9.D.3 Demonstrating the potential of the avicide DRC-1339 for control of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Australia

This project aims to demonstrate the potential of avicide DRC-1339 for control of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Australia. It is jointly funded by the IA CRC and the National Feral Animal Control Program of the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.

The Common or European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a significant invasive pest bird that is widespread across south-eastern Australia, and continuing to extend its range into Western Australia.  The species has long been implicated in damage to horticulture and viticulture industries in south-eastern Australia, where losses are estimated at above $10M pa (Bomford and Sinclair 2002).

Starlings are also significant pests of intensive livestock industries in eastern Australia, where they are reported to consume stock-feed in piggeries and cattle feedlots, and foul feed, water and built structures. Results from a survey conducted as part of a recent study (supported by the National Feral Animal Control Program in Dept Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ) showed that starlings were one of three major bird pests of these enterprises (the others being house sparrows and cockatoos). 

Attempts to manage the economic impacts of starlings involve numerous prospective control methods.  These include netting, scaring devices, shooting, poisoning, repellents and habitat manipulation.   

In the United States, where starlings are also a problem, control methods adopted include those mentioned above, and the avicide Compound DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methylaniline hydrochloride, or ‘Starlicide’ as it is generically known).  DRC-1339 is an acute toxin that causes irreversible kidney and heart damage in sensitive birds, resulting in a quiet and painless death, normally 1-3 days after ingestion. The same toxicant is also used to manage redwing blackbirds, rock doves, corvids and gulls, by delivery in various bait media and methods of presentation.In 36 years of widespread use in the United States, DRC-1339 has not been responsible for any known secondary poisonings of mammalian or avian scavengers or predators, with the possible exception of a single crow. It is hoped this avicide shows potential for controlling starlings in Australia.