It's becoming harder to poison mice in cities due to DNA-level adaptation to poisons
Mice in cities are becoming increasingly resistant to poisons that have been used for decades to eradicate them. Scientists from Rutgers University came to this conclusion after a study in the northeastern United States.
Illustrative photo. Photo: magnific.com
Researchers analyzed the DNA of 147 house mice and 143 rats caught in cities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington states. They paid particular attention to the Vkorc1 gene, mutations of which are associated with resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides — the most common means of rodent control.
It was found that 84% of the studied mice had at least one mutation of this gene, and almost 70% had mutations already known for their ability to increase survival after poisoning. Among rats, such genetic changes were found in 35% of individuals.
Scientists note that pest control specialists have long reported the problem: in some areas, rodents are becoming increasingly difficult to eradicate with conventional methods.
According to researchers, mice adapt faster than rats. One of the reasons is their behavior. Mice are more curious and more willing to try unfamiliar food, including poisoned bait. As a result, natural selection more quickly entrenches beneficial mutations in them. Rats, however, are more cautious and thoroughly check new food before trying it.
In addition to already known mutations, scientists discovered several new genetic variants that had not previously been found in either mice or rats. Their impact on resistance to poisons still needs to be studied.
The authors of the study emphasize that the increasing resistance of rodents to poisons can become a serious public health problem, as mice and rats carry diseases, parasites, and cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. Therefore, more scientifically sound and comprehensive control methods are needed to combat them.
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