Field evidence of secondary poisoning of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and buzzards (Buteo buteo) by bromadiolone, a 4-year survey.

This paper presents the result of a 4 year survey in France (1991-1994) based on the activity of a wildlife disease surveillance network (SAGIR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detrimental effects of anticoagulant (Ac) rodenticides in non-target wild animals. Ac poisoning accounted for a very limited number of the identified causes of death (1-3%) in most species. Predators (mainly foxes and buzzards) were potentially exposed to anticoagulant compounds (especially bromadiolone) via contaminated prey in some instances. The liver concentrations of bromadiolone residues were elevated and species-specific diagnostic values were determined. These values were quite similar to those reported in the literature when secondary anticoagulant poisoning was experimentally assessed.

Toxicity and kinetics of amitraz in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the toxic effects of amitraz in dogs and their reversal by various doses of atipamezole. ANIMALS: 6 male 1-year-old Beagles. PROCEDURE: Dogs were given 100 mg of amitraz/kg of body weight, PO. Atipamezole was administered at 3 dose rates. Clinical examination and blood sample collection were performed regularly for 48 hours to examine biological parameters and determine the toxicokinetics of amitraz as well as the efficacy of the antidote. A specific high-performance thin layer chromatographic method was developed to determine plasma amitraz concentrations. RESULTS: Clinical signs of toxicosis included sedation, bradycardia, polyuria, hypothermia, and hyperglycemia, all of which could be related to the alpha 2-agonist activity of amitraz, and were reversed by low doses of atipamezole (50 micrograms/kg, IM), a potent alpha 2-antagonist, within 10 minutes after injection. Peak plasma concentrations were observed after 5 hours, and the elimination half-life was long (about 24 hours). CONCLUSIONS: All clinical and biological effects observed during the course of amitraz poisoning could be attributed to the parent compound itself and were reversed by low doses of atipamezole. The half-life of amitraz was substantially longer than that in other studies because of the high dose administered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Atipamezole can be administered i.m. to dogs with severe amitraz poisoning to reverse all the effects observed.

Benzodiazepine poisoning in companion animals.

Information on accidental poisoning of companion animals with human drugs is seldom published. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted by the Centre National d'Informations Toxicologiques Veterinaires (CNITV) on cases recorded between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1994 at the CNITV on the circumstances and clinical signs of accidental oral poisoning of dogs and cats by benzodiazepines. Our results showed that, among the numerous potential drugs available, bromazepam was by far most commonly encountered, especially in dogs. Clinical signs included mostly nervous disorders (hyper and hypo). Treatment was symptomatic and supportive, and the prognosis was generally good.

Anticoagulant poisoning in animals: a simple new high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the simultaneous determination of eight anticoagulant rodenticides in liver samples.

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a technique for the analysis of anticoagulant rodenticides in serum and liver samples using a new high-performance thin-layer chromatographic apparatus. Detection limits were estimated at 0.2 micrograms/g in liver extracts for eight different substances. Overall, this technique was repeatable and reproducible. The percent recovery was greater than 87% for each substance. Liver and serum samples of animals known to be exposed to one anticoagulant and showing clinical signs of poisoning were analyzed. Concentrations measured varied between 0.2 and 3 micrograms/g (liver extracts). Only blood samples from one dog could be analyzed. The concentration was 150 ng/mL the first day after admission and 140 ng/mL the following day. Analyses are technically easily and rapidly performed, and they are inexpensive. Therefore, this technique could be a valuable alternative to current high-performance liquid chromatographic methods.

Difethialone (LM-2219): a new anticoagulant rodenticide for use against warfarin-resistant and -susceptible strains of Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus.

Data on the efficacy of difethialone, a new anticoagulant rodenticide derived from 4-hydroxybenzothiopyranone against rats and mice, are reported. After one day of feeding with 25 mg/kg of bait, 100 and 85%, respectively, male and female warfarin-susceptible Rattus norvegicus were killed. With the resistant strain, mortality was 90 and 94% for males and females, respectively. 100 and 96% of warfarin-sensitive males and females, respectively, were killed after 3 days of feeding with the same bait. Those of the resistant strain were respectively, 100 and 93%. In Mus musculus, after one day of feeding, mortality was 97, 94, 95 and 93% for males and females of susceptible and resistant strains, respectively, and 100, 97, 100 and 91% after 3 days of feeding. No significant difference in bait intake was observed between 25 mg/kg difethialone bait and a control bait. Compared to other anticoagulant rodenticides, these results show that difethialone is a promising rodenticide.

[Epidemiologic evaluation of a sample of 91 rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in the sewers of Lyon]. / Bilan épidémiologique d'un échantillon de 91 rats (Rattus norvegicus) capturés dans les égouts de Lyon.

91 rats captured in 1982 in the sewers of Lyon (France) have been examined for the presence of some microorganisms implicated in infections transmissible to man, by direct examination, bacteriological culture or detection of specific antibodies. Bacteriological results have shown a high proportion of carriers of Yersinia enterocolitica and frederiksenii (29%), of Pasteurella pneumotropica (29%), of Staphylococcus aureus (53%), and of Campylobacter jejuni (18%), a low proportion of carriers of Salmonella typhimurium (6%) and Leptospira (7%), and an absence of Listeria. Immunological reactions were often positive with Leptospira (21%), sometimes with Salmonella typhimurium, and always negative with Yersinia and Listeria. This work is a contribution to the knowledge of the health status of sewer rats considered to be an important public health risk as transmitters of anthropozoonoses.