Pest Management Science (2008) 64, 74-80

Jens Jacob and Angela Leukers (2008)
Preference of birds for zinc phosphide bait formulations
Pest Management Science 64 (1), 74-80
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Zinc phosphide baits are used for controlling pest rodents but are also highly toxic to other vertebrates. The base for rodent baits containing zinc phosphide is usually wheat kernels which are highly attractive to birds. In this study, wheat-based pellets of different shapes and colours without zinc phosphide were tested for their attractiveness for pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) and Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica Temm. and Schleg.) in aviaries and for pigeons and corvids (Corvus monedula L., Corvus corone L., Pica pica L.) in the field.
RESULTS: In aviaries, wheat was clearly preferred over other bait. In the field, some bait formulations were avoided by birds in certain conditions. However, no formulation was avoided consistently across species to lower the potential uptake of zinc phosphide below the LD₅₀ for highly susceptible bird species (8 mg kg^-1 body weight). The formulations that were not rapidly eaten by birds (blue granules, red lentil-shaped pellets) were not avoided consistently at low and high vegetative cover.
CONCLUSIONS: The bait formulations tested may not considerably enhance the safety of birds when using zinc phosphide for rodent control. Field testing other combinations of bait colour and shape to minimise background contrast may result in bait with higher potential for bird protection.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
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Database assignments for author(s): Jens Jacob

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
health/environmental effects of pesticides

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rattus (genus)		Germany