Potential Hazards of Secondary Poisoning of Non-target Vertebrate Species through the Use of the 1080 Toxic Collar on Sheep and/or Goats

Abstract

Predation on sheep and goats by coyotes constitutes the major cause of stock losses in the western United States. No effective method currently exists for selectively removing problem coyotes from a wild population. Development of the 1080 toxic collar presents a potentially efficient means for selectively removing sheep and goat-killing coyotes by directly affecting livestock coyote interactions. Measured dosages of Sodium Monoflouroacetate (Compound 1080) were orally administered to 18 experimental coyotes. Twelve measured dosages used in establishing an LD₁₀₀ ranged from 0.16 mg of 1080/kg body weight to 0.20 mg of 1080/kg body weight. The LD₁₀₀ was determined to be 0.18 mg of 1080/kg body weight. Six experimental coyotes were orally dosed with 250 mg of 1080 to simulate potential maximum doses from a toxic collar. Six control coyotes also were used. Three replicates of tissue samples were collected from each experimental animal from the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach contents or vomitus, intestines, and hip muscle. The samples were weighed and frozen for later analyses.