For more information, contact Jon Klingel, Conservation Services Division, NM Dept of Game and Fish. Section 7 consultation was in progress at that time, including leghold traps, snares, and M-44 devices. Direct mortality risk from zinc phosphide is low. However, damage may occur to kidney, lungs and liver. This is based on a physiological study done using Siberian ferrets.
Zinc phosphide is highly to extremely toxic to both mammals and birds.
All scavengers are at risk of primary poisoning and possibly secondary poisoning from zinc phosphide in meat baits. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Status Designations Notebook. Phoenix, AZ. 02 Schmitt, Greg. Nov. 7, 1995.