Investigation of alternative baits for rabbit control, and the examination of the distribution and longevity of 1080 in One-shot oats

摘要

European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), can have ansignificant impact upon agricultural production and on thenbiodiversity of natural ecosystems (Williams et al. 1995).nStrategic baiting campaigns with baits containing 1080npoison (sodium monofluoroacetate) form an importantncomponent of most strategies for reducing the detrimentalnimpacts of rabbits. In fact, over the last 30–40 years, the usenof 1080 has under-pinned most vertebrate pest-controlnprograms in Australia and New Zealand (Seawright andnEason 1994; Saunders et al. 1995; Williams et al. 1995).nRabbit haemorrhagic disease, together with the continuednimpact of the myxoma virus, Myxomatosis cuniculi, onnrabbit populations, are also important components ofnrabbit-management strategies in Australia. However,nbecause biological control agents alone are unlikely to formna successful long-term pest-management strategy, there is anvery real on-going need for reliable and acceptable chemicalncontrol options to be available for use in managementnprograms aimed at reducing the impacts of rabbits.