For the first time it was shown that the VKOR variant, along with sex, is responsible for bromadiolone tolerance in house mice. Other factors influencing bromadiolone tolerance, including sex-specific factors, cannot be excluded. The tolerance levels of VKOR variants should be determined in further studies in order to evaluate the effectiveness of bromadiolone in sustainable management.

SUMMARYThe aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of application of essential oils as additives in cereal-based rodenticide baits, at rates which prevent mould development and are applicable in humane medicine. Also, the purpose of these oils would be to extend the utility value of baits and reduce the use of antifungal ingredients that usually affect bait acceptance.The effects of essential oils of ten different plant species, applied at rates of one and two ml per kg of plain bait, on bait acceptance and palatability in choice feeding tests for Swiss mice were studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Baits were prepared according to relevant EPPO standards (2004). The effects of essential oils on bait acceptance and palatability for Swiss mice were determined in choice feeding tests using a formula by Johnson and Prescott (1994).There was no significant statistical difference in effects between groups and sexes regarding weight change in the experiment. During the experiment and recovery period, neither change in mice behavior no deaths were observed. Cinnamon and anise essential oils, commonly used as attractants, and clove oil, were most effective because they had no negative effect on bait acceptance and palatability, while fenchel and bergamot oils showed repellent activity that grew as the oil content in baits increased.

SUMMARYRodents are the most destructive group of small mammalian pests considering the overall damage that they cause by feeding and other activities, or as vectors of many disease agents. In practice, chemical rodenticides have been the most widespread and most effective method of control of commensal (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus) and most harmful field rodent pests (Apodemus sylvaticus, A. agrarius and Microtus arvalis).After anticoagulant and vitamin D3 rodenticides, which were introduced worldwide in the 1980s, no other chemical compound has had a comparable role as a rodenticide in practice. In the past decade, commercial baits containing 0.1% sodium selenite have also been registered in Serbia in various formulations both for controlling rodents indoors and in the field.Data on sodium selenite as a rodenticide have been scarce. The present paper surveys research data reported so far, analyzing and drawing conclusions regarding the validity and feasibility of sodium selenite as a method of rodent control with reference to the available ecotoxicological data.