Development of a contraceptive vaccine for the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): lack of effects in mice and chickens immunised with recombinant possum ZP3 protein and a possum ZP3 antifertility epitope

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine A. Duckworth ◽  
Xianlan Cui ◽  
Susie Scobie ◽  
Jane Arrow ◽  
Phil E. Cowan
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Eutherian Mammal ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Peptide Specificity ◽  
Contraceptive Vaccine ◽  
Bacterial Ghost ◽  
Species Specific

Zona pellucida fertility-control vaccines are being developed in New Zealand to control an introduced marsupial pest, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). In this study recombinant possum ZP3 protein (rZP3) and a possum ZP3 peptide (amino acids 334–361) (both known to block fertility in possums) were examined for their potential to induce species-specific, or at least marsupial-specific, infertility. Laboratory mice (a ‘model’ eutherian mammal species) and domestic chickens (a ‘model’ bird species) immunised with possum rZP3 or possum-infertility ZP3 peptide in Freund’s adjuvants showed no reduction in a range of parameters indicative of reproductive performance. The lack of contraceptive effects on mouse and chicken fertility is an encouraging result in terms of rZP3 and ZP3 peptide specificity, and these promising antigens are to be expressed in a bacterial ghost vaccine system for mucosal delivery to possums and the effects on possum fertility evaluated. Ultimately, a much wider range of non-target species will need to be screened and tested once the antigens have been successfully formulated in their final delivery vehicle.

Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in metropolitan Sydney: population biology and response to Suprelorin contraceptive implants

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eymann ◽  
D. W. Cooper ◽  
C. A. Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Contraceptive Implants ◽  
Over Time

The cohabitation of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with people in urban areas often causes conflict. Basic biological parameters are needed to evaluate potential new management options such as fertility control. This study investigated the biology of an urban brushtail possum population and the effects of Suprelorin contraceptive implants on individual females within that population. Trapping success remained constant over time, with 2.8 ± 0.2 individuals trapped per residential property. Recapture rates for males declined rapidly over time, with only 30% of males recaptured on the same property 12 months after initial capture (n = 30) and no males recaptured after 18 months (compared with female recapture rates of 58% after 18 months, n = 33). These data, combined with the preponderance of males observed within the lower age classes, suggests that male possum turnover is high within urban areas. This may be partially compensated for by the male-bias (1.8 : 1) observed in pouch young. Breeding was seasonal with the main peak of births in autumn, and a secondary smaller peak in spring. Suprelorin contraceptive treatment effectively inhibited reproduction in adult females for a minimum duration of 519 ± 7 (n = 5) and ≥700 ± 20 (n = 5) days after administration of one or two 4.7-mg implants, respectively, with no negative side-effects obvious. The concurrent collection of data on contraceptive efficacy and population-specific life-history parameters provides a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of understanding local population dynamics when evaluating the likely efficacy and implementation of fertility control programs to manage problem wildlife.

. Management issues of urban common brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula: a loved or hated neighbour.

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eymann ◽  
C. A. Herbert ◽  
D. W. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Management Issues

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) has readily adapted to the expanding urban settings of its native Australian environment. This has lead to conflict with humans due to T.�vulpecula?s seemingly bold behaviour in suburbia. Current management strategies encourage people to live harmoniously with possums. However, despite the cooperation of many residents, some object to this policy and illegally remove T.�vulpecula from their properties. Wildlife managers are seeking alternative management options that aim to reduce conflict with people. These include fertility control methods which may be used to adjust possum numbers in a publicly acceptable way. Nest boxes are frequently recommended as alternative den sites for T.�vulpecula which reside in man-made structures. The disease status of possums may alter the rationale for their management in urban areas, due to the potential consequences for humans, domestic animals and possum conservation. Understanding the biology and behaviour of T.�vulpecula can greatly enhance the ability to select and successfully utilise adequate methods and solve outstanding issues. As such, this paper aims to review the scientific knowledge on possum populations as well as urban possum management policies and potential management tools.

scholarly journals Preovulatory follicle development and ovulation in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) monitored by repeated laparoscopy

Reproduction ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Crawford ◽  
G. H. Shackell ◽  
E. G. Thompson ◽  
B. J. McLeod ◽  
P. R. Hurst
Keyword(s):  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Preovulatory Follicle

Response of wildlife to forest herbicide applications in northern coniferous ecosystems

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2286-2299 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.A. Lautenschlager
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammal ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Sampling Techniques ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Small Mammal Species ◽  
Coniferous Ecosystems

Reviewed studies of the effects of forest herbicide applications on wildlife often lacked replication, pretreatment information, and (or) were conducted for only one or two growing seasons after treatment. Because of these problems, as well as the use of dissimilar sampling techniques, study conclusions have sometimes been contradictory. A review of eight studies of the effects of herbicide treatments on northern songbird populations in regenerating clearcuts indicates that total songbird populations are seldom reduced during the growing season after treatment. Densities of species that use early successional brushy, deciduous cover are sometimes reduced, while densities of species which commonly use more open areas, sometimes increase. A review of 14 studies of the effects of herbicide treatments on small mammals indicates that like songbirds, small mammal responses are species specific. Some species are unaffected, while some select and others avoid herbicide-treated areas. Only studies that use kill or removal trapping to study small mammal responses show density reductions associated with herbicide treatment. It seems that some small mammal species may be reluctant to venture into disturbed areas, although residents in those areas are apparently not affected by the disturbance. Fourteen relevant studies examined the effects of conifer release treatments on moose and deer foods and habitat use. Conifer release treatments reduce the availability of moose browse for as long as four growing seasons after treatment. The degree of reduction during the growing season after treatment varies with the herbicide and rate used. Deer use of treated areas remains unchanged or increases during the first growing season after treatment. Eight years after treating a naturally regenerated spruce–fir stand browse was three to seven times more abundant on treated than on control plots (depending on the chemical and rate used). Forage quality (nitrogen, ash, and moisture) of crop trees increased one growing season after the soil-active herbicide simazine was applied to control competition around outplanted 3-year-old balsam fir seedlings.

Expression of the FcRn receptor (α and β) gene homologues in the intestine of suckling brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) pouch young

2003 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 707-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.H Western ◽  
D.C Eckery ◽  
J Demmer ◽  
J.L Juengel ◽  
K.P McNatty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula

scholarly journals In Vitro Hepatic Assessment of Cineole and Its Derivatives in Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Rodents

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1326
Author(s):  
Ravneel R. Chand ◽  
Mhairi Nimick ◽  
Belinda Cridge ◽  
Rhonda J. Rosengren
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Activity ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Cytochrome P450 3A ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Catalytic Activities ◽  
Rats And Mice ◽  
Drug Metabolising Enzymes

Folivore marsupials, such as brushtail possum (Trichosurus Vulpecula) and koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), can metabolise higher levels of dietary terpenes, such as cineole, that are toxic to eutherian mammals. While the highly efficient drug metabolising enzymes, cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and phase II conjugating enzymes (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, UGT), are involved in the metabolism of high levels of dietary terpenes, evidence for inhibitory actions on these enzymes by these terpenes is scant. Thus, this study investigated the effect of cineole and its derivatives on catalytic activities of hepatic CYP3A and UGT in mice, rats, and possums. Results showed that cineole (up to 50 µM) and its derivatives (up to 25 µM) did not significantly inhibit CYP3A and UGT activities in mice, rats, and possums (both in silico and in vitro). Interestingly, basal hepatic CYP3A catalytic activity in the possums was ~20% lower than that in rats and mice. In contrast, possums had ~2-fold higher UGT catalytic activity when compared to mice and rats. Thus, these basal enzymatic differences may be further exploited in future pest management strategies.

scholarly journals Ecology of a brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) population at Castlepoint in the Wairarapa, New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Jackson ◽  
D.U. Pfeiffe ◽  
T Porphyre ◽  
C Sauter-Louis ◽  
L.A.L. Corner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula
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