Some researchers believe the likelihood of this event increases each year, despite artificial control efforts.
Invasive species and accompanying control efforts can have long term public health implications.
The study concludes with the recommendation that $50,000 be allocated to begin the control effort.
The state said Wednesday that another reason shootings had declined this year was the success of control efforts in the past.
For 2005 the inspection service has requested about $3 million to continue its control efforts.
Despite control efforts, possums now number about 70 million.
To be sure, the international control effort must become a high priority for United States foreign policy.
Christmas Island is a focal point for this international control effort.
In allocating its control efforts, the Commission makes use of risk analysis.
They would undermine international support and confidence in the multilateral arms control efforts.