Investigation of biological samples for monofluoroacetate and Dichapetalum cymosum poisoning in southern Africa.

Abstract

A need has existed for the accurate identification of monofluoroacetate (MFA) poisoning in southern Africa. The development of a new method for the determination of MFA has made the analysis of a variety of biological samples (n = 50) feasible. The method has been used in the laboratory over 24 months. Monofluoroacetate was present in 66% of samples from cases of suspected poisoning, reflecting the extent of the problem. Stability of MFA in samples was also determined so as to have a time-bound baseline for the acceptance of samples submitted. It was found that there was a decrease in the level of MFA and, after 14 days at room temperature, only 50% of the spiked dose could be identified. It is suggested that samples be analyzed within 7 days of mortality if they not kept frozen.

• Authors: P P Minnaar, R I McCrindle, T W Naudé, C J Botha
• Journal: The Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research (Onderstepoort J Vet Res) Vol. 67 Issue 1 Pg. 27-30 (Mar 2000) ISSN: 0030-2465 [Print] South Africa
• PMID: 10843319 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Fluoroacetates
• Rodenticides
• fluoroacetic acid

Topics

• Animal Diseases (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Animals
• Cats
• Cattle
• Chromatography, Liquid (methods)
• Dogs
• Drug Stability
• Fluoroacetates (analysis, poisoning)
• Humans
• Plant Poisoning (diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Rodenticides (analysis, poisoning)
• South Africa (epidemiology)
• Tissue Distribution