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Routine quality assurance

We can provide quality assurance testing for baits being used in pest control operations.  This includes:

  • Assay of active ingredients and bait materials for 1080, alphachloralose, anthraquinone, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, cholecalciferol, coumatetralyl, diphacinone, flocoumafen, PAPP, pindone, warfarin, and zinc phosphide
  • Tests on bait materials, such as cinnamon content, moisture content, assessing colour and stability.

Monitoring of environmental samples

We can analyse for pesticide residues in a variety of matrices including weathered baits, water, soil, meat, eggs, and milk.

  • Assay of environmental samples for 1080, alphachloralose, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, cholecalciferol, coumatetralyl, diphacinone, fipronil, flocoumafen, PAPP, pindone, rotenone, warfarin, and zinc phosphide.
  • We also conduct research into degradation of pesticides in soil, water, and bait materials to determine the effects of pesticides on the environment.
  • We have developed a protocol for water quality monitoring after 1080 poisoning operations to determine whether or not 1080 is present in waterways of treatment areas This is of particular concern where drinking water for domestic purposes or for livestock is drawn from catchments in or adjacent to these areas.

Monitoring of human health risks

To assess the possibility of exposure of pest control industry workers to 1080 a programme has been set up to monitor 1080 levels in workers urine or in some cases plasma. A sampling protocol has been prepared for general practitioners, pathology laboratories, Medical Officers of Health (MOH), and employers in the pest control industry. It provides information on sampling, handling, transport, contact names, and the costs involved. Samples are received and analysed at the Toxicology Laboratory at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Lincoln.

Tissue residue analysis

In cases of suspected poisoning we can analyse for pesticide residues in a variety of animal tissues, including invertebrate tissues, vertebrate tissues, serum, plasma, and urine. These include:

  • Measurement of 1080, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, coumatetralyl, diphacinone, flocoumafen, pindone, warfarin, and zinc phosphide in tissue.
  • Measurement of 1080, brodifacoum, warfarin in serum or plasma
  • Research on the persistence of pesticides in animal carcasses and potential secondary poisoning risks.
  • Tissue sampling and testing for vertebrate pesticides in animals.  When animals are found dead there may be a requirement to establish the cause of death, especially in situations where non-target species may have been exposed to vertebrate pesticides.  Samples can be taken and analysed for a number of vertebrate pesticides to establish a diagnosis of pesticide poisoning.