Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) present an ongoing threat to New Zealand's environment and economy. Research into additional control techniques is vital to ensure that a variety of efficient tools are available to help achieve population suppression. Encapsulated sodium nitrite (NaNO 2 ) has been developed in New Zealand as a new toxin for possum and feral pig (Sus scrofa) control. Its toxic effects at high doses are mediated through the induction of methaemoglobinaemia, a condition in which the carrying capacity of oxygen in red blood cells is reduced. This study investigated the potential secondary poisoning risks associated with NaNO 2 . Secondary poisoning risks were assessed for dogs, cats and chickens in small-scale trials. Trial groups for each species consisted of two treatment groups with four individuals per group and one non-treatment group with two individuals. For 6 consecutive days, the treatment groups of dogs, cats and chickens were fed entire or partial carcasses from possums lethally poisoned with paste bait containing encapsulated NaNO 2 . Individuals in each group were observed continuously for 3 hours following each daily feeding and blood samples were taken from dogs and cats. Individuals were observed for obvious physiological signs of NaNO 2 poisoning and symptoms of methaemoglobinaemia specific to dogs, cats and chickens. None of the dogs, cats or chickens displayed any obvious physiological signs of poisoning or symptoms of methaemoglobinaemia. Blood chemistry and haematology parameters measured for dogs and cats were either within the range considered normal or when outside this range comparable levels were also recorded in the control group. No changes in histology relating to NaNO 2 intoxication were observed in dogs or cats after being fed carcasses, minced meat, vital organs or stomachs of possums poisoned with NaNO 2 . Therefore, the secondary poisoning risk appears to be minimal.
In this review, we focus on per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic compounds used for a variety of applications, including firefighting foam and manufacturing. Recently, researchers have linked human exposure to PFAS to negative health effects. Hundreds of communities are affected by PFAS contamination, which has raised awareness about the toxicity of these chemicals. Most work has focused on characterizing dangers to humans, and the effects of PFAS on the environment are under‐studied. PFAS contamination of surface water can result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification in fishes. Studies have linked PFAS to lower fitness in fishes, and anglers who consume wild fish can have higher exposure to PFAS compared to the general population. These chemicals remain largely unregulated and the public has been unaware of the extent of contamination and their risk to human health until recently. We review known PFAS contamination of wild‐caught fish, and their possible health risk through angler exposure in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. The conclusions and recommendations from the case study can be applied to and are useful for PFAS‐contaminated communities nationwide.
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