Recipient Organization
APEX BAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
309 LAURELWOOD RD STE 18-2
SANTA CLARA,CA 950542313
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The USDA NIFA SBIR Phase II project aims to innovate, optimize, and commercialize Apex-FLB (Fly Liquid Bait). Apex-FLB is a cost-effective and highly efficient liquid bait that attracts and eliminates stable fliesin livestock production systems while being safe for non-target organisms. Stable flies are a major menace to livestock animals, causing significant economic losses in the beef and dairy industries, estimated at $2.01 billion and $402 million annually, respectively. Other industries and even humans are also affected by stable fly bites, highlighting the widespread need for an effective stable fly control solution. Existing methods for stable fly management, such as sanitation, insecticide treatment, and trap deployment, have limitations. Chemical insecticides are widely used but face resistance issues, environmental concerns, and high costs. Apex Bait Technologies, Inc. has developed Apex-FLB, which attracts stable flies and ensures their direct consumption of toxicants, leading to complete mortality without resistance development. Our prototype has demonstrated over 90% stable fly mortality within two days in lab and field trials. In Phase II, we aim to innovate and optimize the Apex-FLB prototype for cost-effectiveness, environmental stability, efficacy, and efficiency.Apex Bait Technologies' extensive experience in developing and commercializing baits for urban and veterinary pests strengthens our commitment to successfully develop and commercialize Apex-FLB for stable fly control.
Animal Health Component
15%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
5%
Applied
15%
Developmental
80%
Goals / Objectives
The goal of the Phase II program is to innovate and optimize the prototype Apex-FLB developed in Phase I for commercialization. The Phase II research will achieve the following key goals:The first goal of Phase II research is to optimize the prototype Apex-FLB for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The second goal is to maximize the shelf and field life of the Apex-FLB. The third goal is to test the environmental stability of the final version of Apex-FLB. The finalgoalis to demonstrate the field efficacy and off-target impact of Apex-FLB.
Project Methods
1.Lab bioassays will be conducted to testthe substitution of Apex-FLB ingredientswith EPA-approved economical components. The efficacy ofApex-FLB will be determined by analyzing mortality over 1-3 days using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test.2. Behaviouralbioassays will be conducted to testthe addition ofpreservatives in Apex-FLB. The efficacy ofApex-FLB will be determined by analyzing mortality over 3 days using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test.3. Accelerated product aging trials to measure the(1) physical/chemical stability and (2) microbiological stability of Apex-FLB. Afteraccelerated product aging trials These samples will be analyzed to determine the water loss over time, the percent remaining of the original concentration of attractants and active ingredients, and any potential disintegration in terms of product breakdown and liquid settlement due to heat, light exposure, or microbial growth.4. Efficacy of the final Apex-FLB product will be tested using EPA product performance test guidelines for livestock, poultry, fur, and wool-bearing animals. For bot target impact,similar methods as proposed by Galdino and Raga will be used.