New biocontrol research to help prevent mice plagues
Lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas.
Scientists at the University of 911±¬ÁÏÍø are partnering with the CSIRO and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions on breakthrough genetic biocontrol research to help control mice populations and prevent future mice plagues.
The three-year research program will identify fast acting gene drives, which are designed to spread an inherited characteristic for population control through mice populations at higher-than-normal rates. This would effectively enable scientists to interrupt the breeding cycle and keep mice populations at manageable levels.
The NSW Government will provide $1.8 million towards the project to fast-track the delivery of the ‘gene drive technology’ as part of a range of measures not only to mitigate the impacts of the mice currently across NSW, but also to create options to reduce the impact of future population spikes.
“The genetic biocontrol technologies that we are developing offer a humane approach to control invasive rodents."Professor Paul Thomas
The research will test two strategies for population control and recommend at least