The claim
An image circulating on social media purportedly shows the new mouse and rat poison alpha-chloralose, described by many as a "filler" or "cotton candy."
Our conclusion
No, the image shows a difficult to identify substance, identified by some as poplar seeds and by others as a synthetic substance. It is certain that this “filler” or “cotton candy” is not the rat poison in question. The exact origin of the image is unclear due to its frequent distribution.
Misinformation can easily spread in the ever-changing social media landscape. One of the most recent warnings relates to a “new” poison for mice and rats called alpha-chloralosis. But what is really behind it?
The origin of the warning
The image circulating on social media shows a difficult-to-identify substance described by many users as the new mouse and rat poison in question and referred to as "filler" or "cotton candy."
Alpha-chloralose is a new poison that is used to combat mice and rats."
While some suggest that the substance pictured could be poplar seeds, others identify it as a synthetic material. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: the material referred to as “cotton candy” or “filler” is not the often mentioned “new” rat poison. The reason: Alpha-chloralose presents itself as a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol. It can also exist as a paste or in ball form, often combined with other ingredients such as flour. Despite the image's widespread distribution on social media, its exact origins remain uncertain.
What is Alpha Chloralose?
Alpha-chloralose is a rodenticide used to control rodents. The substance, which contains both chloral hydrate and glucose, has a sweet taste that attracts rodents. Chloral hydrate has a calming effect and slows metabolism, disrupting the body's temperature regulation. Use is only permitted in closed rooms and under specific conditions. But this is often where the challenge lies - due to its free availability, it is sometimes used outdoors improperly. This increases the risk of it being accidentally ingested by cats, dogs or wild animals.
Although some reports claim that it is a “new” poison, alpha-chloralose has been approved in the EU since 2011 and has been used increasingly in Germany since 2018.
Please refer:
| active ingredient | EC no. | CAS no. | Admission regulated by | Time of approval | Approval limited until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Alpha-)Chloralose | 240-016-7 | 15879-93-3 | 2009/93/EC (PDF file, 717 KB) Amendment: 2021/333 (PDF file, 501 KB) Amendment: 2023/2378 (PDF file, 444 KB) | 01.07.2011 | 30.06.2021 Extension until June 30, 2026 |
The approval of alpha-chloralose is regulated within the European Union, and applications for approval extensions have already been submitted. The approval for use in biocidal products in product category 14 ended on June 30, 2021, but an application for an extension of the approval was submitted 1 . It appears that products from other companies containing the active ingredient alpha-chloralose and based on a different approval remain commercially available 2 .
The legislature is aware of the risks posed by mouse bait containing the active ingredient alpha-chloralose and has permitted its use subject to certain conditions 3 . In addition, the authorization of the biocidal product family Alpha-Chloralose Grain under Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council was mentioned, although there are unresolved objections from France and Sweden to the conditions of authorization 4 .
Dangers to pets
Dogs and cats that roam outdoors in particular can come into contact with the poison. Symptoms of poisoning vary but are often serious:
- Seizures and muscle tremors : These are often the first signs of poisoning.
- Drowsiness or even coma : The animals may appear apathetic or no longer perceive their surroundings.
- Undertemperature : The disturbed temperature balance can lead to dangerous hypothermia.
- Breathing problems : In severe cases, respiratory failure may occur.
Note: When taken orally, alpha-chloralose can be fatal without treatment. The risk of poisoning exists both through direct ingestion of the bait and indirectly through consumption of mice that have already been poisoned.
What to do if poisoning is suspected?
If you suspect your animal has been poisoned, act immediately:
- See a veterinarian : When it comes to poisoning, every minute counts.
- Do not try to make your animal vomit : this may make the situation worse.
- Have a sample of the poison on hand : If possible, take a sample of the suspect material with you to the vet.
- Educate yourself : Know the dangers in your environment and be sure to store toxins safely.
Overview:
- Form and appearance : Alpha-chloralose is described as a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol, and can also be in the form of a paste or balls, often mixed with other substances such as flour 1 2 3 .
- Effect : Alpha-chloralose has a narcotic effect, slows metabolism and leads to hypothermia and death in rodents 4 .
- Availability : There is evidence that alpha-chloralose is available over the counter in some regions, while restrictions apply in other regions 5 6 7 .
- Dangers to Pets : The statement emphasizes the dangers of alpha-chloralose for dogs and cats, which is consistent with the information found 8 9 .
- Treatment : It is said that there is no specific antivenom and the treatment is symptomatic, which is consistent with the information that therapy consists of decontamination and symptomatic relief 10 .
Conclusion
Just because the rodenticide alpha-chloralose tastes sweet, it doesn't necessarily have to look like “cotton candy,” as the viral image suggests. The exact origin of the image and what it represents remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that alpha-chloralose was approved in the EU in 2011 and has been used in Germany since 2018. Pets that are outdoors could be at significant risk from this poison.
Sources:
- Vetline.de
- BPT-TVT information sheet alpha-chloralose (March 2022)
- Austrian animal protection association
- Helpdesk
- Peta
- Pet Doctors
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Also read: Chocolate poisoning in dogs and cats!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )