Janine Duckworth

Research interests
Role at Landcare Research
- Scientist Reproductive Physiology/Immunology, Wildlife Ecology and Management, Lincoln
- Project Leader Rabbit Biocontrol Initiative and RHDV-based biological control of rabbits
- Programme Leader Possum Biocontrol Development
- Project Leader Sex Pheromone Lures
- National Laboratory Manager -HSNO Hazardous Substance Co-ordinator &Biological Safety Officer
Research interests
- Improved rabbit biocontrol through improved virulence of RHDV strains
- Identification of sex pheromones for the development of improved lures for wildlife control
- Identification and evaluation of reproductive targets for fertility control in possums and stoats
- Development and testing of vaccine delivery systems for fertility control including bacterial ghost and vaccinia virus
- Reproductive immunology and physiology of mammals, particularly seasonal breeding and captive breeding and husbandry.
2012– | Project leader: Improved RHDV strains for better rabbit biocontrol in NZ, SFF |
2012- | Project leader NZ Rabbit Biocontrol Project - benign rabbit calciviruses, Invasive Animal CRC |
2012- | Project leader Possum sex pheromonelures, AHB |
2012- | National Laboratory Manager and HSNO Hazardous Substance Co-ordinator |
2008-2010 | Leader of the Reproductive Control Theme, National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol |
2005-2008 | Programme Leader of the FRST Possum Biocontrol OBI |
2003-2011 | Lecturer at Lincoln University on vertebrate biocontrol |
2003–2005 | Programme Leader, FRST programme: Possum Biocontrol Development |
2005–2009 | Objective Leader, FRST programme: Multi-Species Pest Control |
2006-2008 | Stoat-specific toxins Multi-species pest control FRST |
Professional affiliations/recognition
2002–2003 | Recipient of NZ/USA Scientific and Technological Co-operative Science Programme Funding Grants |
2001 | Recipient CRC for Conservation and Management of Marsupials Travel Grant |
1999–2000 | Recipient of NZ/USA Scientific and Technological Co-operative Science Programme Funding Grants |
1992-1995 | Recipient of Tasman Forestry Fellowship |
1986-1999 | Recipient University Grants Committee Postgraduate Scholarship |
Member: | NZ Biosecurity Institute |
Australasian Society for Immunology | |
Australian Society of Reproductive Biology | |
Forest & Bird |
Recent publications
Nicholson LJ, Mahar JE, Strive T, Zheng T, Holmes EC, Ward VK, Duckworth JA 2017. Benign rabbit calicivirus in New Zealand. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 83(11): e00090-17.
Mahar JE, Nicholson L, Eden J-S, Duchêne S, Kerr PJ, Duckworth J, Ward VK, Holmes EC, Strive T 2016. Benign rabbit caliciviruses exhibit evolutionary dynamics similar to those of their virulent relatives. Journal of Virology 90(20): 9317–9329.
Eden J-S, Read AJ, Duckworth JA, Strive T, Holmes EC 2015. Resolving the origin of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV): insights from an investigation of the viral stocks released in Australia. Journal of Virology 89(23): 12217–12220.
Eden J-S, Kovaliski J, Duckworth JA, Swain G, Mahar JE, Strive T, Holmes EC 2015. Comparative phylodynamics of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Virology 89(18): 9548–9558.
Linklater WL, Greenwood D, Keyzers RA, Duckworth JA, Banks P, MacKay JWB, Stockum C 2013. Pied-pipers wanted: the search for super-lures of New Zealand mammal pests. New Zealand Science Review 70(2): 31–36.
Prada D, Veale A, Duckworth J, Murphy E, Treadgold S, Howitt R, Hunter S, Gleeson D 2014. Unwelcome visitors: employing forensic methodologies to inform the stoat (Mustela erminea) incursion response plan on Kapiti Island. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 41(1): 1–9.
Grant J, Mahadevaiah SK, Khil P, Sangrithi MN, Royo H, Duckworth J, McCarrey JR, VandeBerg JL, Renfree MB, Taylor W, Elgar G, Camerini-Otero RD, Gilchrist MJ, Turner JMA 2012. Rsx is a metatherian RNA with Xist-like properties in X-chromosome inactivation. Nature 487(7406): 254-U1511.
Cross ML, Fleming SB, Cowan PE, Scobie S, Whelan E, Prada D, Mercer AA, Duckworth JA 2011.Vaccinia virus as a vaccine delivery system for marsupial wildlife. Vaccine 29(28): 4537-4543.
Cross ML, Zheng T, Duckworth JA, Cowan PE 2011. Could recombinant technology facilitate the realisation of a fertility-control vaccine for possums? New Zealand Journal of Zoology 38:91-111.
Fisher P, Nugent G, Morgan D, Warburton B, Cowan P, Duckworth J 2011. Possum Management Using Aerial 1080 – Not New, Definitely Improved. New Zealand Journal of Forestry 56: 5-8.
Young LJ, Cross ML, Duckworth JA, Flenady S, Belov K 2011. Molecular identification of interleukin-2 in the lymphoid tissues of the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. Developmental & Comparative Immunology 36: 236-240.
Cui X, Duckworth JA, Lubitz P, Molinia FC, Haller C, Lubitz W, Cowan PE 2010. Humoral immune responses in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) induced by bacterial ghosts expressing possum zona pellucida 3 protein. Vaccine 28(26): 4268-4274.
Cui X, Duckworth JA, Molinia FC, Cowan PE 2010. Identification and evaluation of an infertility-associated ZP3 epitope from the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 28:1499–1505.
Duckworth J, Scobie S, Lubitz P, Lubitz W, Cowan PE 2010. Bait-delivered fertility control vaccines for brushtail possums in New Zealand. Journal of Reproductive Immunology 86(1): 36-36.
Holland OJ, Cowan PE, Gleeson DM, Duckworth JA, Chamley LW 2010. Immunocontraceptive vaccines and major histocompatibility complex variation in the brushtail possum. Journal of Reproductive Immunology 86(1): 36-36.
Holland OJ, Cowan PE, Gleeson DM, Duckworth JA, Chamley LW 2009. MHC haplotypes and response to immunocontraceptive vaccines in the brushtail possum. Journal of Reproductive Immunology 82: 57–65.
Duckworth JA, Cui X, Scobie S, Arrow J, Cowan PE 2008. Development of a contraceptive vaccine for the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): lack of effects in mice and chickens immunised with recombinant possum ZP3 protein and a possum ZP3 antifertility epitope. Wildlife Research 35: 563–572.
Walcher P, Cui XL, Arrow JA, Scobie S, Molinia FC, Cowan PE, Lubitz W, Duckworth JA 2008. Bacterial ghosts as a delivery system for zona pellucida-2 fertility control vaccines for brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 26: 6832–6838.
Duckworth JA, Wilson K, Cui XL, Molinia FC, Cowan PE 2007. Immunogenicity and contraceptive potential of three infertility-relevant zona pellucida 2 epitopes in the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction 133: 177–186.
Molinia FC, Myers JV, Glazier AM, Duckworth JA, Rodger JC 2007. Uterine and vaginal insemination optimised in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and porcine luteinising hormone. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 19: 521–529.
Cui XL, Duckworth J 2005. Mapping of B cell epitopes on the zona pellucida 2 protein of a marsupial, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Molecular Reproduction and Development 70: 485–493.
Duckworth JA, Cui X, Molinia FC, Cowan PE, Walcher P, Lubitz W 2005. Fertility control vaccines for the management of brushtail possums in New Zealand. Tissue Antigens 66(5): 163.
Polkinghorne I, Hamerli D, Cowan P, Duckworth J 2005. Plant-based immunocontraceptive control of wildlife: "potentials, limitations, and possums". Vaccine 23: 1847–1850.
Mate KE, Buist JM, Duckworth JA 2003. Expression in Escherichia coli and immunological characterization of three zona pellucida proteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3) from a marsupial, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Molecular Reproduction and Development 64: 136–143.
Khalil AM, McFarlane RG, Duckworth JA 2001. Humoral immunity to cholera toxin and ovalbumin in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). New Zealand Veterinary Journal 49: 54–59.
Khalil, A.M.; McFarlane, R.G.; Duckworth, J.A. 2001. Humoral immunity to cholera toxin and ovalbumin in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). New Zealand Veterinary Journal 49: 54-59.
Duckworth, J.; Mate, K.; Scobie, S.; Jones, D.; Buist, J.; Molinia, F.; Glazier, A.; Cui, X.; Cowan, P.; Walmsley, A.; Kirk, D.; Lubitz, W.; Haller, C. 2001. Evaluating zona pellucida antigens and delivery systems for possum fertility control in New Zealand - Progress and Future Directions. In: Biological Management of Possums, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Duckworth, J.; Harris, K.M.; Mate, K.; McCartney, C.; Buist, J.; Scobie, S.; Jones, D.; Jones, S. 1999. Development of brushtail possum immunocontraception: Targeting sperm and egg antigens. In: Advances in the biological control of possums. The Royal Society of New Zealand Misc Series 56: 72-76.
Duckworth, J.A.; Buddle, B.M.; Scobie, S., 1998. Fertility of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) immunised against sperm. Journal of Reproductive Immunology 37: 125-138.
Duckworth, J.A.; Scobie, S.; Jones, D.E.; Selwood, L. 1998. Determination of oestrus and mating in captive female brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from urine samples. Australian Journal of Zoology 46: 547-555.
Qualifications
Canterbury
BAgSc (Hons)
1998
Lincoln
PhD Animal Science Physiology
1993
Publications
Prada D, Veale A, Duckworth J, Murphy E, Treadgold S, Howitt R, Hunter S, Gleeson D 2014. Unwelcome visitors: employing forensic methodologies to inform the stoat (Mustela erminea) incursion response plan on Kapiti Island. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 41(1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2013.815642
Young LJ, Cross ML, Duckworth JA, Flenady S, Belov K 2012. Molecular identification of interleukin-2 in the lymphoid tissues of the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. Developmental and comparative immunology 36(1): 236–40. MEDLINE:21683733
Cowan P, Glen A, Barron M, Duckworth J, Booth L 2012. Recent developments in the control of rooks (Corvus frugilegus) in New Zealand. Proceedings: 25th Australasian Wildlife Management Society Conference, Adelaide, 27–29 November 2012. Pp. 89. http://www.onqconferences.com.au/resources/files/AWMS12/AWMS12%20PROGRAM.pdf
Duckworth J 2011. Fertility control vaccines for possums: progress, challenges and prospects. Protect Summer 2011: 15–16.
Burd AM, Scobie S, Blenck C, Dyer C, Mayer L, Duckworth J 2011. Effects of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide on femal brushtail possum health and fertility. In: Saunders G, Lane C ed. Proceedings: 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney, June 20–23 2011. Pp. 40. http://www.feral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/15thAVPC_Proceedings_June2011.pdf
Cross ML, Fleming SB, Cowan PE, Scobie S, Whelan E, Prada D, Mercer AA, Duckworth JA 2011. Vaccinia virus as a vaccine delivery system for marsupial wildlife. Vaccine 29(28): 4537–4543.
Cross ML, Zheng T, Duckworth JA, Cowan PE 2011. Could recombinant technology facilitate the realisation of a fertility-control vaccine for possums? New Zealand journal of zoology 38(1): 91–111.
Duckworth J, Scobie S, Lubitz P, Lubitz W, Cowan PE 2010. Bait-delivered fertility control vaccines for brushtail possums in New Zealand. Journal of reproductive immunology 86(1): 36–36.
Holland OJ, Cowan PE, Gleeson DM, Duckworth JA, Chamley LW 2010. Immunocontraceptive vaccines and major histocompatibility complex variation in the brushtail possum. Journal of reproductive immunology 86(1): 36–36.
Cui X, Duckworth JA, Lubitz P, Molinia FC, Haller C, Lubitz W, Cowan PE 2010. Humoral immune responses in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) induced by bacterial ghosts expressing possum zona pellucida 3 protein. Vaccine 28(26): 4268–4274.
Cui X, Duckworth JA, Molinia FC, Cowan PE 2010. Identification and evaluation of an infertility-associated ZP3 epitope from the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 28(6): 1499–1505.
Cowan P, Duckworth J, Warburton B 2009. Approaches to minimising the use of lethal control for wildlife management in New Zealand. Proceedings: The Wildlife Society annual conference, Monterey, CA, 20–24 September, 2009.
Duckworth J, Hopkins B 2009. New technologies for stoat control. Kararehe kino 14: 22–23.
Holland OJ, Cowan PE, Gleeson DM, Duckworth JA, Chamley LW 2009. MHC haplotypes and response to immunocontraceptive vaccines in the brushtail possum. Journal of reproductive immunology 82(1): 57–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.008
Duckworth JA, Cui X, Scobie S, Arrow J, Cowan PE 2008. Development of a contraceptive vaccine for the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): lack of effects in mice and chickens immunised with recombinant possum ZP3 protein and a possum ZP3 antifertility epitope. Wildlife Research 35(6): 563–572. WOS:000260222900013 https://doi.org/10.1071/wr07139
Walcher P, Cui XL, Arrow JA, Scobie S, Molinia FC, Cowan PE, Lubitz W, Duckworth JA 2008. Bacterial ghosts as a delivery system for zona pellucida-2 fertility control vaccines for brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 26(52): 6832–6838. WOS:000261898400017 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.09.088
Duckworth JA, Wilson K, Cui XL, Molinia FC, Cowan PE 2007. Immunogenicity and contraceptive potential of three infertility-relevant zona pellucida 2 epitopes in the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction 133(1): 177–186.
Molinia FC, Myers JV, Glazier AM, Duckworth JA, Rodger JC 2007. Uterine and vaginal insemination optimised in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and porcine luteinising hormone. Reproduction, fertility and development 19(4): 521–529.
O'Connor C, Turner J, Scobie S, Duckworth J 2006. Stoat reproductive biology. Science for conservation. 268. Wellington, New Zealand, Department of Conservation. –24 p
Cui XL, Duckworth J 2005. Mapping of B cell epitopes on the zona pellucida 2 protein of a marsupial, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Molecular reproduction and development 70(4): 485–493.
Polkinghorne I, Hamerli D, Cowan P, Duckworth J 2005. Plant-based immunocontraceptive control of wildlife : "potentials, limitations, and possums". Vaccine 23(15): 1847–1850.
Mate KE, Buist JM, Duckworth JA 2003. Expression in Escherichia coli and immunological characterization of three zona pellucida proteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3) from a marsupial, teh bruishtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Molecular reproduction and development 64: 136–143.
Khalil AM, McFarlane RG, Duckworth JA 2001/4. Humoral immunity to cholera toxin and ovalbumin in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). New Zealand veterinary journal 49(2): 54–59.
Duckworth JA, Buddle BM, Scobie S 1998. Fertility of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) immunised against sperm. Journal of reproductive immunology 37: 125–138.
Duckworth JA, Scobie S, Jones DE, Selwood L 1998. Determination of oestrus and mating in captive female brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula (Marsupialia : Phalangeridae), from urine samples. Australian journal of zoology 46(6): 547–555.