Zinc phosphide intoxication of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) is a rodenticide used to control a variety of small mammal species. It is available over-the-counter or as a restricted-use pesticide depending on how it is to be applied. The toxicity of Zn₃P₂is dependent on the species exposed, whether the animal is able to vomit or not, and whether it is ingested on a full or empty stomach. Non-target species can be exposed through inadvertent or intentional product misapplication. In this article we describe four mortality events in which wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were believed to have been intoxicated following the ingestion of baits containing Zn₃P₂.