Criticism over rodenticide review delays as study finds poison in northern quolls

Native marsupials have been found with up to four types of rat bait poisons in their system as the federal regulator misses another deadline for its draft decision on potential restrictions.

Anticoagulant-based rat baits were first nominated for review in 2015, and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinarian Medicines Authority (APVMA) began its review in January 2022.

In that time the baits have been found in native animal species all over the country that ingest the toxins when they consume already-poisoned rodents.

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), like Ratsak, are readily available on supermarket shelves and are commonly used by people targeting rat and mouse infestations.

Endangered quolls battle baits

Curtin University research fellow Judy Dunlop is studying