Rodent Research Project (University Of Reading)

[Emily C 0]

Hi all,

 

I'm Emily, I work in the Pest Control Unit at the University of Reading.

 

I was hoping to get some help from people involved in pest control. We need some rat tails collected from as many different sites, all over the UK, as possible.

 

Rodenticide resistance in rats seems to be on the rise with several different mutations of the resistance gene present throughout the UK. Unfortunately our knowledge of the exact distribution and composition of these resistant populations is limited, although we now have a good idea of the likely impact of the different mutations on treatment outcome.

 

As part of a research project at the University of Reading we have been trapping rats throughout the UK in order to obtain tissue samples which we can then use for DNA analysis to determine their exact resistance mutation, if present. We can then start to build up a distribution map of the resistance strains which are present in the UK.

 

Consequently, we would be very grateful if you or anyone you know would be able to help collect samples for us; we only require 2-3 samples from each site. I would be happy to send a brief description of how to collect the sample, and provide small vials to contain the samples. It is a very simple procedure, we only require the end of the tails to be cut off and put into a vial containing % ethanol and stored in a freezer until they can be posted to us.

 

When we complete the DNA analysis you are welcome to the results. We regularly get resistant strains, and because of the limited use of available and effective poisons for these resistant strains, we usually advise that the recipient uses an alternative method of control such as shooting, trapping or using working terriers.

 

If you think you could help, you can alternatively, e-mail (e.e.coan@reading.ac.uk) or phone (0758 057 5452) me.

 

Many thanks,

 

Emily Coan