Jacquie Lucas attended the 19th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference (AVPC24) in Sydney recently, to collate data on the latest methods of feral animal management. Information gathered will be shared with Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes, the Healthy Environments team, and the Corellas in the Wheatbelt project.

AVPC24 brought together feral animal management practitioners from around the world. The focus of this year’s conference was “Translating Science into Effective Management.” From environmental DNA being detected in water and soil, biocontrol and technology, feral pig management to social engagement and aerial shooting programs, it was an information packed four days.

Sessions on the management of feral rabbits and cats highlighted that scientists are researching new ways for how an old friend, myxomatosis, can be used in future rabbit control. Feral cat management has a national coordination approach now, with the appointment of Gillian Basnett as the Centre for Invasive Species Solution National Feral Cat and Fox Coordinator. Jacquie will be meeting up with Gillian again later this year to collaborate and develop further improvements to Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes.

Jacquie presented on the Wheatbelt NRM, AROC and CBH project, Corellas in the Wheatbelt. This generated interest from other participants, and input of information from other attendees.

Jacquie has returned armed with a wealth of information, and is looking forward to putting it into practice!

#AVPC2024