Technical highlights - Department of Primary Industries ...

Part 4 Research services
33. Pest management chemistry
Project dates
Ongoing
Project leader
Lesley Ruddle
Health and Food Sciences Precinct
Tel: (07) 3276 6112
Email: lesley.ruddle@deedi.qld.gov.au
Other staff in 2010–11
Alyson Weier and Emily Strong
Objectives
• Provide advice on the use, impact
and environmental toxicology of
vertebrate pesticides and herbicides to
support their effective and responsible
use to manage pest animal and weed
populations.
• Manufacture and monitor the quality
of chemical pest control products
used to manage pest animal and weed
populations.
• Undertake chemical ecology research
and analysis on pest populations.
Rationale
This project provides chemistry services
as required to science, policy and
operational activities within Biosecurity
Queensland’s Invasive Plants and
Animals program.
Methods
We provide chemical advice and support
to pest management in Queensland
and undertake toxicological and
ecotoxicological investigations relating
to the use of vertebrate pesticides using
the laboratory and formulation facilities
at the Health and Food Sciences Precinct
at Coopers Plains.
We carry out tests using appropriate
methodology dictated by the client and
the research direction. The laboratory
operates within a quality assurance
framework and maintains analytical
methods for a range of vertebrate
pesticide and herbicide formulations.
Progress in 2010–11
Ecotoxicology
We completed determinations of 1080
(sodium fluoroacetate) residues in 70
fox baits for the Tasmanian Government
Department of Primary Industries, Parks,
Water and Environment for input into
a model describing the degradation of
1080 baits in the environment. Further
analyses will continue in 2011–12.
Forensic toxicology
Over the year, our laboratory performed
80 investigations relating to possible
fluoroacetate poisoning, 43 relating
to possible strychnine poisoning,
32 relating to possible anticoagulant
poisoning and 5 relating to possible
metaldehyde (molluscicide) poisoning.
Most investigations related to domestic
dogs and cats, but some involved
wildlife (macropods). Our laboratory also
conducted total iodine analysis on
17 samples relating to animal health.
Formulation chemistry
During the year our formulation
facility produced 840 L of 1080 pig bait
(36 g L –1 ) solution in accordance with
the upcoming APVMA registration.
The department maintains a strong
testing program to ensure that sodium
fluoroacetate baiting in Queensland
meets agreed standards. Testing of
post-preparation sodium fluoroacetate
solutions and meat baits continued
throughout the year. Additional testing
of sodium fluoroacetate and rodenticide
formulations was undertaken for
industry.
We provided further concentration data
on a number of herbicide formulations
used in the control of invasive weeds.
Funding in 2010–11
• Land Protection Fund ($165 000)
• Queensland Government
• Fee for service ($24 000)
Part 4 Research services 75