JANUARY 2016
Possum Control:
Feratox (cyanide) Bait Bags
Cyanide baits have been used for possum control in New
Zealand since the mid 1960s.
Feratox (cyanide) bait is a Vertebrate Toxic Agent and is
classified as hazardous under the Hazardous Substances &
New Organisms Act 1996.
Cyanide is a rapidly acting toxin. It primarily affects the part
of the brain which controls breathing. It slows the action of
enzymes which help body cells use oxygen. Cyanide baits are
coloured green so they cannot be mistaken for other non-toxic
substances. Cyanide comes in two bait forms:
•
Paste (Sodium Cyanide) and
•
Encapsulated pellet (Potassium Cyanide).
How We Use Feratox (cyanide)
One encapsulated cyanide pellet (Feratox), containing 80% cyanide
(800g/ kg) is placed inside 20g of prefeed bait. The baits are then
dispersed in labelled bait station bags and secured to trees. Possums
have to chew and crack the pellet to release the cyanide poison.
Bait station bags are placed within treatment areas at approximately 10
to 100 metre intervals at a height of 0.5 to 2 metres above ground level.
Warning signs will be erected at all main access points where poisons
are laid. It is important to read and follow the instructions on these
signs.
Cyanide Safety Information
Danger to Humans
Consuming one pea size (0.4 gram) cyanide bait or one Feratox pellet,
may kill an adult weighing 73kg and less for a 15kg child. Children
should be kept away from all areas where poison is present. There is
always a hazard if children have access to poisons.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Feratox can be fatal if swallowed when pellets have been damaged,
broken or cracked in the mouth. Pellets swallowed whole may pass
through digestive system unbroken.
Symptoms of poisoning include: difficulty in breathing, rapid breathing,
nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, sweating and convulsions.
First Aid
Speed is essential. Obtain immediate medical attention if poison is
ingested.
Call 111 for ambulance and use keywords: CYANDIDE POISONING.
Use emergency blanket to protect patient from heat loss.
If person is losing consciousness after ingestion, or is unconscious or
convulsing, then do NOT give anything by mouth.
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do NOT give anything to drink. Do
NOT induce vomiting.
If the patient vomits naturally rinse their mouth thoroughly with water.
If the patient is conscious, breathing regularly and able to say what has
happened, keep under observation. Break open amyl nitrite vial and
administer to aid recovery. Get medical assistance.
Do NOT use mouth to mouth, or mouth to nose, resuscitation. Instead
use a suitable device or apparatus to give artificial respiration if
breathing has stopped. Administer oxygen if breathing is shallow or
irregular and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if heart has stopped.
For further information:
[email protected]
www.gw.govt.nz
06 378 2484