1. What does the Animal Health Board research?
Research undertaken by the Animal Health Board falls into five categories:
- Improving diagnostic procedures
- Investigating the use of toxins and their impact on the environment
- Investigating the spread and impact of bovine tuberculosis in various wildlife species
- Continuous improvement in the use of control tools such as toxins and traps
- Biological control.
2. Who does the research?
The Animal Health Board contracts a range of independent research organizations and universities for its research programme – mainly Landcare Research, AgResearch, Otago University, Lincoln University and Epicentre at Massey University.
3. How do we know the research is good?
The Animal Health Board has a technical advisory group (TAG) comprising nine independent individuals from a range of relevant disciplines and areas of expertise. At least two members review every project proposal and any final research reports to ensure that methodologies employed and results recorded are sound.
4. What research has the Animal Health Board done on 1080?
Research on1080 has been approached from two fronts:
First, to ensure that 1080’s managed use is safe and effective. For example, research into breakdown rates for various types of baits and impacts on non-target species and the environment.
Second, to search for alternative and equally effective tools which have the same or less non-target impacts. For example, over the last eight years the Board has invested in the development and testing of zinc phosphide which has similar characteristics to 1080 but with the major advantage that the secondary poisoning risk to dogs is virtually non-existent.
5. Will zinc phosphide replace 1080?
No. Initially zinc phosphide will only be registered for use on the ground. There is still no good replacement for the aerial application of 1080 for possum control operations in large, rugged and impenetrable areas.
6. Will there ever be a replacement for aerial application of 1080 or any other toxins for possum control?
There is potential in the long term to find an alternative to the aerial application of 1080. The Animal Health Board is currently involved in the National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol. If a biological control agent can be found that inhibits reproduction and is transmissible then this may be a viable and cost-effective option for possum control in those areas where aerial 1080 is currently used. However, proof of concept is yet to be achieved and it will be at least 10 years before field trials might occur.
Methods for controlling possums would no doubt change if possums were ever controlled to a level where they no longer posed a risk to the environment and to animal health as carriers of bovine TB.