Effect of pre-feeding and sodium fluoroacetate (1080) concentration on bait acceptance by house mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Fisher ◽  
A. Airey ◽  
S. Brown
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Wild Mouse ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Wild Mice ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Variable Success ◽  
Feed Effect ◽  
Toxic Food

Context. In New Zealand, the aerial application of toxic baits containing sodium fluoroacetate (1080) can consistently achieve significant reductions in populations of multiple vertebrate pest species including brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and stoats (Mustela erminea). Reductions in house mouse (Mus musculus) populations by 1080 baiting appear less consistent, possibly due to low acceptance of 1080 bait by mice in field conditions. Aims. We tested the effect of pre-feeding and 1080 concentration on the acceptance of pellet food by mice. Methods. Wild-caught mice were individually housed and presented with a series of two-choice laboratory feeding tests, using estimates of the daily amount eaten to indicate relative acceptance of different types of pellet food. Key results. Pre-feeding mice on non-toxic food did not increase their subsequent acceptance of the same food containing 0.15% 1080. Mice showed low acceptance of food containing 0.08 and 0.15% 1080 (by weight), with similar mortality (25%). Acceptance of food containing 1.5% 1080 was also very low in comparison with non-toxic food, although mortality in mice was higher (~66%). In comparison with other concentrations, mice ate comparatively more of food containing 0.001% 1080 with no mortality, although the non-toxic food was still significantly favoured. Presentation of a choice between non-toxic food and food containing 0.08, 0.15 or 1.5% 1080 to mice was followed by a significant decrease in average total daily food intake over the following 2 days. In surviving mice this ‘drop feed’ effect was followed by an increase in average daily intake of non-toxic food over the next 3 days until normal daily intake levels were again reached. Conclusions. We suggest that wild mice can rapidly identify food containing 1080 and subsequently will avoid it. Implications. This feeding response partly explains the variable success of 1080 baiting operations against wild mouse populations (M. musculus) in New Zealand.

A systematic approach to evaluating and ranking the relative animal welfare impacts of wildlife control methods: poisons used for lethal control of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. Beausoleil ◽  
P. Fisher ◽  
K. E. Littin ◽  
B. Warburton ◽  
D. J. Mellor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Welfare Impacts ◽  
Wildlife Control ◽  
Management Decision Making

Context Control of unwanted wildlife (‘pest’ animals) is undertaken for conservation and economic reasons, and when such animals are considered a nuisance. Such control should be undertaken using approaches that minimise, as far as possible, detrimental impacts on the welfare of the animals. Using a scientific framework based on the Five Domains model, the relative welfare impacts of pest control methods can be compared across methods and pest species. Aims We demonstrate the application of a modified version of this framework to evaluate the relative impacts of seven Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) used to control brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. The evaluation is used to produce a ranking of the seven VTAs based on their relative impacts on possum welfare. Methods Scientific literature describing mode of toxic action, specific effects in possums or other animals and reports from human poisonings was collated as reference material for a panel of six experts. The panel produced a median welfare impact score (‘none’ to ‘extreme’) for each of the Five Domains. The ‘Overall Grade’ (1 to 8) reflected the intensity and duration of all impacts of a VTA on possums. Key results All VTAs evaluated have at least moderate impacts on possum welfare, lasting for at least minutes. Cyanide was assessed as having the lowest welfare impacts (median grade 4), and cholecalciferol and the anticoagulants the highest impacts (7.5 to 8). Zinc phosphide was assigned an intermediate grade (6) with high confidence. While the overall impacts of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and phosphorus were also assessed as intermediate (6), the panel’s confidence in these scores was low. Conclusions From an animal welfare perspective, anticoagulant poisons and cholecalciferol should be the least preferred options for controlling possums in New Zealand, as VTAs with less severe welfare impacts are available. Implications The results of such assessments allow animal welfare impacts to be integrated with other factors in wildlife management decision-making and policy development, and are thus useful for managers, researchers, regulators and operators. Evaluation of welfare impacts aligns with the goals and mandates of ethical wildlife control and may also be valuable in wider wildlife research and management activities.

scholarly journals Towards the development of a chemical lure to improve the management of invading rat populations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Grace Laura Paske
Keyword(s):  
Recombinant Dna ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Recombinant Dna Technology ◽  
Major Urinary Protein ◽  
Rat Urine ◽  
Ship Rat ◽  
Volatile Attractants ◽  
Behavioral Trials

<p>Introduced species, such as Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus,have contributed to the extinction of many native animals and plants in New Zealand(NZ). Current strategies exist to monitor, manage and eradicate pest species. However, these haven’t always been completely successful and tools to detect small or invading densities remain to be developed. One possible new method to address this problem is the application of chemical attractants (lures). Recently, a major urinary protein (MUP) has been shown in male miceto act as a sexual attractant. MUPs modulate the release of volatile attractants and have potential to act as attractants themselves. Our aim was to determine if a similar MUP(s) and associated volatiles are present in the urine of rats, with the prospect of creating a chemical lure to use in rat detection and eradication. Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, potential volatiles in rat urine have been identified. Analysis of rat urine by gel electrophoresis has shown MUPs present in both sexes. A 22.4 kDa MUP in Rattus norvegicushas been synthesised and expressed in E.coliusing recombinant DNA technology. Preliminary steps have been made towards the production of a MUP based on ship rat DNA sequence. Future behavioral trials are needed to investigate whether the synthesised protein, in the presence or absence of the urinary-derived volatiles, is a sexual attractant.</p>

INSECTS INFESTING PASTURES IN NEW ZEALAND

1949 ◽  
pp. 241-252
Author(s):  
L.J. Dumbleton
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Relative Importance

Grassland farming is the basis of our primary production and insetit pests constitute one of the factors which limit or decrease that production. A survey of the relative importance of different pest species and of the means available for their control should serve a useful purpose. Such a stocktaking will help in comparing the pasture pest situation in New Zealand with that in other countries, and in indicating some of the overseas pests whose accidental establishment in New Zealand could be potentially very serious.

scholarly journals Identification of Rodent Species That Infest Poultry Houses in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsepo Ramatla ◽  
Nthabiseng Mphuthi ◽  
Kutswa Gofaone ◽  
Moeti O. Taioe ◽  
Oriel M. M. Thekisoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Food Contamination ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Cyt B ◽  
North West ◽  
Rattus Tanezumi ◽  
Poultry Farms ◽  
North West Province

Rodents cause serious adverse effects on farm production due to destruction of food, contamination of feed, and circulation of diseases. The extent of damage or the diseases spread will depend on the type of rodents that invade the farm. This study was conducted in order to find out the species of rodents that infest poultry farms around Mafikeng, North West Province of South Africa. The study was part of a broader project that was investigating Salmonella vectors in the poultry farms around the province. The study trapped 154 rodents from selected farms and used the Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) barcoding genes for species identification. Two rodent pest species, namely, Rattus rattus (the black rat) and Rattus tanezumi (the Asian Rat/Asian House Rat) were identified. A total of 99 (64.3%) were identified as Rattus rattus and 55 (35.7%) were Rattus tanezumi. Between the two target genes, Cyt-b gene was only able to identify 40 (25.97%) of the total samples while COI was more efficient and amplified all the samples and thus was a better target gene for this kind of identification. The two rat species identified are known vectors of serious diseases; thus their presence should be regarded as an indication of high risk for diseases. Despite having been detected in the country before, finding R. tanezumi as the second largest rat species in the area was unexpected since this species is known to be indigenous to Asia.

Urban cat (Felis catus) movement and predation activity associated with a wetland reserve in New Zealand

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 574 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Morgan ◽  
C. M. Hansen ◽  
J. G. Ross ◽  
G. J. Hickling ◽  
S. C. Ogilvie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Hunting Activity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Prey Items

Context. House cats are increasingly suggested as having major ecological impacts in semiurban environments. Information on the activity of house cats is relatively scarce, especially in habitats such as wetlands. Aims. This study examines the movement and foraging behaviour of house cats living on the periphery of a wetland reserve in Christchurch city, New Zealand. Methods. Twenty-one domestic cats living in a suburban residential area were studied using radiotelemetry to determine home-range size, mean and maximum distances travelled into the adjacent wetland, and the proportion of time spent in the wetland over a 12-month period. Surveys of prey retrieval for 88 cats were also carried out by cat owners over the same 12-month period. Key results. Cat age and the distance of the cat’s home from the periphery of the wetland were highly correlated with cat movement and hunting activity. These movements were not markedly influenced by season or time of day. Younger cats (<6 years of age) living on the periphery of the wetland had larger home-range sizes, moved significantly further into the wetland and spent a significantly greater proportion of time in the wetland. Cats living close to the wetland also brought a greater diversity and a greater total number of prey items to their home-site. Rates of predation were not significantly influenced by sex or whether the cat was wearing a bell. The most common prey items were introduced rodents and birds; however, 172 of 981 prey items were identified as a native common skink. Conclusions.Consequently, cats living in households on the wetland periphery currently pose a predation risk for the wetland species, and the impact of cats on the native skink population warrants further investigation. Implications. This study suggests that domestic cats will exploit wild habitats but that their potential impact will have both positive (predation of introduced pest species) and negative (occasional direct predation) effects on native wildlife.

scholarly journals The successful eradication of introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island using diphacinone, followed by an irruption of house mice (Mus musculus)

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Witmer ◽  
Frank Boyd ◽  
Zandy Hillis-Starr
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
National Monument ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Bait Stations

The United States National Park Service and the United States Wildlife Services made a planned and sustained effort to eradicate the introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island Reef National Monument in the Caribbean Sea during 1998–2000. The rats were causing substantial damage to a variety of the 80-ha island’s floral and faunal resources. An island-wide grid of elevated bait stations containing anticoagulant (0.005% diphacinone; 50 ppm) rodenticide bait blocks were used to eradicate the rats. The bait stations were modified several times to assure ready access by rats while minimising access by non-target animals, especially crabs and birds. Numerous post-project trapping sessions over six years resulted in no rat captures, suggesting that, indeed, the rats had been eradicated from the island. No non-target losses resulting from the baiting program were observed by field personnel, but they noted what appeared to be a recovery of some of the island’s floral and faunal resources. There have been no depredations of endangered sea turtle nests since the eradication. Post-project monitoring sessions revealed the presence of a growing house mouse (Mus musculus) population on the island. The threats posed by, and potential management strategies for, this introduced pest species are being investigated. This is the first successful rat eradication on a sizable island, using diphacinone bait blocks with a unique, elevated bait-station system. Diphacinone can provide an alternative to the highly toxic brodifacoum and may help reduce non-target hazards in some situations, although several applications are generally required.

scholarly journals Development of a method to reduce the spread of the ascidian Didemnum vexillum with aquaculture transfers

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 805-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Denny
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Didemnum Vexillum ◽  
Colonial Ascidian ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Perna Canaliculus ◽  
Aquaculture Industry

Abstract Denny, C. M. 2008. Development of a method to reduce the spread of the ascidian Didemnum vexillum with aquaculture transfers. – ICES Journal of marine Science, 65: 805–810. The colonial ascidian Didemnum vexillum was discovered in Shakespeare Bay (New Zealand) in 2001 and now poses a serious threat to the aquaculture industry. I assess several techniques to eliminate Didemnum from Greenshell™ seed-mussels (Perna canaliculus) in order to reduce the spread of the pest species with aquaculture transfers. Simple approaches based on fresh-water immersion proved ineffective or impractical in controlling Didemnum, so different chemical treatments were evaluated. Initial trials were conducted using acetic acid at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10% for a range of exposure times. However, at concentrations or exposure times tolerated by seed-mussels, Didemnum colonies survived with, on average, ∼80% mortality. These results led to the testing of other chemicals, and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) was identified as a potential candidate. It was determined that dipping Didemnum in a 0.5% solution of bleach for 2 min was a 100% effective method of treatment that also left seed-mussels relatively unaffected.

Now that we have our pest-proof fence, are we safe or trapped?

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Parks ◽  
Kyle Clifton ◽  
Lauren Best ◽  
Bridget Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
The Other ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Free Status

PEST-PROOF (exclusion) fences are designed to prevent non-native, predatory and pest species from repopulating an area set aside to protect vulnerable native plant and animal species. Pest-proof fencing provides security from invasive species, but can isolate the native species enclosed within. On one hand, some rare native species exist on the mainland due to the pest-free status achieved through the use of exclusion fences. On the other hand, these reintroduced populations are now isolated a situation where they would not be found naturally (Jamieson et al. 2006). Exclusion fences must be constantly maintained or the sanctuary risks reinvasion. An important question for conservation biologists and managers to answer is therefore — when is exclusion fencing the best option for protecting native species from introduced pests? We have drawn our examples from New Zealand and Australia where progress has been made with regard to the design and utilization of exclusion fences.

scholarly journals Metagenomic discovery and co-infection of diverse wobbly possum disease viruses and a novel hepacivirus in Australian brushtail possums

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Shan Chang ◽  
John-Sebastian Eden ◽  
William J. Hartley ◽  
Mang Shi ◽  
Karrie Rose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Disease Virus ◽  
One Health ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Abnormal Gait ◽  
Viral Aetiology ◽  
Introduced Pest ◽  
The Face ◽  
Case Diagnosis ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are an introduced pest species in New Zealand, but native to Australia where they are protected for biodiversity conservation. Wobbly possum disease (WPD) is a fatal neurological disease of Australian brushtail possums described in New Zealand populations that has been associated with infection by the arterivirus (Arteriviridae) wobbly possum disease virus (WPDV-NZ). Clinically, WPD-infected possums present with chronic meningoencephalitis, choroiditis and multifocal neurological symptoms including ataxia, incoordination, and abnormal gait. Methods We conducted a retrospective investigation to characterise WPD in native Australian brushtail possums, and used a bulk meta-transcriptomic approach (i.e. total RNA-sequencing) to investigate its potential viral aetiology. PCR assays were developed for case diagnosis and full genome recovery in the face of extensive genetic variation. Results We identified genetically distinct lineages of arteriviruses from archival tissues of WPD-infected possums in Australia, termed wobbly possum disease virus AU1 and AU2. Phylogenetically, WPDV-AU1 and WPDV-AU2 shared only ~ 70% nucleotide similarity to each other and the WPDV-NZ strain, suggestive of a relatively ancient divergence. Notably, we also identified a novel and divergent hepacivirus (Flaviviridae) - the first in a marsupial - in both WPD-infected and uninfected possums, indicative of virus co-infection. Conclusions We have identified marsupial-specific lineages of arteriviruses in mainland Australia that are genetically distinct from that in New Zealand, in some cases co-infecting animals with a novel hepacivirus. Our study provides new insight into the hidden genetic diversity of arteriviruses, the capacity for virus co-infection, and highlights the utility of meta-transcriptomics for disease investigation in a One Health context.

scholarly journals Computational Methods for the Identification of Molecular Targets of Toxic Food Additives. Butylated Hydroxytoluene as a Case Study

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 2229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Tortosa ◽  
Valentina Pietropaolo ◽  
Valentina Brandi ◽  
Gabriele Macari ◽  
Andrea Pasquadibisceglie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computational Methods ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Butylated Hydroxytoluene ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Ligand Interactions ◽  
Toxic Food

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is one of the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and petrochemical products. BHT is considered safe for human health; however, its widespread use together with the potential toxicological effects have increased consumers concern about the use of this synthetic food additive. In addition, the estimated daily intake of BHT has been demonstrated to exceed the recommended acceptable threshold. In the present work, using BHT as a case study, the usefulness of computational techniques, such as reverse screening and molecular docking, in identifying protein–ligand interactions of food additives at the bases of their toxicological effects has been probed. The computational methods here employed have been useful for the identification of several potential unknown targets of BHT, suggesting a possible explanation for its toxic effects. In silico analyses can be employed to identify new macromolecular targets of synthetic food additives and to explore their functional mechanisms or side effects. Noteworthy, this could be important for the cases in which there is an evident lack of experimental studies, as is the case for BHT.

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