Possum biocontrol: Regulations controlling the research
Genetic modification of organisms is a very controversial issue in New Zealand. Regulatory controls have been developed to try to manage the risk of research using genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Researchers at AgResearch investigated ways to genetically modify a nematode worm so that it could be used to help control possum numbers. The worm is a common parasite in possums, but in its natural form does not harm the possum it lives in. For the research, the worm would be genetically modified so that it could produce a chemical which will make possums infertile.
Genetic modification of organisms
Genetic modification of organisms is a very controversial issue in New Zealand. Regulatory controls have been developed to try to manage the risk of research using genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Environmental Protection Authority is responsible for giving permission to develop genetically modified organisms. The public also need to be consulted before any genetically modified organisms can be released.
ERMA and possum biocontrol
There are strict laws that control this kind of research. First, permission to do the research must be given by ERMA (the Environmental Risk Management Authority). The researchers also only have permission to develop and use the worm in their facilities at Wallaceville.
Note: ERMA was disestablished in June 2011 and its functions incorporated into the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Researching biological control of possums: The ethics
The treatment of animals used in research is controlled by strict ethical guidelines, and AgResearch is proud that possums tend to live longer in their breeding facility than they would if they were out in the wild. Dr Doug Eckery talks more about the ethics of using animals in scientific research.
Controlling pest numbers is also an ethical issue. One of the advantages of using biocontrol to affect possum fertility is that it will be more humane than poisoning or trapping is.
End of the projects
Significant research effort and resources were put into possum contraceptive vaccines and hormone toxins. Funding for the projects finished in September 2010, partly due to risks associated with the biocontrol agents and controversy over genetic engineering.
