Science may finally win the war against Queensland’s biggest eco-scourge, the cane toad.

Scientists have revealed three viruses found in the toad’s DNA could be converted into a bioweapon to wipe the species out, according to findings published in GigaScience journal on Thursday.

Scientists hope viruses in the cane toad's DNA could be weaponised to turn the tables on the pest. Credit:University of New South Wales

Ranked 16th on the World’s 100 Worst Invasive Species list, the cane toad, which can weigh up to two kilograms, was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s in a bid to control crop-devouring sugar-cane beetles.

The experiment was a disaster. The toads ignored the bugs they were supposed to eradicate, and quickly proved themselves highly adaptable, prolific breeders and more-or-less indestructible.