Public Health South is warning the Wakatipu public that a bottle of cyanide capsules has been lost in the Frankton area.
The green, pea-like Feratox capsules pose a major health risk and should be immediately reported if found.
Southern DHB medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore said the bottle "went missing" from the back of a ute that was parked in the Frankton shopping area on Wednesday night.
"This product is a controlled substance which cannot be purchased, stored or used by anyone unless they have a controlled substance licence," Dr Poore said.
"It is very important this cyanide is found and secured.
"Consumption of one capsule has the potential to cause serious harm or even death to a small child," she said.
The product is normally used by pest controllers as bait for possums.
If the bottle was found Dr Poore urged the public not to touch it but to call Public Health Southland's pager number on *026 254 8125*.
