a risk assessment.
- Baiting with 1080 should only be used in a strategic manner as part of a coordinated program designed to achieve sustained effective control.
- 1080 baiting of feral pigs is considered a relatively inexpensive and effective method of reducing medium-high density pig populations.
- Poisoning is primarily used as an initial control method whilst other methods such as trapping, ground shooting and exclusion are used as follow-up techniques to keep pig numbers at a low level.
- Baiting with 1080 must not be used in areas where there is an unacceptably high risk to humans and companion animals, such as urban/residential environments.
- 1080 use is restricted in areas where there is a high risk of poisoning domestic stock and wildlife.
- The best time to conduct a poisoning program is when surface water is scarce, and pastures have dried At this time pigs will be concentrated near permanent water points and are more likely to eat bait due to hunger. It can be difficult to get feral pigs to take or find bait when there is abundant green feed. To achieve maximum population reductions, it is also recommended that broad scale control programs be conducted prior to breeding, which usually peaks between May and October. In south-eastern Australia, late autumn is usually the most effective period for baiting pigs.
- Baiting of feral pigs with 1080 can only be carried out under conditions set down by the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) under Commonwealth legislation (Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994).
- 1080 is a restricted chemical product (under Regulation 45 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995) and is listed as a Schedule 7 – Dangerous Poison under the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). These listings require special precautions in the manufacture, handling, storage and use of 1080, along with specific regulations regarding labelling or availability.
- 1080 must be used in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations of each state and territory.
Aerial baiting
Aerial baiting is approved for feral pigs in some jurisdictions, with conditions in place for bait type, aircraft and application rates.
Animal welfare implications
Target animals
- The toxicity of 1080 is due to the conversion of fluoroacetate to fluorocitrate, which inhibits the tricarboxylic acid cycle – a mechanism necessary for cellular energy production. In general, herbivores experience cardiac failure, whereas carnivores experience central nervous system (CNS) disturbances and convulsions and then die of respiratory Some species, usually omnivores such as pigs, can be equally affected by both CNS and cardiac signs.
- After a pig has ingested 1080 there is a latent period, usually around an hour, before signs such as salivation, jaw chomping, vomiting, increased lethargy, and laboured respiration are observed. Although the precise nature and extent of suffering after ingestion of 1080 is unknown, it is likely that the animal will experience discomfort prior to and during vomiting. Some pigs exhibit signs of CNS disturbance including hyperexcitability, squealing, manic running, paralysis or convulsions, followed by coma and then death. Other animals may lie quietly, breathing slowly and laboriously until death. Time to death is variable depending upon amount 1080 absorbed but is usually around 4 hours after ingestion. With sub-lethal doses, pigs can metabolise the poison and survive. Animals surviving a sub-lethal dose may develop an aversion to 1080, decreasing their susceptibility to subsequent poisoning programs. There is presumed to be minimal pain or distress during the latent period; however, nausea and discomfort are likely before and during vomiting. In the later stages, when severe central nervous system dysfunction has developed, it is unknown if animals are perceiving pain or if animals are conscious during the convulsive episodes. If they become conscious afterwards it is possible that they may experience pain and anxiety. There is also potential for injuries to occur after the appearance of clinical signs.
- Vomiting is a prominent early sign of 1080 poisoning in feral pigs, occurring approximately 1 to 5 hours after Most pigs vomit frequently over a number of hours. This high incidence of vomiting has the following implications:
- Vomitus containing 1080 may cause secondary poisoning of non-target species.
- Vomiting may affect the proportion of 1080 dose ingested, possibly resulting in sub-lethal dosing of target animals, and decreasing the overall effectiveness of the poisoning program.
- Vomiting does not assure survival from 1080 ingestion.
- Animals surviving a sub-lethal dose may develop an aversion to 1080, decreasing their susceptibility to subsequent poisoning programs.
- To minimise the animal welfare implications of leaving dependent piglets to die a slow death from starvation it is preferable not to undertake 1080 baiting programs when sows have recently farrowed. This can vary with season and area.
Non-target animals
- 1080 is toxic to a wide range of species including birds, mammals and reptiles; however, there are marked differences in Dogs are extremely sensitive, and most other mammalian carnivores are highly sensitive to 1080 poisoning. Herbivores are less sensitive, and birds and reptiles increasingly more tolerant.
- Poisoning of non-target species can occur either directly by eating baits intended for feral pigs (primary poisoning) or through the scavenging of tissues or vomitus from a poisoned animal (secondary poisoning).
- The susceptibility of non-target species to 1080 poisoning is determined by many factors including sensitivity to the poison, body weight, concentration of 1080 in the bait, bait placement, bait type and palatability, timing of baiting and level of exposure to toxic baits.
- Vomitus containing 1080 has the potential to kill a number of non-target animals. Pigs may vomit repeatedly for a number of hours after 1080 ingestion so it is likely that vomitus would be distributed over a wide area creating a potential hazard for non-target animals.
- Relatively large amounts of 1080 must be distributed in baits to kill feral pigs, creating a serious risk of primary poisoning in non-target species. Meat baits are of considerable concern as they need to contain a high concentration of 1080 (72 mg per bait), which is more than 10 times the concentration used for wild dog baits.
- Herbivorous and granivorous birds and mammals have a high risk of poisoning if they eat the toxic grain, pellets or fruit/vegetable Macropods and wombats appear to be the most at risk. Cats, dogs, native carnivorous mammals, birds and some rodents are potentially at risk when meat baits are used.
- To minimise the potential for toxic baits to be lethal to non-target animals, the following baiting strategies are used:
- Pre-feeding with non-poisoned bait – allows an assessment of what animals are eating the bait.
- Camera traps – devices that detect heat-in-motion – can be used to assess visitation. The camera is triggered to take photos as the subject moves within the detection zone i.e., vicinity of bait station.
- Bait type – use of bait that is locally attractive to pigs e.g., fermented grains, and less attractive to non-targets.
- Colouring of baits – Some bait labels require that baits are coloured, in which case they must be coloured, to reduce attractiveness to non-target fauna, especially birds.
- Use of bait stations – bait can be placed in a fenced area or device which excludes livestock and other non-target animals but allows pigs to access the bait.
- Placement of baits – the bait should always be placed in the prime feeding areas of feral pigs.
- Timing of baiting – baits are best laid in the evening as feral pigs are mostly active between dusk and dawn. Laid baits will be mostly consumed overnight before non-target animals have access.
- Collection of uneaten bait and feral pig carcasses – any uneaten bait and poisoned pig carcasses are collected and destroyed or buried with a minimum of 500 mm of soil.
First aid for dogs
- Care must be taken to ensure that working dogs and pets do not come into contact with 1080. Dogs may eat meat baits, pelleted bait, vomitus from a poisoned pig or poisoned pig carcasses. The prognosis for poisoned dogs is extremely poor unless vomiting can be induced shortly after ingestion of the bait and before clinical signs are evident.
- If a working dog or pet is known to have eaten material containing 1080 but is NOT yet showing signs of poisoning, induce vomiting by giving one of the following emetics by mouth:
- washing soda crystals (sodium carbonate) – 3 to 5 crystals orally, DO NOT use laundry detergents or powders.
- table salt – 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 cup of water; more or less depending on the size of the dog.
- dilute hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) – 3 to 5ml.
- If the dog has vomited, clean it up immediately as the vomit is toxic.
- THEN SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. The sooner action is taken following poisoning the better the prognosis.
- If these emetics are not immediately to hand or you are not having success in making the dog vomit it is better to seek veterinary attention immediately rather than waste time.
If the dog has already begun to show signs of toxicosis (retching and vomiting, frenzied behaviour such as running and howling, convulsions, difficulty breathing etc.), DO NOT induce vomiting, but seek veterinary attention without delay.
- Veterinary intervention aims to decrease 1080 absorption and facilitate excretion; control seizures; and support respiration and cardiac function.
- See First Aid – 1080 and your dog for more information: https://pestsmart.org.au/resources/
Workplace health and safety considerations
- If human poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (Ph 13 11 26) IMMEDIATELY. Urgent hospital treatment is likely to be needed. There is no effective antidote to 1080.
- For further information refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), available from the supplier and resources published by states and territories.
- Care should be taken when handling pig carcasses as they may carry diseases such as leptospirosis, Q fever, Japanese encephalitis (JEV), brucellosis, sparganosis, melioidosis and tuberculosis that can affect humans and other animals. Routinely wash hands after handling all carcasses. Carcasses can be heavy (>100kg), so care should be taken when lifting/dragging.
Procedures
- An authorised officer (AO) who has undergone specific training and received accreditation in the preparation and use of vertebrate poisons must conduct a risk assessment to determine if it is appropriate to supply 1080 baits to any person. Risk assessments should consider threats to non-target species particularly domestic dogs, human health and the environment.
- AOs must conduct a risk assessment of planned group baiting programs where baiting occurs less than the prescribed minimum distances as detailed on the product label, and as specified by state and territory legislation.
- Users of 1080 must always refer to specific permit, approved label and relevant state and territory legislation and orders for up-to-date information on conditions of use including distance restrictions, public notification and bait preparation, distribution, storage, transportation and disposal.
Disposal of carcasses
Reasonable steps should be taken to collect and dispose of carcasses poisoned using 1080-poisoned pigs to minimise disease risks associated with using meat to attract other pigs.
For further information about disposal of carcasses in some states and territories refer to:
Further information
Relevant legislation
References
- Anon (2018) Vertebrate Pesticide Manual. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange. Available at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/vertebrate-pests/publications/nsw- vertebrate-pesticide-manual
- APVMA (2008) Sodium fluoroacetate. Final review report and regulatory decision. Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority, Kingston ACT. Available at: https://apvma.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication/15061-sodium-fluororacetate-1080- final-review-report.pdf
- Choquenot D, McIlroy J and Korn (1996) Managing vertebrate pests: pigs. Bureau of Resource Sciences. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Available at: https://pestsmart.org.au/resources/
- Eason C, Miller A, Ogilvie S and Fairweather A (2011) An updated review of the toxicology and ecotoxicology of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) in relation to its use as a pest control tool in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 35, 1-20.
- Eisler R (1995) Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review. US Department of the Interior, National Biological Service Washington.
- Invasive Animals CRC (2016) Working dog safety & first aid. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange. Available at: https://www.cwba.org.au/wp- content/uploads/2018/11/Working-dog-safety-and-first-aid.pdf
- McIlroy J (1983) The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison. V. The sensitivity of feral pigs, Sus scrofa, to 1080 and its implications for poisoning campaigns. Wildlife Research 10, 139-148.
- McIlroy J (1986) The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison. 9. Comparisons between the major groups of animals, and the potential danger nontarget species face from 1080 poisoning campaigns. Wildlife Research 13, 39-48.
- O’Brien PH (1988) The toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) to captive feral pigs, (Sus scrofa). Wildlife Research, 15, 163-170.
- O’Brien P, Lukins B and Beck J (1988) Bait type influences the toxicity of sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) to feral pigs. Wildlife Research 15, 451-457.
- Sherley M (2007) Is sodium fluoroacetate (1080) a humane poison? Animal Welfare 16, 449-458.
- Sherley M (2004) The traditional categories of fluoroacetate poisoning signs and symptoms belie substantial underlying similarities. Toxicology Letters 151, 399-406.
- Twigg L and Parker R (2010) Is sodium fluoroacetate (1080) a humane poison? The influence of mode of action, physiological effects, and target specificity. Animal Welfare 19, 249- 263.
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions manages these documents on behalf of the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC). The authors of these documents have taken care to validate the accuracy of the information at the time of writing. This information has been prepared with care but it is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, to the extent permitted by law.
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