Strategic baiting protocols for rodents in sugarcane : Final report STU033
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Date
2003
Authors
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Publisher
Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC)
Abstract
This research was undertaken to investigate the perceived problem of secondary
poisoning risk to avian predators associated with the use of rodenticides in the
Australian sugar industry. Although a minor component of the rodent integrated pest
management strategy and used at relatively low levels, there is widespread public
concern that their use can significantly impact raptor populations. At present, only
anecdotal evidence of secondary poisoning events occurring in raptor populations are
available and these relate to the use of Klerat® (active constituent: brodifacoum), a
now de-registered rodenticide.
Currently, two rodenticides are available for use in sugarcane crop, the acute toxicant
Rattoff® (active constituent: 2.5 % zinc phosphide) and the first generation
anticoagulant rodenticide Racumin® (active constituent: 0.037 % coumatetralyl).
While laboratory trials indicate that raptors have a high toxic threshold to these
rodenticides, trials conducted under laboratory conditions cannot reflect the complex
processes which lead to secondary poisoning events that occur in the field.
Given this, the objective of this project is to provide an ecologically-based field
assessment of the risks that the use of rodenticides pose to avian predators in
Australian sugarcane producing areas.
Description
Keywords
Strategic baiting, Rodents, Scholarships, Use of rodenticides, Rodent integrated pest management strategy, Risks that rodenticides pose to avian predators, Birds in sugarcane habitats, Rats in sugarcane habitat, Secondary poisoning risks, Baiting