Efficacy and welfare assessment of an encapsulated para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) formulation as a bait-delivered toxicant for feral cats (Felis catus)
Michael Johnston
A , Dave Algar B , Michael O'Donoghue A , Jim Morris A , Tony Buckmaster C and Julie Quinn D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Scientec Research Pty Ltd, PO Box 122, Warrandyte, Vic. 3113, Australia.
B Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983, Australia.
C Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2614, Australia.
D Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: Julie.quinn@awe.gov.au
Wildlife Research 47(8) 686-697 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19171
Submitted: 20 September 2019 Accepted: 25 May 2020 Published: 1 July 2020
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2020 Open Access CC BY-NC
Abstract
Context: Feral cats are invasive predators of small and medium-sized fauna throughout Australia. The only broad-scale population-management technique for feral cats currently available in Australia is poison baiting. As poison baits for feral cats must be surface-laid, this can lead to the unintended exposure of non-target species consuming the baits. Encapsulation of a toxin within a robust, controlled-release pellet implanted within the meat lure (the combination of which is termed the Curiosity® bait) substantially reduces the potential risk to non-target species. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) has been shown to be an effective toxin to which cats are highly susceptible.
Aims: The present study aimed to measure the efficacy of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet on feral cats in a pen situation and to document the observed behaviours through the toxication process.
Methods: Pen trials with captive cats were undertaken to document efficacy of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet and to assess the behaviours during toxicosis. These behaviours inform an assessment of the humaneness associated with the Curiosity bait using a published relative humaneness model.
Key results: The trials demonstrated a 95% consumption of the toxic pellet and observed the pattern of behaviours exhibited during the intoxication process. There was a definitive delay in the onset of clinical signs and death followed at ~185 min after the first definitive sign. The humaneness using the relative humaneness model was scored at ‘mild suffering’.
Conclusions: The encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet for feral cats is effective. The feral cats display a range of behaviours through the toxication process, and these have been interpreted as mild suffering under the relative humaneness model.
Implications: The documented efficacy and behaviours of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet provides knowledge of how the PAPP toxin works on feral cats, which may assist in decision-making processes for conservation land managers controlling feral cats and whether to incorporate the use of the Curiosity® bait into existing management techniques.
Additional keywords: behaviour, conservation management, invasive species, pest management, threatened species, toxicology.
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