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Biocontrol of rats in an urban environment in Southeast Asia using Sarcocystis singaporensis
Author(s) -
Jäkel Thomas,
Promkerd Prasartthong,
Sitthirath Rasmy,
Guedant Pierre,
Khoprasert Yuvaluk
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5335
Subject(s) - rodent , culling , biology , population , juvenile , rodent model , zoology , ecology , medicine , environmental health , endocrinology , herd
BACKGROUND Upon request of the local administration a control campaign targeting commensal rats ( Rattus rattus , R. exulans ) was conducted in 30 sub‐districts (villages) of the World Heritage town Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, using rat bait containing lethal quantities of the parasitic protist Sarcocystis singaporensis . The associated investigations assessed the short‐term control efficacy, willingness of residents to co‐operate (community approach), and temporal and spatial changes of the urban rat population in response to treatment. RESULTS Biological rodent control significantly reduced rodent activity (percentage of positive tracking patches) in the town, from a mean of 25.3% (±12.8% SD) before (January–February) down to 8.0% (±4.4%) after (June) treatment. Reduction of rodent activity relative to three untreated villages was 83%. Similarly, residents observed significantly fewer rats on their properties after the campaign (mean percentage of households (HHs) per village with sightings), whereby reduction of sightings amounted to 57%. There was significant correlation between residents' observation rates and rodent activity. Among 94 rats trapped before and after treatment each, proportions of adult R. exulans and juvenile R. rattus were higher after rodent control, suggesting that a considerable part of the adult house rat population had been removed. Furthermore, a 5% post‐campaign incidence of infection suggested that few rats had survived bait uptake. CONCLUSION S. singaporensis may be used successfully as tactical biocontrol agent for culling of rats in urban environments. We propose additional components of a long‐term rodent management strategy for the town, without which the impact of culling campaigns would be limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry