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CSIRO Cane Toad Research Toad genes The first objective of the research is to identify a gene critical to toad development and the initial focus is on genes critical to metamorphosis. If this gene can be manipulated, it would possibly interfere with metamorphosis, and prevent the transition from tadpole to adult toad. The cane toad (Bufo marinus) Background From 1991 to 1997 the Australian Government, through CSIRO, undertook major research on cane toads with a view to discovering methods of control. The more obvious potential control mechanisms, such as a cane toad virus from Venezuela, proved unsuitable in an Australian environment because the virus also killed native frogs. The work also suggested that although cane toads appear to be an important vertebrate pest, it proved difficult to assess how much impact they have on other species and on Australian ecosystems. If this gene can be expressed early in the tadpole stage, the tadpole should see the gene product as a foreign body and initiate an immune response against it. Such a response should interfere with metamorphosis and prevent the toad from maturing and reproducing. The gene must must only occur in cane toads and not in other animals. Virus ‘taxis’ The second objective is to develop a means of delivering the gene effectively throughout the toad population. To deliver the gene across the wide geographical range of the cane toad, an efficient means of delivery is needed. One way to do this is to use a virus that can act as a ‘taxi’ in delivering the gene that interferes with metamorphosis. Australian ranaviruses are naturally-occurring viruses that can infect amphibians and fish. Researchers are working on weakening (attenuating) a ranavirus so that, if infected, other non-target amphibians and fish will not suffer from its effects. Toads themselves will be affected by the response to the toad-gene carried by the virus, rather than by the weakened virus itself. Since 2001 CSIRO has been conducting research into developing a biological control for cane toads. The goal of the research is to interfere with the metamorphosis of the cane toad to prevent it from maturing and reproducing. The concept is based on research that was done a few years ago in the US on bullfrogs, where inoculation of tadpoles with adult haemoglobin interfered with metamorphosis. It is considered that the mechanism of interference works through the mediation of an antibody. Cane toad showing a typically pale belly with irregular spots Results to date So far researchers have selected several genes that could be used to interfere with the metamorphosis from tadpole to adult cane toad. They are currently looking at how specific these genes are to cane toads. Researchers are also working on creating recombinant viruses. Because ranaviruses are large, double-stranded DNA viruses, a viral gene (or region) can be deleted and the developmentcontrolling gene inserted in its place. Currently the selected ranavirus is being weakened and its effect tested on at least one amphibian species, as well as its capability to replicate itself. Future steps will involve scientists eliminating as many of these identified potential hazards as possible, and those that cannot be completely eliminated will be further subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and minimised as far as possible. This whole process will be targeted towards developing a genetically modified biological control that is both effective and safe and suitable for field trials, subject to permission by the Gene Technology Regulator. Risk assessment There are no plans for field trials at this stage and current research is conducted within a microbiologically secure facility. Before field trials are considered many processes must be undertaken including testing for nontarget species to ensure other animals are not affected by the proposed biocontrol, as well as Government and public consultation. In particular the question of non-target testing is critical and intensive consultation is required before this can be attempted. Even if all the research goes as planned, it could take up to 10 years before a product is available for intended release. Future steps To identify potential hazards of the technology a wide program of consultation with community groups needs to be undertaken and must be conducted within the guidelines set out by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). A researcher is holding one of the cane toads bred in captivity Contacts CSIRO Enquiries Phone: 1300 363 400 Email: [email protected] Links CSIRO Cane Toad Research: http://www.csiro.au/canetoad.htm Taming the Toad, CSIRO Animal Health News article: http://www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=blank&id=AnimalHealth NewsNovember2002#Toads Cane toads, giant toads or marine toads: http://www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/canetoad.htm Cane toad site at Frogwatch: http://www.frogwatch.org.au/canetoads/index.cfm Office of the Gene Technology Regulator: http://www.health.gov.au/ogtr/ COPYRIGHT © 2003 CSIRO To the extent permitted by law, all rights are reserved and no part of these publications covered by copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means except with the written permission of CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER To the extent permitted by law, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using these publications (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in them.