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Use Of Infrared Thermography To Detect Signs Of Rabies Infection In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor), Mike R. Dunbar, Kathleen A. Maccarthy B.S. Feb 2006

Use Of Infrared Thermography To Detect Signs Of Rabies Infection In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor), Mike R. Dunbar, Kathleen A. Maccarthy B.S.

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Infrared thermography was evaluated as a technique to determine if raccoons (Procyon lotor) experimentally infected with rabies virus could be differentiated from non-infected raccoons. Following a 10-day adjustment period, raccoons (n = 6) were infected with a virulent rabies street strain raccoon variant by injection into the masseter muscle at a dose of 2 x 104 tissue-culture infectious dose (TCID50) in 0.2 ml (n = 4) or 105 TCID50 in 1 ml (n = 2). Five of the six raccoons developed prodromal signs of rabies 17 to 22 days post-inoculation …


Comparison Of Lorsban®-4e And Caffeine Aerially Sprayed On Sunflower Plots For Bird Repellency, George M. Linz, H. Jeffrey Homan, Anthony A. Slowik, Linda B. Penry Feb 2006

Comparison Of Lorsban®-4e And Caffeine Aerially Sprayed On Sunflower Plots For Bird Repellency, George M. Linz, H. Jeffrey Homan, Anthony A. Slowik, Linda B. Penry

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Ripening sunflower fields in the northern Great Plains provide blackbirds with easily accessible sources of high-energy food. As many growers can attest, blackbirds can be nearly impossible to discourage from foraging in favored fields. Repellents sometimes can be effective feeding deterrents, especially if alternative foraging sites are readily available.


Immunocontraception Of Florida Feral Swine With A Single-Dose Gnrh Vaccine, G. Killian, L. Miller, J. Rhyan, H. Doten Feb 2006

Immunocontraception Of Florida Feral Swine With A Single-Dose Gnrh Vaccine, G. Killian, L. Miller, J. Rhyan, H. Doten

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.


Modeling Blackbird Abundance In The Prairie Pothole Region Using A Hierarchical Spatial Model, George M. Forcey, George M. Linz, Wayne E. Thogmartin, William J. Bleier Feb 2006

Modeling Blackbird Abundance In The Prairie Pothole Region Using A Hierarchical Spatial Model, George M. Forcey, George M. Linz, Wayne E. Thogmartin, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Blackbirds are ubiquitous members of the avian fauna in the Prairie Pothole Region. However, their abundance combined with their food habits make blackbirds significant agricultural pests on sunflower. Cost estimates for blackbird damage to sunflower in the northern Great Plains range from 4-11 million U.S. dollars per year. Because of their economic impact on agriculture, it is imperative to understand the environmental factors that influence blackbird abundance patterns. This study attempts to quantify the effects of landscape-level land use and climate patterns on blackbird abundance in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States.


Innovative Solutions To Human–Wildlife Conflicts Feb 2006

Innovative Solutions To Human–Wildlife Conflicts

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Contents

Introduction
Developing Methods
Bird Research Program
Mammal Research Program
Product Development Research Program
Program Support
Wildlife Disease Research Program
Providing Wildlife Services
National Support
International Cooperation
Valuing and Investing in People
2005 Publication Awards
Supporting Student Research
Enhancing Information and Communication
Information Services
Seminars
Meetings, Workshops, and Conference Presentations
Publications


Innovative Solutions To Human–Wildlife Conflicts Jan 2006

Innovative Solutions To Human–Wildlife Conflicts

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services (WS) Program is to provide Federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) functions as the research arm of WS by providing scientific information on the development of socially acceptable methods for wildlife damage management. As part of WS’ strategic plan to improve the coexistence of people and wildlife, NWRC has identified four strategic program goals: (1) developing methods, (2) providing wildlife services, (3) valuing and investing in people, and (4) enhancing information and communication. WS is dedicated to helping meet the wildlife …


A Simple Hplc Method For The Determination Of Chlorpyrifos In Black Oil Sunflower Seeds , Richard E. Mauldin, Thomas M. Primus, Theresa A. Buettgenbach, John J. Johnston, G. M. Linz Jan 2006

A Simple Hplc Method For The Determination Of Chlorpyrifos In Black Oil Sunflower Seeds , Richard E. Mauldin, Thomas M. Primus, Theresa A. Buettgenbach, John J. Johnston, G. M. Linz

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Damage to ripening sunflowers by blackbirds is an important agricultural problem in the northern Great Plains. In an effort to reduce crop loss by non-lethal means, several insecticidal formulations were evaluated for potential bird repellency. One formulation, Lorsban®-4E, was highly effective in feeding studies with caged blackbirds. Chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate pesticide) is a registered insecticide and acaricide commonly used to control insects on sunflower, and is the active ingredient in Lorsban®-4E. To support further evaluation of chlorpyrifos repellency in field trials, a rapid, simple, high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analytical method was developed to assess residues in sunflower seeds, which …


Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry For Direct Identification And Quantification Of Iophenoxic Acid In Serum, Melinda C. Wiles, Tyler A. Campbell Jan 2006

Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry For Direct Identification And Quantification Of Iophenoxic Acid In Serum, Melinda C. Wiles, Tyler A. Campbell

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A liquid chromatographic electrospray ionization mass spectrometric technique was developed for direct quantitation of iophenoxic acid (IA) in serum. IA was spiked into canine, feline, bovine, equine, and porcine sera, extracted, and quantified using negative ion monitoring following chromatographic separation on a Luna C18(2) 3 μm (100mm×2.1 mm) reversed-phase column. The limit of detection was 25 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 50 ng/mL. Inter- and intra-assay accuracy (86–113% and 87–115%, respectively) and precision (1.8–7.7%) were calculated. Analysis of serum collected from feral pigs, raccoons, and opossums following ingestion of IA-marked baits confirmed the appropriateness of this method for …


Effects Of Addition Of A Bird Repellent To Fish Diets On Their Growth And Bioaccumulation, Sheenan Harpaz, Larry Clark Jan 2006

Effects Of Addition Of A Bird Repellent To Fish Diets On Their Growth And Bioaccumulation, Sheenan Harpaz, Larry Clark

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The effects of adding the nonlethal bird repellent methyl anthranilate (MA), at levels of 100 and 1000 mg/kg, to fish feed on the bioaccumulation and growth of juvenile (10 g) hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis) and juvenile (1g) African cichlid fish Aulonocara jacobfreibergi were investigated under laboratory conditions. The bird repellent did not have any effect on the fish growth or survival over a period of 6 weeks. MA residues at low levels of 11.2 ± 2.6 mg/g were found in lipophili tissues (liver) of MA-fed fish. Control fish, which had no MA added to their diet, …


Monitoring Invasive Mammalian Predator Populations Sharing Habitat With The Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Amazona Vittata, Richard M. Engeman, Desley Whisson, Jessica Quinn, Felipe Cano, Pedro Quiñones, Thomas H. White Jan 2006

Monitoring Invasive Mammalian Predator Populations Sharing Habitat With The Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Amazona Vittata, Richard M. Engeman, Desley Whisson, Jessica Quinn, Felipe Cano, Pedro Quiñones, Thomas H. White

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Critically Endangered Puerto Rican parrots Amazona vittata are one of the rarest birds in the world. Several exotic mammal species capable of preying on Puerto Rican parrots cohabit the Caribbean National Forest with the only wild population of these parrots. We used tracking plates, monitoring blocks and trapping to index black rats, small Indian mongooses and feral cats in parrot habitat and in public-use areas in the same habitat type. We had high trap success for black rats at all sites (42% of all sites combined), among the highest reported in the world. Rat response to monitoring (nontoxic bait) blocks …


Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius Phoeniceus) Reproduction In North Dakota, Rachel M. Bush, Mark E. Clark, Wendy L. Read, George M. Linz Jan 2006

Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius Phoeniceus) Reproduction In North Dakota, Rachel M. Bush, Mark E. Clark, Wendy L. Read, George M. Linz

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.


Experimental Infection Of Fox Squirrels (Sciurus Niger) With West Nile Virus, J. Jeffrey Root, Paul T. Oesterle, Nicole M. Nemeth, Kaci Klenk, Daniel H. Gould, Robert G. Mclean, Larry Clark, Jeffrey S. Hall Jan 2006

Experimental Infection Of Fox Squirrels (Sciurus Niger) With West Nile Virus, J. Jeffrey Root, Paul T. Oesterle, Nicole M. Nemeth, Kaci Klenk, Daniel H. Gould, Robert G. Mclean, Larry Clark, Jeffrey S. Hall

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Tree squirrels (Sciurus spp.) have exhibited high seroprevalence rates, suggesting that they are commonly exposed to West Nile virus (WNV). Many characteristics of WNV infections in tree squirrels, such as the durations and levels of viremia, remain unknown. To better understand WNV infections in fox squirrels (S. niger), we subcutaneously inoculated fourteen fox squirrels with WNV. Peak viremias ranged from 104.00 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL of serum on day 2 post-infection (DPI) to 104.98 PFU/mL on 3 DPI, although viremias varied between individuals. Oral secretions of some fox squirrels were positive for WNV viral RNA, occasionally …


Effect Of Method Of Delivering Nicarbazin To Mallards On Plasma 4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide Levels And Reproduction, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller, K. S. Bynum, J. J. Johnston, M. J. Goodall Jan 2006

Effect Of Method Of Delivering Nicarbazin To Mallards On Plasma 4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide Levels And Reproduction, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller, K. S. Bynum, J. J. Johnston, M. J. Goodall

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Nicarbazin (NCZ), a coccidiostat used in the poultry industry, has been developed as a contraceptive for resident Canada geese. We tested the efficacy of NCZ as a contraceptive using mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) as a model for Canada geese. Nicarbazin-treated corn was fed ad libitum for 14 d at 0, 750, 1,000, or 1,500 ppm. Plasma and egg levels of 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), the active anticoccidial component of NCZ, differed among treatment groups in a dose-response relationship, but plasma levels did not differ between sexes. Nicarbazin caused a decrease in egg weight, but there was no effect of NCZ on …


Modeling Blackbird Abundance In The Prairie Pothole Region Using A Hierarchical Spatial Model, Greg M. Forcey, George M. Linz, Wayne E. Thogmartin, William J. Bleier Jan 2006

Modeling Blackbird Abundance In The Prairie Pothole Region Using A Hierarchical Spatial Model, Greg M. Forcey, George M. Linz, Wayne E. Thogmartin, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Blackbirds are ubiquitous members of the avian fauna in the Prairie Pothole Region. However, their abundance combined with their food habits make blackbirds significant agricultural pests on sunflower. Cost estimates for blackbird damage to sunflower in the northern Great Plains range from 4-11 million U.S. dollars per year. Because of their economic impact on agriculture, it is imperative to understand the environmental factors that influence blackbird abundance patterns. This study attempts to quantify the effects of landscape-level land use and climate patterns on blackbird abundance in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States.


Evaluation Of Nicarbazin As A Potential Waterfowl Contraceptive Using Mallards As A Model, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller, K. S. Bynum, J. J. Johnston, M. J. Goodall Jan 2006

Evaluation Of Nicarbazin As A Potential Waterfowl Contraceptive Using Mallards As A Model, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller, K. S. Bynum, J. J. Johnston, M. J. Goodall

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Contraception may provide a useful nonlethal management tool to reduce wild bird populations. We tested the efficacy of nicarbazin (NCZ) as a contraceptive for waterfowl and assessed health effects of NCZ, using domestic mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) as a model for Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Mallards were given gelatin capsules containing 0, 8.5, 17.0, or 33.75 mg of NCZ/kg of BW perorally once daily for 14 d. Fecal 4,4′- dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) and fluorescein were evaluated as potential markers of plasma and egg DNC levels. Plasma, egg, and fecal DNC levels differed among treatment groups in a dose …


Determination Of Diphacinone Residues In Hawaiian Invertebrates, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, John J. Johnston Jan 2006

Determination Of Diphacinone Residues In Hawaiian Invertebrates, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, John J. Johnston

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatographic analysis combined with a solid-phase extraction clean-up method is used to assess the quantity of diphacinone residue found in invertebrates. Three invertebrate species are exposed to commercially available diphacinone-fortified bait used for rat control. The invertebrate samples are collected, frozen, and shipped to the laboratory. The samples are homogenized after cryogenic freezing. A portion of the homogenized samples are extracted with acidified chloroform–acetone, followed by cleanup with a silica solid-phase extraction column. Diphacinone is detected by UV absorption at 325 nm after separation by the chromatographic system. The method limit of detection (MLOD) for snail …


Determination Of Diphacinone Residues In Hawaiian Invertebrates, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, John J. Johnston Jan 2006

Determination Of Diphacinone Residues In Hawaiian Invertebrates, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, John J. Johnston

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatogaphic analysis combined with a solid-phase extraction clean-up method is used to assess the quantity of diphacinone residue found in invertebrates. Three invertebrate species are exposed to commercially available diphacinone-fortified bait used for rat control. The invertebrate samples are collected, frozen, and shipped to the laboratory. The samples are homogenized after cryogenic freezing. A portion of the homogenized samples are extracted with acidified chloroform-acetone, followed by cleanup with a silica solid-phase extraction column. Diphacinone is detected by UV absorption at 325 nm after separation by the chromatographic system. The method limit of detection (MLOD) for snail …


Efficacy Of Sunflower Decoy Plots For Blackbird Control And Supplemental Stopover Habitat, Heath M. Hagy, Jon Raetzman, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier Jan 2006

Efficacy Of Sunflower Decoy Plots For Blackbird Control And Supplemental Stopover Habitat, Heath M. Hagy, Jon Raetzman, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wildlife Conservation Sunflower Plots (WCSP) were planted and monitored during a two-year trial/research program to monitor the effect of decoy plots on blackbird use of nearby commercial sunflower and abundance of nonblackbird migratory species within the plots. In the two year evaluation period, in excess of 975 hours were spent by three researchers in the plots monitoring damage, vegetation, and avian use. We used bird numbers, vegetation characteristics, and landuse landscape variables to assess the optimal habitat conditions in and around each decoy plot for luring blackbirds and providing adequate stopover habitat for nonblackbird migrants. In 2004, wetland and shelterbelt …


Potential Predators Of An Invasive Frog (Eleutherodactylus Coqui) In Hawaiian Forests, Karen H. Beard, William C. Pitt Jan 2006

Potential Predators Of An Invasive Frog (Eleutherodactylus Coqui) In Hawaiian Forests, Karen H. Beard, William C. Pitt

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.


Molecular Effects Of Nicarbazin On Avian Reproduction, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller Jan 2006

Molecular Effects Of Nicarbazin On Avian Reproduction, C. A. Yoder, J. K. Graham, L. A. Miller

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Nicarbazin (NCZ) is an anticoccidial drug routinely used in the poultry industry that can negatively affect reproduction by reducing egg production, egg weight, and egg hatchability. The molecular mechanisms by which NCZ affects reproduction are unknown. Lipoprotein lipase, vitellogenin, transglutaminase, and calcium are all involved in egg formation and embryogenesis. Therefore, in vitro assays were used to evaluate 4 potential mechanisms of action of NCZ on egg formation and embryogenesis. First, a lipoprotein lipase assay was conducted to determine if NCZ increases lipoprotein lipase activity. Second, vitellogenin phosphorylation was evaluated to determine if NCZ acts as a vitellogenin phosphatase. Third, …