SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Field release of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus on bait material
Funding Source: NHT (Bureau of Rural Sciences)
Principal Investigator: Greg Mutze (SA Animal and Plant Control Group)
Duration: 2003-2006
Synopsis: This project will investigate the potential of bait delivery of RHD to influence the timing and effectiveness of RHD outbreaks and further enhance its effectiveness.

Bird control and damage: understanding the relationship
Funding Source, Collaborators: Bureau of Rural Sciences, Animal and Plant Control Group South Australia, Australasian Pest Bird Network
Principal Investigator(s): Ron Sinclair (Animal and Plant Control Group SA)
Duration: Completed
Synopsis: The value of Australia's wine industry is around $5 billion. Birds, particularly starlings, have a major impact on wine grape production and are a constant source of frustration for growers due to a lack of effective and economic control techniques. This project determined patterns in starling movements and activity and considered ways in which habitat can be manipulated to reduce starling impact.

Breeding ecology of starlings in vineyards and implications for management
Funding Source, Collaborators: Animal and Plant Control Group South Australia, University of Adelaide, Australasian Pest Bird Network
Principal Investigator(s): Tina Bentz (University of Adelaide, Pestat Ltd)
Duration: Completed