Biological control methods
National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) Position Statement
Australia has a number of mostly introduced vertebrate pests which are having serious effects on agriculture and the environment.
NCCAW's principal concerns are target and non-target species that may be put at risk by the use of biological control methods.
NCCAW recognises:
- the need to control populations of some vertebrate species closely, and
- that some biological control methods may affect fertility or result in animal's death.
NCCAW's Position
NCCAW recognises biological methods as valid control mechanisms provided there is rigorous scientific evaluation and rigorous community consultation before they are introduced.
Biological methods may include the use of microorganisms, which may be genetically manipulated, or vertebrate or invertebrate predators.
The agents should have a minimal affect on the animal's normal behaviour and demeanor and be consistent with the control objective.
Where agents will cause the death of some animals, this should be as rapid as possible and as free from pain, apprehension or disorientation. It must also be comparable with - or more favourable than - the effects of non-biological control agents. Individual animals that recover should be minimally affected.
Where possible, the mode of action of the agent should minimise the potential for dependent young to be left to die of starvation.
Peferably, the agents should have no effect on non-target species. Where some non-target species are affected, deaths, physiological changes and effects on reproduction, should be minimal and consistent with the benefits and risks of other means of control, or the effects of the pest.
This Position Statement was first published in October 1998 and was reviewed by NCCAW on 20 February 2008. NCCAW made the decision to retain it without amendment.