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Laboratory evaluation of WBA 8119 as a rodenticide for use against warfarin-resistant and non-resistant rats and mice
Abstract:
Feeding tests were carried out in the laboratory to evaluate WBA 8119 as a potential new rodenticide against wild common rats (Rattus norvegicus), ship rats (R. rattus) and house mice (Mus musculus). The results obtained are compared with data previously obtained for difenacoum, another member of the same series of 4-hydroxycoumarin anticoagulants. With warfarin-resistnat and non-resistant common rats, complete kills were obtained using a concentration of 0-0005% for 2 days, or 0-001% for 1 day: a 1-day test at 0-0005% killed 6 out of 10 and 17 out of 20 of the two types respectively. At 0-0005% complete kills of resistant ship rats were obtained after 2 days exposure and of resistant house mice after 1 day, but at 0-002% for 2 days there was some survival. Non-resistant ship rats and house mice were all killed after 2 days feeding on 0-002% bait. In 2-day palatability tests, R. norvegicus showed no significant aversion to the poison at 0-002% and 100% mortality was obtained. The poison was significantly unpalatable to R. rattus at 0-005% and to M. musculus at 0-005% and 0-002%, although with the last species these concentrations gave complete kills. It is concluded that WBA 8119 has greater activity than other known anticoagulants against the three commensal species examined. The laboratory results suggest that concentrations between 0-0005% and 0-002% would be suitable for field use against common rats, and between 0-002% and 0-005% for ship rats and house mice.
Insights
WBA 8119 demonstrates high efficacy as a novel rodenticide, achieving complete kills in common rats, ship rats, and house mice. This anticoagulant shows greater activity than existing options, suggesting effective field application concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Pest Management
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Entomology
Background:
- Rodent control is crucial for public health and agriculture.
- Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used but face resistance issues.
- Evaluating new compounds like WBA 8119 is essential for effective pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of WBA 8119 as a potential rodenticide.
- To compare WBA 8119's performance against common rats, ship rats, and house mice with difenacoum.
- To determine optimal concentrations for field application.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory feeding tests were conducted on Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus.
- Various concentrations and exposure durations of WBA 8119 were tested.
- Palatability tests were performed to assess bait acceptance.
Main Results:
- WBA 8119 achieved complete kills in warfarin-resistant and non-resistant rats at low concentrations (0.0005% for 2 days or 0.001% for 1 day).
- Complete kills were observed in resistant ship rats and house mice at 0.0005% and 0.001% respectively, though some survival occurred at higher concentrations (0.002% for 2 days).
- R. norvegicus showed no aversion to 0.002% WBA 8119, while R. rattus and M. musculus exhibited unpalatability at 0.005% and 0.002-0.005% respectively, despite complete mortality.
Conclusions:
- WBA 8119 exhibits superior activity against Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus compared to other anticoagulants.
- Recommended field concentrations are 0.0005%-0.002% for common rats and 0.002%-0.005% for ship rats and house mice.
- WBA 8119 represents a promising new tool for rodent control, with potential for managing anticoagulant-resistant populations.
