Dear Department of Conservation,

As DOC was the co-applicant for the review and reassessment of the 2007 ERMA review, can you please provide the 1987 and 1989 papers for the 1080 test methods DOC chooses to use, accredited by IANZ and LAS. Please confirm if these testing methods are accurate when samples are not tested with urgency and are stored and/or frozen. Is there any mention of low recoveries under certain conditions and is 1080 adsorption to different materials referred to in any way?

The link to Landcare’s sampling protocols you provided for testing unmetabolised or detectable residues of 1080 says “Muscle is the best tissue to take, along with Stomach contents.” But you specifically stated in a previous response “The protocol for 1080 advises that muscle is the best tissue to take.” What peer-reviewed research can you back this up with?

What comparative studies has Landcare provided DOC for you to have a preference to provide muscle samples for testing residues of 1080 over other tissue types?

Are you aware of your own commissioned study that confirms muscle samples had the lowest concentration of 1080?

Environmental Impact and Post-Control Assessment on Rangitoto Island, after Possum and Wallaby Control.

“Possum stomachs contained the highest concentrations of 1080.”
“Significant concentrations were present in the livers of dead animals.”

Day 1
Concentration of 1080 ug/g

Stomach 9.1
Liver 1.5
Leg Muscle 0.5

Stomach 26.4
Liver 6.6
Leg Muscle 1.5

Stomach 18.1
Liver 3.7
Leg Muscle 0.9

Day 13
Concentration of 1080 ug/g

Stomach 13.3
Liver 1.8
Leg Muscle 2.3

Stomach 5.4
Liver 8.4
Leg Muscle 0.3

Stomach 2.0
Kidney 1.5
Leg Muscle 0.2

When looking at the above results, what sample type would be the best to provide for testing residues of 1080?

From the tissue samples DOC has forwarded for evidence of 1080 residues what percentage have been samples from stomach contents, liver, stomach, kidney, heart and muscle.

What percentages specifically relate to bird samples?

Please provide comparative test results from the Vertebrate Pesticide Residue database you maintain that show different sample types have been taken from the same animal. Please include the Toxicology Report numbers for reference.

Regards,

Claire Ogilwy