Join Field & Game Australia in Wildlife Research

Field & Game Australia is calling on our members to contribute to a wildlife research project in collaboration with Melbourne University and visiting Italian PhD student, Leonardo Brustenga.

Leonardo is a specialist in wildlife parasitology (studying how parasites affect wildlife) who will spend six months conducting an in-depth study on cerebral toxoplasmosis in red foxes. This disease, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant risks to both human and wildlife health. The study aims to uncover how widespread the disease is within fox populations and determine if it leads to behavioural changes by mapping the parasite’s presence in the fox brain.

Why Your Participation Matters

This study offers an intriguing look at a widespread parasite and provides Field & Game Australia members with a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific research. By participating, members can demonstrate their commitment to science for its own sake while affirming that hunters genuinely care about preserving native wildlife, habitats, and the environment. Together, we can:

• Help control invasive predator populations.
• Contribute to scientific breakthroughs in managing toxoplasmosis.
• Protect Australia’s native wildlife.

Be Part of a Legacy

The results of this study will be published internationally, highlighting the role of hunters in conservation and establishing a foundation for further collaboration between Field & Game Australia, Melbourne University, and the University of Perugia in Italy. Your involvement will not only contribute to this project but also strengthen future partnerships and conservation strategies.

How You Can Get Involved

To participate, we’re asking members to provide fox carcasses that meet the following criteria:

• No headshots: The integrity of the brain is essential for analysis.
  
• Fresh specimens: Carcasses must be harvested less than 48 hours before delivery and kept chilled (not frozen, as freezing damages the brain).
• Importantly, foxes supplied for the study can still be scalped for bounty payments. We simply ask that scalping be done after scientific collection to ensure the integrity of the samples required for analysis.

Drop-Off Locations:

• FGA Head Office: 605 Lake Rd, Connewarre.
• Veterinary Medicine School, Werribee Campus: Gate 1/250 Princes Hwy, Werribee (preferred).

For collection arrangements, contact Glenn Falla at (03) 5799 0960.

With a bit of notice, Leonardo would be delighted to join you on your shooting trips—if you’re up for some company! He can help ensure specimens are perfectly prepared for the study and would enjoy the chance to connect with members in the field.

Make a Difference

Your involvement not only supports this research but also reinforces the vital role hunters play in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

This is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to wildlife conservation and demonstrate the essential role of hunters in scientific research. Together, we can shape the future of conservation in Australia and beyond.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary—join us in making an impact today!