Poisoning with 3-nitropropionic acid in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Aims: To evaluate the toxicity, animal behavioural effects and animal welfare implications of 3-nitropropionic acid administration in possums. Methods: The behavioural effects following 3-nitropropionic acid administration were recorded in 26 possums. Results: The oral LD50 was between 110 and 170 mg/kg. Time to death averaged 9.5 +/- 1.9 h (mean +/- s.e.m.). Adverse signs from an animal welfare perspective were retching and restless behaviour that occurred in episodes during a period that averaged 1 h 51 min. Retching occurred in possums that were injected intraperitoneally or dosed orally with the 3-nitropropionic acid, suggesting that this effect was not necessarily initiated by gastric irritation. Conclusion: The potency of 3-nitropropionic acid as a toxin was low compared to other toxins that are used in possums, but it is relatively quick acting. It may cause some discomfort (retching and restlessness) prior to death.