An evaluation of two longlife baits containing diphacinone for the control of ferrets (Mustela furo)

Two longlife baits (gel and polymer) were developed by PestTech Ltd and tested on captive ferrets The palatability of both baits was significantly enhanced using natural animal extracts with extract palatability ranked in order of decreasing consumption as rabbitchicken>harerat>fish Final bait formulations (with animal extracts) ranked in order of decreasing consumption were gelpolymer>Pestofftrade; ferret paste The response of ferrets to gel bait containing diphacinone was highly variable with males significantly more susceptible than females Accordingly large doses of diphacinone will be required to kill most ferrets in the field In conclusion both gel and polymer baits were superior to Pestofftrade; ferret paste and have good potential for ferret control