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Biological Management of Possums 

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Table of Contents

• In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Key Reproductive Events as Tools for Possum Biological Control
  • Introduction
  • Egg maturation
  • Sperm maturation (capacitation)
  • Fertilization
  • Embryo development
  • Applications
  • Table 1: Current Status of Models of Key Reproductive Events for the Possum
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• Developmental Targets for Fertility Control in the Brushtail Possum
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Vesicle Associated Molecules (VAMs)
  • Coat Proteins (CPs)
  • Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)
  • Other Molecules
  • Conclusions and Future Directions
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
  • Table 1 Targeted Developmental Molecules in the Brushtail Possum
  • Lynne Selwood - Figure 1
• Recent Developments in IVF & Oviduct Biology: New Experimental Tools & Biocontrol Targets
  • Background
  • Calcium & Capacitation
  • In Vitro Fertilization
  • Conclusion
• Immunologically Based Fertility Control for Possums - is Non-response an Issue?
  • Introduction
  • Non-response to fertility control
  • Fertility control & reduced genetic diversity
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• Overview of CRC Strategy: Development of Fertility Control Vaccines for Possum Biocontrol
  • The CRC Fertility Control Vaccine Strategy
  • Fig 1. CRC Strategy and Supporting Expertise and Interactions
  • The Future
  • References
• Identification of New Antigen Targets & the Molecular Dissection of Antigenicity for Possum Immunocontraception
  • Introduction
  • Zona Pellucida Antigens
  • Sperm Antigens
  • Possum Sp17
  • Novel Marsupial Sperm Proteins
  • Possum Sp17/ZP2 Dual Antigen Constructs
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• Delivery of Bioactives to Possums
  • Abstract
  • Routes of Delivery
  • Functions of the Delivery System
  • Stability on Storage & in the Field
  • Physical Degradation
  • Chemical Degradation
  • Microbial Degradation
  • Stability in the Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Delivery to the Appropriate Region of the Gut
  • Enhancing Absorption
  • Conclusions
• Oral Delivery of Bioactives to Possums - Protecting Bioactives & Enhancing their Uptake
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Metabolism in the possum gut
  • Absorption across possum gut wall
  • Table 1 Basal permeability properties of possum hindgut
  • **Overview
  • Summary
• The Possum Intestine a Barrier & a Target
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Selective enhancement of the permeability of the possum hindgut
  • Transport characteristics of the hindgut of the possum
  • Conclusion
• Characterisation of an Adenovirus in Brushtail Possums
  • Introduction
  • Research progress
  • Tissue tropism
  • Serological assay
  • Sequence analysis of the possum adenovirus genome
  • Phylogenetic analysis of the hexon & protease genes
  • Growth of PoAdV-1
  • Future directions
  • Possum adenovirus
  • Possum herpesvirus and coronavirus
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• Stimulation of Mucosal Immune Responses in Possums
  • Summary
  • Introduction
  • Vaccines for bovine tuberculosis
  • Table 1. Improving on BCG by adding heat-killed M. vaccae
  • Table 2. Improving on BCG by using new auxotrophs of M. bovis
  • Mucosal immune responses
  • Assays and reagents
  • Novel adjuvants that stimulate possum mucosal immune responses
  • Table 3. Mean log₂ titres of KLH specific antibody in serum and mucosal secretions
  • Timing of Mucosal Immunisation
  • Table 4. Effect of immunisation at different times of the oestrus cycle on mean log₂ titres of KLH specific antibody
  • Cytokines at mucosal sites
  • Table 5. Relative levels of cytokine mRNA expression at different mucosal sites
  • Future directions
  • Conclusions
  • Publications
  • References
• Marsupial herpesviruses for use in biological control of possums
  • Summary
  • Introduction
  • Research Progress
  • Macropodid Herpesvirus
  • Possum herpesvirus
  • Possum herpesvirus reactivation test
  • Attempt to isolate possum virus from sick possums
  • Possum primary cell cultures
  • Conclusions
  • Table 1. Possum herpesvirus serological survey
• A Nematode Parasite with Potential as a Disseminating Vector for Possum Biocontrol
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Molecular Biology
  • Animal Procedures and Parasite Harvesting
  • C. elegans Culture
  • Micro-injection Procedures
  • Results
  • C. elegans expressing the P. trichosuri Hsp-70 promoter and reporter genes
  • Discussion
  • References
• Measuring the Spread of the Candidate Possum Biocontrol Vector Parastrongyloides Trichosuri
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Southland
  • Kahurangi National Park
  • Results
  • Southland
  • Kahurangi National Park
  • Discussion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• Vaccine Development Strategy in the Marsupial CRC
  • Table 1: Major Eutherian Cytokines, Origins and Functions
  • Future Directions
  • Ongoing Work within the MCRC
  • Areas Where More Resources are Required
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• Disabling Reproductive Function in Possums: Current Strategies, Research Findings & Future Directions
  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
  • Interfering with pituitary function
  • Germ Cell Development
  • Concerns using an immunological approach
  • EST Database
  • Summary
  • References
  • Table 1: Gene Expression in Possum Ovaries
• Scientific & Political Challenges to Developing Effective Biological Control of Possums
  • Introduction: the need for effective biocontrol of possums
  • Figure 1: Anticipated use of control technologies over the next 20 years
  • Recognition of separate components of the problem
  • Major research fronts
  • Political patience: will understanding the difficulty of the challenge be sufficient to provide long-term funding?
  • The need for a strategic plan
  • Identifying Time frames: politically useful but also sound science practice
  • Focussing the research effort
  • Strengthening ideas and minimising risks by debate and collaboration
  • Making choices and picking winners
  • Peer review and Auditing the Research
  • Balance between basic and applied research
  • Immunological approaches: are they likely to succeed?
  • Building public acceptance
  • Promoting research achievements
  • Strengthening alliances between farmers & conservationists
  • Modelling to choose research emphases
  • Possum ecology & behaviour
  • Defining the control product specifications more precisely
  • Testing & product development
  • Recommendations
  • Acknowledgements
• Evaluating zona pellucida antigens and delivery systems for possum fertility control in New Zealand - Progress and future directions
  • Introduction
  • Zona pellucida antigens
  • Transgenic plants and bacterial ghosts as delivery systems
  • Future plans
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References

Contact for Enquiries

Manager, Strategic Science Team
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 0115
Fax: +64 4 894 0731
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