This report provides a background on the application of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) – including second generation AR (SGAR) – to combat damage caused by rodents and the occurrence of AR in the Swiss environment. Three main aspects are covered: 1) a review of the literature on the topic; 2) development and validation of an analytical method for AR and the generation of limited screening data on liver AR concentrations in biota from the Swiss terrestric and aquatic environments; 3) surveys targeting professionals and experts concerning the application of AR in Switzerland and their possible effects.
Anticoagulant rodenticides are a group of compounds that inhibit blood coagulation. They are used in rodent baits with the aim to cause (delayed) death in rodents as a way to control rodent infestation. Due to their intrinsic properties, these compounds typically bioconcentrate and bioaccumulate along the food chain and the environment. [...]