Fertility control of rodent pests

摘要: Ricefield rats (Rattus argentiventer) in south-east Asian rice fields and house mice (Mus domesticus) Australian grain are major pest species. They cause damage before after harvest carry zoonotic diseases. For both species, management techniques have been pursued using the approach of immunocontraceptive vaccination. We review results from a series enclosure field studies conducted with these species to assess effects fertility control small rodents. In experiments, was simulated by tubal ligation, ovariectomy or progesterone treatment. A once-off sterilisation 50–75% enclosed founder females considerably reduced reproductive output ricefield rat populations until end period. mice, similar success achieved when sterility level 67% female founders offspring maintained. Repeated antifertility treatments required because much longer breeding period versus rats. Comparing trials outcome simulation models suggests that partial compensation treatment can occur through enhanced reproduction remaining fertile improved survival juveniles. However, such compensatory as well behavioural consequences not likely prevent effect at population level. The challenge for effective rodents is wide-scale delivery an beginning season immigrants recruited into population, which otherwise contribute Future research efforts should focus on species-specific agents be effectively delivered via bait.