Markers for measuring bait consumption by the European wild rabbit

Poison baiting has proved to be a successful method for the control of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) in some parts of the world, particularly Australia and New Zealand, and the possibility of developing a method appropriate for use in Britain is now being investigated. Distributing poisoned baits for rabbits is currently illegal in Britain, thus the potential effectiveness of the control method can only be assessed indirectly by laying unpoisoned bait and measuring the amount eaten per individual and the proportion of the population consuming bait. An essential preliminary to such measurements is the development of a bait-marking technique. Five markers were selected: demethylchlortetracycline, DMCT; fluorescent acetate floss fibers; rhodamine B; sudan black; and "Microtaggants") (Minn. Mining and Mfg., St. Paul, Minn.), the name given to magnetic, fluorescent particles.