The power of myth: The (non) impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) on domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)

Title
The power of myth: The (non) impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) on domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)
Publication Date
2010
Author(s)
Beckmann, Christa
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7904-7228
Email: cbeckman@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:cbeckman
Shine, Richard
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Place of publication
Australia
DOI
10.1071/AN10084
UNE publication id
une:22133
Abstract
Myths 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.
Link
Citation
Animal Production Science, 50(9), p. 847-851
ISSN
1836-5787
1836-0939
Start page
847
End page
851

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