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(42-04) Evaluation of acetaminophen baits for chemical control of brown tree snakes on Guam . Johnston, John*,1, Savarie, Peter1, Primus, Thomas1, Eisemann, John1, Hurley, Jerome1, 1 US Department of Agriculture/APHIS/WS, Fort Collins, CO ABSTRACT- The brown tree snake ( Boiga irregularis) was inadvertently introduced to Guam in the 1950's. By the mid 1980's, brown tree snake densities on Guam were estimated at 13,000 to 26,000 snakes per square mile. At these densities, the brown tree snake has caused significant agricultural and ecological damage. For example, snake predation has resulted in the severe reduction of bird life on Guam. As the only long term solution is a reduction or eradication of brown tree snakes on Guam, we evaluated a number of potential snake toxicants. Our results indicate that acetaminophen is a promising snake toxicant and that acetaminophen fortified neonatal mice baits are readily ingested by brown tree snakes. To estimate the potential exposure of non-target wildlife to acetaminophen baits, the stability of the baits under field conditions was evaluated. To estimate the potential exposure of acetaminophen to non-target scavengers feeding on acetaminophen poisoned snake carcasses, the magnitude and stability of acetaminophen residues in successfully baited brown tree snakes were also determined. These data were used to conduct risk assessments regarding potential primary and secondary hazards to the Mariana Crow and other non-target wildlife on Guam. Key words: snake, acetaminophen, Boiga irregularis , Guam |
