Acute Toxicity of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) Baits to Feral Cats.

Feral cat populations have a devastating effect on many native wildlife species. As part of a programme to evaluate improved predator control, feral cats were observed after they had ingested a polymer bait loaded with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) 0.4-1.6 mg/g bait, equivalent to doses of 0.1-1.3 mg/kg body weight. Deaths occurred with 0.6 mg/g bait and all higher doses. With the highest dose all animals died within 24 h. An approximate oral LD50 of 0.28 mg/kg (0.07-0.49) and LD90 of 0.35 mg/kg (0.14-0.56) were calculated (with 95% confidence limits). Main symptoms were disorientation and lethargy, followed by death. A dose of 2 mg/g bait is recommended as a humane and lethal dose of 1080 for feral cats.