Continuing Field Efficacy of Norbormide against both Rattus rattus (Ship Rats) and Rattus norvegicus (Norway Rats)

• Main Authors: Shapiro, Lee, Kumar, Kirtana, Rennison, David, Brimble, Margaret, MacMorran, Duncan, Eason, Charles
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: eScholarship, University of California 2022
• Subjects: black rat; field trials; norbormide; Norway rat; Rattus norvegicus; Rattus rattus; ship rat
• Online Access: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/20q5j44s; https://escholarship.org/content/qt20q5j44s/qt20q5j44s.pdf

Norbormide is a uniquely selective rat toxicant for Rattus species, with rats being 100- to 150-fold more sensitive to norbormide toxicity than most other mammals and birds. Previously we reported that on completion of a 10-year program of targeted fundamental and applied synthetic chemistry and toxicology, taste aversion associated with this compound had been overcome. In 2020-2022, trials have been successfully completed on poultry farms with Norway rats and larger scale field trials were undertaken targeting ship rats using 1% norbormide paste baits. Firstly, the efficacy of norbormide-containing paste baits targeting rat infestations on poultry farms was proven with a 100% reduction of Norway rat populations on three different farms. Secondly, 100% reduction in ship rat abundance was achieved at two large field test sites; and no reduction was achieved at the untreated control site. These larger field trials are described in depth in this publication. Plans are progressing to complete product development and registration.