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The power of myth : the (non) impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) on domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)
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posted on 2010-01-01, 00:00 authored by Christa BeckmannChrista Beckmann, R ShineMyths about invasive species are widespread in the general community, even when contrary to scientific evidence. Public revulsion against invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) in Australia has encouraged the belief that toads pose a significant risk to domestic poultry, by poisoning fowls that eat toads or that drink water contaminated by toads. Although discredited by scientists in 1938, within 2 years of the toads’ introduction to Australia, the myth continues to flourish. We conducted experimental trials to evaluate the vulnerability of chickens to toad-contaminated water, and to toad ingestion. No ill effects were seen, with one chicken consuming 45 small toads without falling ill. Thus, available evidence suggests that cane toads do not imperil domestic poultry.
History
Journal
Animal production scienceVolume
50Issue
9Pagination
847 - 851Publisher
CSIRO PublishingLocation
Collingwood, Vic.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1836-0939eISSN
1836-5787Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2010, CSIROUsage metrics
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