Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Research (Fauna) Permit is open until 13 July.
Species/Taxon: Native marsupials, feral cats, seabirds, marine mammals
Location: Bruny Island, D’Entecastreaux Channel
Title of research: One Health Surveillance on Bruny Island
Aim of project: To monitor Bruny Island for potential pathogens using environmental DNA (eDNA) and develop microbial transmission models.
Justification:
Bruny Island is uniquely positioned as an ecosystem interface where sub-Antarctic seabirds, marine mammals, and carnivorous marsupials cohabitate. Many species are considered at risk for infection by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which has recently expanded its geographic range to include several sub-Antarctic islands and mainland Australia. This has created a plausible incursion pathway of HPAI into Tasmania and warrants further investment into surveillance and disease preparedness.
By monitoring microbial ecology using continuous environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling stations, a scalable method for One Health surveillance can be tested. Microbes present in environmental samples will be analysed and compared with live animal samples to evaluate the effectiveness of this low-cost, non-invasive method. Findings will support research into methods for monitoring microbes in the environment and may aid in preparedness for future outbreaks of significant pathogens such as HPAI.
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved: 2 individuals per sampling event.
Activities undertaken and methods: Collection of environmental DNA from air, water, soil, scat/guano, and carcasses. Methods vary (e.g. filter water with sterile syringes, swab scat/guano and carcasses, collect topsoil samples) but minimally disruptive. Small animal trapping and microbiome swabbing will be conducted to determine the relationship between wildlife host and environmental microbes. Continuous, passive air DNA and weather stations mounted to posts or tripods to be maintained at some sites for long term data.
Fate of animals: Live release within 24 hours.
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): Minimal (immediate release).