Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Preliminary Study Of The Genetics Of Resistance In The House Mouse, Colin V. Prescott

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

A wild house mouse (Mus domesticus) population originally trapped near Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom, and maintained as a colony in the laboratory, was subjected to the discriminating feeding period of the warfarin resistance test, as used by Wallace and MacSwiney (1976) and derived from the work of Rowe and Redfern (1964). Eighty percent of this heterogeneous population survived the resistance test. A similar proportion of the population was found to survive the normally lethal dose of bromadiolone administered by oral gavage. The majority of this population of mice were classified as "warfarin-resistant" and "bromadiolone-resistant." The dose of l0 …

Palatability Of Rodenticide Baits In Relation To Their Effectiveness Against Farm Populations Of The Norway Rat, Roger J. Quy, David P. Cowan, Colin Morgan, Tom Swevney

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The palatability of 12 rodenticide baits, formulated to vary from poorly accepted to well accepted, was measured in laboratory choice tests against Wistar and wild-caught Norway rats. The baits, derived from six bait bases and two active ingredients, difenacoum and bromadiolone, were simultaneously tested in the field against 24 farm infestations (2/formulation) in order to investigate the relationship between palatability and efficacy. Bait acceptance in laboratory tests, with EPA meal as the challenge diet, varied from 7.0 to 50.6% for Wistar rats and 3.7 to 85.1 % for wild rats. Changing the challenge diet to a ground-up laboratory animal food …

The Evolution Of Aphis Two Gas Cartridges, Craig A. Ramey, Edward W. Schafer Jr

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has two federal (Section 3) vertebrate pesticide registrations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for gas cartridges to control damage to American agricultural resources and reduce threats to public health and safety. The gas cartridges are pyro-fumigant devices that produce primarily carbon monoxide when ignited. In sealed burrows or dens, carbon monoxide is highly toxic when inhaled, leading to tissue hypoxia. Carbon monoxide is recommended by the American Veterinary Medicine Association's panel for euthanatizing animals because it quickly induces unconsciousness without pain and with minimal discernible discomfort. …

Agelaius Blackbirds And Rice In Uruguay And The Southeastern United States, Ethel N. Rodriguez, Michael L. Avery

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Throughout the world, wherever rice is grown, birds that damage the crop are attracted. The situations are particularly interesting in Uruguay and the southeastern United States where different species of blackbird have adapted to rice cultivation. In the two countries, rice production practices differ in several respects such as seeding rate, seedbed preparation, and insect control practices. Furthermore, although they are congeneric, the major rice pest species differ in important ways. For example, in Uruguay, Agelaius ruficapillus usually nests in the rice field, whereas A. phoeniceus, in the U.S., does so only rarely. Agronomic and ornithological aspects of these …

Nest Material As A Delivery Method For Avicides: Preliminary Tests With African Weaver Finches, Stephen A. Shumake, Peter J. Savarie

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

To evaluate the potential of using nesting material as a medium for avicide delivery, five organophosphates (Dasanit^®, Volaton^®, fenthion, parathion, and Cyanophos^®) were tested on small groups of paired male-female quelea (n = 4 to 9). Toxicants were presented to each pair of birds on five 13-cm strands of cotton string after a preliminary screening for male nest weaving behavior. Tested concentrations ranged from 100% technical grade to 0.003 % compound diluted with acetone. Dasanit^® was found to be the most effective candidate with some lethal effects noted at 0.012%. An optimal concentration …

Zinc Phosphide Residues In Voles: Scenarios Showing Low Risks To Domestic Cats And Dogs, Ray T. Sterner

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂, CAS #1314-84-7) is an acute rodenticide having numerous agricultural applications. This paper estimates the risk of mortality posed to domestic cats (Felis domesticus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) from ingestion of voles (Microtus spp.) that succumb to 2.0% Zn₃P₂ baits. Following a brief review of direct/indirect studies and incident reports relevant to nontarget-Zn₃P₂ effects and vole control, four scenarios of volecarcass ingestions needed for light and heavy cat and dog predators/scavengers to receive approximate lethal doses (ALDs = 40 mg/kg) of undigested rodenticide …

Population Densities And Disease Surveys Of Wild Pigs In The Coast Ranges Of Central And Northern California, Rick A. Sweitzer, Ian A. Gardner, Ben J. Gonzales, Dirk Van Vuren, Walter M. Boyce

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

In 1994 and 1995, 233 different wild pigs were captured during population research at seven research sites focused primarily in the coastal regions of central and northern California. Mark-resight data and information on wild pig movements were used to assess wild pig population densities at those sites. Population densities ranged from 1.01 wild pigs/km² in Mendocino County in 1994 to 3.32 wild pigs/km² in Santa Clara County in 1995. Comparisons of population densities between years at three research sites suggested that wild pig populations increased in 1995 in response to favorable forage conditions after the wet fall and …

Opening Remarks - Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

It is my honor and my pleasure to greet you this morning, and to welcome you on behalf of the entire Vertebrate Pest Council.

You have come from throughout California, from across the United States, and from many corners of the world to gather here for the purpose of sharing information, expertise, and wisdom in dealing with vertebrate pest problems. Our common purpose is to find yet better methods for preventing and resolving situations in which wildlife comes into conflict with humans. The Conference's mission remains one of education. We learn from each other, and we strive to find better …

Effects Of Stage Of Nut Development And Simulated Rat Damage On Macadamia Yields, Mark E. Tobin, Ann E. Koehler, Robert T. Sugfflara, Richard M. Engeman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Black rats (Rattus rattus) cause extensive damage in Hawaiian macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) orchards. In a previous study, extensive and persistent snap trapping significantly reduced rat populations and depredations on developing macadamia nuts, but had little effect on subsequent yields of mature nuts. This suggested that macadamia trees may compensate for rat damage, and that commonly used indices based on rodent activity and proportion of nuts damaged may overestimate the impact of rodent depredations and exaggerate the effectiveness of control measures. To clarify the effects of rat feeding on developing macadamia nuts, two levels of damage at …

Investigations And Management Of Epizootic Plague At Ice House Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest, California, 1994 And 1995, Kenneth R. Townzen, Malcolm A. Thompson, Charles R. Smith

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The occurrence of plague (Yersinia pestic) at Ice House Reservoir in 1994 and 1995 was characteristic of widespread epizootics in high use recreational areas of California. Staff of the Vector-Borne Disease Section investigated these epizootics and found dense populations of plague susceptible California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) with high numbers of fleas, primarily Diamanus montanus, the most important plague vector. This combination indicated a high risk of plague exposure to campground users. A non-fatal human case of plague, contracted at Mountain Camp II, was reported after the initial epizootic investigation. The patient's exposure occurred prior …

Techniques And Expertise In Wildlife Damage Control: A Survey Among The National Animal Damage Control Association (Nadca) Membership, Dallas R. Virchow, J. Russell Mason

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The membership of the National Animal Damage Control Association (NADCA) was surveyed during 1995 to collect information about specialty fields, preferred methods and experience. Respondents had broad experience that included 44 species or species groups. Members reported firsthand experience with an average of 17.6 different species and 2.9 vertebrate groups. Forty-three percent indicated that their specialization was among carnivores. In this group, coyotes, Canis latrans (45%), raccoon, Procyon lotor (23%) and skunk (13%) were most frequently mentioned. Members reporting carnivore experience had firsthand experience with an average of five different species. Rural and urban members did not significantly differ in …

Animal Liberation And The Lessons Of Nature, Steve F. Sapontzis

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Although they provide catchy labels, "animal liberation" and "animal rights" have occasioned considerable misunderstanding and much pointless debate. 1 want, here, to explicate what I believe is being sought for animals under these labels. This explication should help to undo some of the misunderstandings about liberating animals and extending moral rights to them. After this explication, I will turn to the issue of the way in which scientific knowledge of natural entities, processes, and organizations is and is not relevant to animal liberation.

PART I: WHAT ANIMAL LIBERATION IS ABOUT

One of these misunderstandings concerns the use of "animal" in …

Plant Secondary Chemicals As Non-Lethal Vertebrate Repellents, Richard W. Watkins, David P. Cowan, Elaine L. Gill

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Few effective repellents are currently available for the non-lethal management of vertebrate pests. This is perhaps not surprising considering the ad hoc nature of past applications which assumed that the target pest species would have the same attraction/aversion preferences as man. A more rational approach is to identify compounds that have real biological significance for the pest species. Plants have evolved an array of defense chemicals (secondary plant compounds) that inhibit the feeding of vertebrate herbivores, because they are either innately aversive or they generate a conditioned aversion. These compounds are, therefore, ideally suited for use in the reduction of …

The Pocket Gopher As A Pest In Mexico, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Pocket gophers of the genus Orthogeomys and Pappogeomys are major pests in rangeland and agricultural areas throughout Mexico. Control relies on the indiscriminate use of fumigants and poison baits. These controls are applied in a haphazard manner; do not provide long-term benefits and the non-target hazards and public safety risks are perceived to be extremely high. Studies indicate that as a result of reinvasion of treated areas or territory expansion of animals surviving the control procedure, controls relying on removal of animals may be limited unless applied at frequent (every three months or less) intervals.

The Washington Adcp—A Private Collaborative Effort To Address Biological, Economical And Social Constraints To Reduce Wildlife Damage, Georg Ziegltrum, Dale L. Nolte

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Washington Animal Damage Control Program (WADCP) operates within the general structure of the Washington Forest Protection Association. The general goal of the WADCP is to resolve wildlife damage issues in an economically feasible and socially acceptable manner. The four components of the WADCP are program management and administration; support of individual member activities; research, monitoring, and surveys; and promotional and educational activities. An overview of each of these components is provided.

Norway Rat Infestation Of Urban Landscaping And Preventative Design Criteria, Bruce A. Colvin, Ralph Degregorio, Charlotte Fleetwood

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Fifty-four landscaped areas in downtown Boston were surveyed for Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) activity. Each location also was characterized based on size, types of plantings, density of plantings, type of mulch, and sanitary and maintenance conditions. Factors most associated with the presence of rats were dense contiguous stands of shrubbery (e.g., needled evergreens) and refuse/litter availability on the ground. Design criteria should include effective spacing of shrubbery, limiting mass plantings of dense shrubs, selection of plant varieties that grow with openness underneath, strategically-placed and rodent-proof refuse containers, and use of crushed-stone inspection strips. Rodent control should be considered …

The Future Of Wildlife Damage Management—And Why I Want To Be A Part Of It, Scott R. Craven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Welcome to the 17th Vertebrate Pest Conference; THE conference for those of us who work in the field of vertebrate pest management. Actually, I prefer the term wildlife damage management to either animal damage control or vertebrate pest control, but as long as one takes a broad perspective on the definition of wildlife, there is really no difference except perhaps in perception. I do not mean to suggest that the name of the Vertebrate Pest Conference should be changed. It should not be changed. However, I do suggest that no matter what umbrella term you operate under, we are all …

Introducing The National Wildlife Research Center, Richard D. Curnow

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The paper summarizes the background and historical events leading to the creation of the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and describes the status of its research program and facilities development in Fort Collins, Colorado. Also, the relationship of the NWRC to the Denver Wildlife Research Center is presented.

How To Control A Pest's Pest—Flea And Rodent Efficacy, Becky Doane, Dave Blodget, Bonnie Bonnivier

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Fleas have caused health and sanitation problems for centuries. Most rodents are hosts to fleas. Baker Crop Protection Chemicals (BCPC) recently entered the rodenticide market (via SLN) with an efficacious fumigant for single burrow rodents, MAGNACIDE^® H Herbicide/Rodenticide (a.i. acrolein). Noting that most burrowing rodents are flea infested, BCPC undertook an experiment to determine if fleas also succumb to acrolein under simulated field treatment scenarios. Results of the study under laboratory conditions demonstrated that fleas do succumb to acrolein treatments as well as the specific rodents targeted for treatment. This study also established rodent death rates from exposure to …

Frontmatter- Proceedings Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm, A. Charles Crabb

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Contents

OPENING REMARKS - SEVENTEENTH VERTEBRATE PEST CONFERENCE
Robert M. Timm ...................1

THE FUTURE OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT-AND WHY I WANT TO BE A PART OF IT
Scott R. Craven................... 2

INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER
Richard D. Curnow................... 6

THE STATUS OF NUISANCE WILDLIFE DAMAGE CONTROL IN THE STATES
Kristen P. LaVine, Mark J. Reeff, Jodi A. DiCamillo, and Gary S. Kania ...................8

ANALYSIS OF VERTEBRATE PEST RESEARCH
Jim Hone................... 13

TOWARDS "BEST PRACTICE" VERTEBRATE PEST MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA USING VIRALLY-VECTORED IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION
Mike Braysher, Peter O'Brien, and Mary Bomford................... 18

ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGES TO CONTROLLING WILD RABBITS IN AUSTRALIA …

Animal Rights And The Need To Understand Nature; A Debate, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

As various societies, especially in the developed countries of the world, acquired a better life-style and standard of living, a common trend developed toward treating animals more humanely, especially the domestic ones. But the movement was too slow, and the animal rights movement captured this void and established a new ethic. Unfortunately, this was done without a full appreciation of the laws of nature. Even though this movement was clearly needed, some people have carried it too far.

Tonight, hopefully, we can have some good constructive discussions from the audience on this subject after Dr. Steve Sapontzis and I first …

Impacts Of Field-Dwelling Rodents On Emerging Field Corn, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Jason D. Eksteev

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has produced nearly 600,000 ha of exceptional wildlife habitat in Nebraska. Unfortunately, several species of rodents that inhabit CRP grass fields cause damage to agricultural crops. The emergence of corn seedlings in a 4-row strip of no-till field corn, planted in a 64 ha bromegrass field in northeastern Nebraska was examined. The most common rodent species in the study area was the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), of which 18 were captured within 10 m of the planted strip during one evening (400 trap nights). Corn seedling emergence in unprotected control areas [x̅ = …

Reducing Livestock Depredation Losses In The Nepalese Himalaya, Rodney M. Jackson, Gary G. Ahlborn, Mahesh Gurung, Som Ale

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

In the Nepalese Himalaya conflict with rural communities due to livestock predation to large carnivores like snow leopard, common leopard, wolf and wild dog has risen sharply in recent years. This increase is attributed to a number of factors, including implementation and enforcement of wildlife protection laws (which have permitted a recovery in carnivore numbers), the creation of protected areas (which serve as refuges from which predators can populate the surrounding area), the depletion of natural prey due to poaching and loss of habitat, and lax livestock herding practices. However, little information is presently available upon which to design remedial …

Zoonotic Diseases Of Carnivores And Occupational Safety Issues For Predator Control Employees, Michele T. Jay

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The paper highlights some important zoonotic infections of carnivores in North America. The etiologic agents, routes of transmission, reservoirs, and methods for prevention are emphasized. Occupational safety issues for people working in predator control are discussed.

Assessment Of The Environmental Impact Of Brodifacoum During Rodent Eradication Operations In New Zealand, D. R. Morgan, G. R. Wright, S. C. Ogilvie, R. Pierce, P. Thomson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Although Talon^® baits containing brodifacoum have been used successfully in eradicating rats from some of New Zealand's offshore islands, little is known about any environmental effects of this toxin. Invertebrates, blackbirds, soil, and water at intervals of two days to nine months were sampled to determine whether brodifacoum residues were present after aerial distribution of Talon^® 20P cereal pellets on Red Mercury Island and after bait-station use of Talon^® 50WB wax-coated cereal blocks on Coppermine Island. No brodifacoum residues were found in soil, water, or most (99 %) invertebrate samples. Low concentrations (0.12 /μg/g) were found in …

Education And Training Integral Part To 1080 Possum Control In New Zealand, Peter C. Nelson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

New Zealand currently has large scale possum and rabbit operations being carried out on about 10% of its land area. Education and training are integral to possum control in New Zealand because of the heavy reliance that the control agencies in New Zealand place on toxic baiting with 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate). Education of the general public is treated as a high priority since without their approval many of the operations would not be carried out. It is equally important that school children are advised on what toxic baits look like and why pest control operations are required. Training of pest …

Dealing With Wild Pig Depredation In California: The Strategic Plan, Douglas Updike, John Waithman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Wild Pig Management Plan is required by Fish and Game Code Section 4651. It is intended to be a strategic plan for dealing with wild pigs for the five-year period 1995-2000. The plan is a dynamic document that will be reviewed and updated at least every five years.

As prescribed by law, the plan contains information related to the status and trend of wild pig populations, and describes management units established by the Department to address regional needs and opportunities. Those needs include alleviating damage to property, protecting sensitive natural resources, and providing recreational hunting where feasible. Opportunities include …

Ecological Challenges To Controlling Wild Rabbits In Australia Using Virally-Vectored Immunocontraception, C. K. Williams

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The European wild rabbit in Australia threatens the sustainability of agriculture and conservation of native flora and fauna. Improved means of reducing these impacts are sought including effort to develop virally vectored immunocontraception (VVIC). VVIC for the wild rabbit involves complex interactions between the rabbit, myxoma virus and insect vectors of the virus. Development of the method includes not only reproductive molecular biology and genetics and manipulation of virus genetics, but also many problems in reproductive biology, ecology and population dynamics of the rabbit in diverse environments. Furthermore, epidemiology of enzootic myxomatosis, and behavior and population dynamics of several vector …

Managing Plague In Endangered Species Habitats, Frederick J. Harrison Jr.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Plague is an endemic disease among field rodents in the southwestern United States. Epizootic outbreaks of this disease increase the risk of human infection where man comes into contact with infected rodents or their fleas. The risk is further increased when colonial rodents are involved, since these animals are usually found in large numbers and are often found in locations where people live, work, or enjoy recreational activities. Elimination of large numbers of susceptible rodents from a particular location following a plague epizootic usually results in a quiescent period when plague is neither a threat to those rodents moving into …