Effects of residues of deltamethrin in cattle faeces on the development and survival of three species of dung-breeding insect.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the toxicity to insects of drug residues excreted in cattle faeces following treatment with deltamethrin.


METHODS
Bioassays were performed on one species of dung-breeding fly (Musca vetustissima) and two species of dung beetle (Onthophagus binodis and Euoniticellus fulvus).


METHODS
Cattle on properties near Kangaroo Valley, Canberra and Gundagai were treated with pour-on formulations of deltamethrin. Untreated animals acted as controls.


METHODS
Faeces from treated and untreated cattle were inoculated with newly emerged fly larvae or fed to adults of two species of dung beetle. Percentage survival and duration of development provided measures of the toxicity of deltamethrin residues in faeces.


RESULTS
Residues of deltamethrin were excreted in concentrations sufficient to inhibit survival of larvae of M vetustissima for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Peak concentrations of 0.4 mg deltamethrin/kg dry weight of faeces occurred 3 days after treatment and were sufficient to kill adult beetles for at least twice this period. With one of two formulations tested, there was evidence of a reduction in dung beetle fecundity and an increase in the duration of juvenile development. A model of the effect of deltamethrin on the breeding success of dung beetles in the field suggests that a single treatment, applied when most of the population is in a nonparous condition, may cause up to 75% reduction in beetle activity by the end of the season. Multiple treatments at 10 or 21 day intervals may drive local populations towards extinction.


CONCLUSIONS
Depending on the time and frequency of treatment, the effect of deltamethrin on insects in cattle faeces may range from negligible to catastrophic.
Wardhaugh
K G
KG
CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
Longstaff
B C
BC
Lacey
M J
MJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D002417:Cattle; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009117:Muscidae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D009570:Nitriles; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation
D007306:Insecticides; D009570:Nitriles; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D011722:Pyrethrins; C017180:decamethrin