Recent research indicates that black rats in Australia’s largest cities have developed a genetic mutation granting resistance to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). This mutation was detected in over half of the rats sampled in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. While these poisons are intended to control rat populations, they are also endangering native predators and could lead to increasing public health risks as people resort to using greater quantities of ineffective poisons, further contaminating the food chain and waterways.
The mutation suggests that rats have developed a resistance to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, which could pose a serious risk to Australia's wildlife.
Alicia Gorbould highlighted that using ineffective poisons might lead to increased application, thereby exacerbating resistance and contributing to a public health crisis.
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