Potential for biological control of the toad is considered to be good, as the toad is the only representative of the bufonid family in Australia and is thus taxonomically distinct from Australian amphibian species. Challenge experiments have commenced to evaluate the effects of viruses on toads. These experiments are conducted under maximum microbiological security to ensure that escape of the viruses cannot occur. Toads are maintained in laminar flow cabinets, within hermetically sealed rooms. The air pressure of the rooms is lower than atmospheric pressure, thus ensuring that all air movement is into the room.
Air leaving the room is double filtered to exclude the smallest viral particle from escaping.
Water from the room is heated for a prolonged time to inactivate infectious agents. Entrance to the rooms is through an air-lock and exit of personnel from the room requires a full three minute shower. In association with the challenge experiments is a spectrum of microbiological, serological and molecular studies to characterise and compare the agents under investigation, to establish information on the host response and resistance to infection, and to gather epidemiological information related to the occurrence of the agents in toads and other amphibian populations. Should an agent be found which offers the potential for control of the toad, an extensive series of subsequent studies is planned which will involve challenge of indigenous amphibia and fish species to ensure that the agent does not harm indigenous aquatic animals. To achieve the objectives of the project, amphibian populations from around the world are being studied for possible infectious agents.