Kanan Saxena

ABSTRACT

Difethialone, a second generation anticoagulant shows a very good efficacy against Indian Desert Gerbil, Meriones hurrianae, as seen in the preliminary toxicity tests performed. Biochemical studies in laboratory reveal that the administration of Difethialone (LD50) has significant toxic effects on the hepatic tissues of desert gerbils. Liver is the chief organ which metabolizes the rodenticide. Hence, different liver function tests were performed on liver residues at different intervals of days to analyse Difethialone toxicity. Also, the associated symptoms of poisoning were observed. A quick change in liver parameters with a very small dose resulting in higher mortality of gerbils was seen. Therefore, Difethialone emerges as a promising and comparatively cheaper substitute in rodent pest control.