About Pindone and its uses
Pindone (full chemical name 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-1-oxopropyl)indane-1,3-dione) is an anticoagulant drug for agricultural use. Anticoagulant vertebrate toxic agents work by interfering with the activation of Vitamin K, a critical component in the production of blood clotting factors in the liver. They affect the blood, reducing the ability of blood to clot.
Originally developed for the control of rodents, Pindone is mainly used in New Zealand to manage pest populations of rabbits and possums.
Four different Pindone products are approved for use in New Zealand, which may be applied by 4 different methods.
Bait stations only:
- Pindone Rabbit Pellets (ACVM registration number V4110).
- Pindone Pellets Possum and Rat (ACVM registration number V4396).
Hand, broadcast, or aerial application:
- Pindone Rabbit Pellets (ACVM registration number V4110).
- Pindone RS5 Rabbit Pellets (ACVM registration number V4478).
Broadcast or aerial application only:
- Pindone Pellets Possum and Rat (ACVM registration number V4396).
Producing carrot and whole oat baits:
- Pindone Liquid Concentrate (ACVM registration number V4468).
The requirements for the use of Pindone products are detailed on the label and must be followed.
Requirements for using Pindone for pest control
The legal requirements for using Pindone-based products are specified in the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997.
- Certain Pindone products can only be sold to, or used by, a person holding an Approved Use for Pindone Certificate. If this is a requirement, it will be stated on the product label.
- All Pindone products must only be used as specified on the label.
- Bait stations must be used if this is a label requirement.
- If the product is applied aerially, public notification is required.
- Pindone baits must be isolated from children, pets, and livestock.
- Warning signs must be posted in public areas to notify members of the public that this product has been applied in the area.
- Users must comply with the conditions of registration for use, notification, signage, and storage. You can check registration conditions in the ACVM product register
- For Pindone Liquid Concentrate, tracking is required. This means the location and movement of the substance must be recorded at each stage of the lifecycle until it is applied to a food bait or disposed of in accordance with the controls of the approved substance.
Other requirements
Use of Pindone-containing products must also comply with relevant legislation administered by other government departments. Examples are WorkSafe and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs) – WorkSafe
Permission to use certain hazardous substances – EPA
How to obtain an MPI approval to use Pindone
You must apply to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for approval to use a Pindone product where this is stated as a requirement on the label. With your application, you must demonstrate:
- you are a ‘fit and proper’ person, include a completed Police vetting form (which is included in the Pindone handler application form), or a current Firearms Licence
- competency by including a current Pindone Training Certificate issued by a competent third-party training organisation.
The fee (that includes a Police vetting fee) to get approval is on the form.
Complete, sign, and date the Pindone handler application form [DOC, 754 KB]
Once these requirements are satisfied, an approval letter, which is valid for 5 years from the date of issue of the Pindone Training Certificate, is issued.
If you have any questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz
Keep pets and livestock away from Pindone
To prevent accidental poisoning, do not use Pindone in situations where either the toxic bait or carcasses might be accessible to pets.
If you see pets eating toxic bait, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
A veterinarian can administer Vitamin K1, which is an effective treatment, but it must be given in the early stages of poisoning.
If you think livestock have been exposed to Pindone, you should make an adverse events report.
How to report an adverse event for an ACVM product
Domestically produced food and chemical residues
All domestically produced food sold in New Zealand or intended for export must comply with the requirements in the MRL Food Notice [PDF, 779 KB]
It is an offence under the Food Notice to send animals that contain chemical residues above prescribed limits for slaughter.
Feral game: advice for hunters
Do not take game from the area for 2 months after treatment has ceased. Section 9 of our guidance document has further recommendations.
MPI guidance document: Certified suppliers and certified game estate suppliers of wild and game estate animals [PDF, 1.4 MB]
