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).
Nematode dye injected
Dye being injected into a nematode worm.
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
AgResearch scientists Dr Doug Eckery and Dr Warwick Grant are investigating modifying a parasite worm so that it can make possums infertile. Here they explain some of the regulations that control this research.
Researching biological control of possums: The ethics
Dr Doug Eckery from AgResearch talks about the ethics of using animals in scientific research.
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.
