Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Transmission Of Neospora Caninum Between Wild And Domestic Animals, L.F.P. Gondim, M.M. Mcallister, N.E. Mateus-Pinilla, W.C. Pitt, L. D. Mech, M.E. Nelson

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

To determine whether deer can transmit Neospora caninum, brains of naturally infected white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were fed to 4 dogs; 2 of these dogs shed oocysts. Oocysts from 1 of the dogs were tested by polymerase chain reaction and found to be positive for N. caninum and negative for Hammondia heydorni. The internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence of the new strain (designated NC-deer1) was identical to N. caninum from domestic animals, indicating that N. caninum is transmitted between wild and domestic animals, often enough to prevent divergent evolution of isolated populations of the parasite. NC-deer1 …

Probabilistic Risk Assessment For Snails, Slugs, And Endangered Honeycreepers In Diphacinone Rodenticide Baited Areas On Hawaii. Usa, John J. Johnston, William C. Pitt, Robert T. Sugihara, John D. Eisemann, Thomas M. Primus, Melvin J. Holmes, Joe Crocker, Andy Hart

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Three probabilistic models were developed for characterizing the risk of mortality and subacute coagulopathy to Poouli, an endangered nontarget avian species, in broadcast diphacinone-baited areas on Hawaii, USA. For single-day exposure, the risk of Poouli mortality approaches 0. For 5-d exposure, the mean probability of mortality increased to 3% for adult and 8% for juvenile Poouli populations. For Poouli that consume snails containing diphacinone residues for 14 d, the model predicted increased levels of coagulopathy for 0.42 and 11% of adult and juvenile Poouli populations, respectively. Worst-case deterministic risk characterizations predicted acceptable levels of risk for nonthreatened or endangered species …

Damage Reduction Estimates And Benefit-Cost Ratios For Feral Swine Control From The Last Remnant Of A Basin Marsh System In Florida, Richard M. Engeman, Henry T. Smith, Robert Severson, Mary Ann Severson, John Woolard, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Bernice Constantin, Daniel Griffin

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The introduction of swine (Sus scrofa) has adversely affected the environment of many natural habitats throughout the world. Basin marshes are dwindling ecosystems in Florida that are especially vulnerable to damage by feral swine. In January 2003, the estimated amount of swine damage to the exposed portion of the last remnant of a basin marsh system in Savannas Preserve State Park (SPSP) was 19% (an area of 5 ha). Economic valuations for the swine damage were based on the monetary amounts that wetland regulators have allowed permit applicants to spend in mitigation attempts to replace lost wetland resources. …

Diel Foraging Behavior Of American White Pelicans ()Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos) On Experimental Aquaculture Ponds , Scott J. Werner

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Videography and night vision equipment were used to observe the diurnal and nocturnal activities of American white pelicans (Pe1ecanus erythrorhynchos) (N= 6) foraging on three experimental (0.04 ha) channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture ponds in March 2001. Captive pelicans spent most time foraging per hour from 1700 through 2300 h (CST). No foraging was observed from 0700 through 0800 h. Fish captures per hour were greatest from 1700 through 1900 h. On average, captive pelicans (N = 5) consumed 1.0 ± 0.2 kg of catfish per bird per day during the 10-d foraging …

Genetic Methods Improve Accuracy Of Gender Determination In Beavers, Christen Lenney Williams, Stewart W. Breck, Bruce W. Baker

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Gender identification of sexually monomorphic mammals can be difficult. We used analysis of zinc-finger protein (Zfx and Zfy) DNA regions to determine gender of 96 beavers (Castor canadensis) from 3 areas and used these results to verify gender determined in the field. Gender was correctly determined for 86 (89.6%) beavers. Incorrect assignments were not attributed to errors in any one age or sex class. Although methods that can be used in the field (such as morphological methods) can provide reasonably accurate gender assignments in beavers, the genetic method might be preferred in certain situations.

Alligators As West Nile Virus Amplifiers, Kaci Klenk, Jamie Snow, Katrina Morgan, Richard Bowen, Michael Stephens, Falacia Foster, Paul Gordy, Susan Beckett, Nicholas Komar, Duane Gubler, Michael Bunning

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Recent evidence suggests that American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) may be capable of transmitting West Nile virus (WNV) to other alligators. We experimentally exposed 24 juvenile alligators to WNV parenterally or orally. All became infected, and all but three sustained viremia titers >5.0 log₁₀ PFU/mL (a threshold considered infectious for Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes) for 1 to 8 days. Noninoculated tankmates also became infected. The viremia profiles and multiple routes of infection suggest alligators may play an important role in WNV transmission in areas with high population densities of juvenile alligators.

Attractiveness Of Brown Rice Baits To Non-Target Birds In Harvested Corn And Soybean Fields, George M. Linz, Gregory A. Knutsen, H. Jeffrey Homan, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Brown rice is used as a bait-carrier for the avicide DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methyladhe) when baiting blackbirds (Icteridae). In March and April 1996 and 1997, we assessed non-target granivorous bird use of rice-baited plots placed in harvested corn and soybean fields in eastern South Dakota for 168 observation hours. In both years combined, we identified 10 and 14 granivorous species in corn and soybean fields, respectively. In 1996 (X = 0.2, SE = 0.04) and 1997 (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38), total numbers of granivores min^-1 were similar between crops (P ≥ 0.322). In 1996, bird numbers …

Absorption, Distribution, And Excretion Of [14C]-3-Chloro-4 Methylaniline Hydrochloride In Two Species Of Birds Following A Single Oral Dose, David A. Goldade, John D. Tessari, John J. Johnston

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Ring-labeled [¹⁴C]-3-chloro-4-methylaniline hydrochloride (250 μg per bird) was delivered to 21 red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and 21 dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) via oral gavage, and the distribution and excretion of radioactivity were determined at 15 and 30 min and 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h (n = 3 per time point). Direct measurement of radioactivity as well as measurement following combustion was accomplished using a liquid scintillation counter. Elimination from most tissues followed a two-compartment model, with very rapid elimination occurring between time 0 and 4 h and a much slower elimination …

Calcium Responses Of Chicken Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons To Methyl Anthranilate And Capsaicin, Michael L. Kirifides, Michael P. Kurnellas, Larry Clark, Bruce P. Bryant

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Using digital fluorescence imaging, we determined the effects of methyl anthranilate (MA), an avian irritant, and capsaicin (CAP), a mammalian irritant, on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in chicken trigeminal neurons. Concentration–response functions indicated that the threshold for inducing increases in [Ca2+]i was higher for CAP (30·mmol·l–1) than for MA (10·mmol·l–1). The maximum magnitudes of [Ca2+]i in response to MA and CAP were compared after normalization to 40·mmol·l–1 KCl. At equal concentrations (300·mmol·l–1), trigeminal neurons responded with a greater change in [Ca2+]i to MA (78% of KCl) than to CAP (43% of KCl). Furthermore, at 300·mmol·l–1, 48% of neurons responded to MA …

Evaluation And Management Of Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission, Kurt C. Vercauteren

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

National Wildlife Research Center Scientists Assess the Potential for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Transmission Between Wild and Domestic Cervids and Develop Methods to Reduce/Manage the Disease

Wildlife Services’ (WS) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) is the only Federal research organization devoted exclusively to resolving conflicts between people and wildlife through the development of effective, selective, and acceptable methods, tools, and techniques. As increased urbanization leads to a loss of traditional wildlife habitat, the potential for conflicts between people and wildlife increases. Such conflicts can take many forms, but recently the potential for the transmission of diseases among wildlife, livestock, and …

Development Of A High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy Method For The Determination Of Strychnine Concentrations In Insects Used To Assess Potential Risks To Insectivores, Randal S. Stahl, Wendy M. Arjo, Kim K. Wagner, Carol Furcolow, Dale L. Nolte, John J. Johnston

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) method was developed in support of a study to assess potential tertiary risks posed to insectivores by strychnine baited pocket gophers (Thomomys sp.). Necropholous insects are primary consumers of pocket gopher carcasses. A field study was conducted to collect insects from strychnine-baited and control pocket gopher carcasses. The majority of the insects collected were from the orders Diptera (flies, assayed separately as adults and larvae), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hymenoptera (ants and wasps, assayed separately). Samples (0.5 g) were extracted in acetic acid (2%) and analyzed with the mass spectrometer configured for tandem …

Central And North America (Nearctic), E. M. Gese, M. Bekoff

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Coyotes appear slender with “a long, narrow, pointed nose; small rounded nose pads; large pointed ears; slender legs; small feet; and a bushy tail...” (Young and Jackson 1951). Size varies geographically (Young and Jackson 1951) (Table 4.1.1), although adult males are heavier and larger than adult females. They range in color from pure grey to rufous; melanistic coyotes are rare (Young and Jackson 1951). Fur texture and color varies geographically: northern subspecies have long coarse hair, coyotes in the desert tend to be fulvous in color, while coyotes at higher latitudes are darker and more grey (Young and Jackson 1951). …

Survey And Census Techniques For Canids, E. M. Gese

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We already know that the status and distribution of canid populations throughout the world is of growing concern for biologists and the public alike. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, human persecution, decreases in prey, disease, poaching, and increased competition with other carnivores due to reduced space and habitat, have led to some canid species facing extinction, while others occupy only a fraction of their former range. While reintroductions of some species have been successful (e.g., grey wolves Canis lupus to the Northern Rockies of the U.S.), other species face an uncertain future (e.g., African wild dogs Lycaon pictus). Paramount …

2nd National Invasive Rodent Summit

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Papers (abstracts follow)

Historical perspectives and current ecological impacts of nutria in Louisiana
Urban desert islands
Flea control on wild rodents
An overview of rodent control to protect biodiversity on mainland New Zealand
Risk assessment of rodenticide use in New Zealand
Rodents on oceanic islands
Invasive species
Improving the management of rat control damage on the Caribbean National Forest
The USGS role in nutria research and management
Controlling roof rats (Rattus rattus) for protection of Puerto Rican parrots
Anticoagulant resistance in farm rat populations in the UK
Invasive rodent research priorities in New Zealand
The National Invasive Species Council
Integrated …

Herbivore Experience With Plant Defense Compounds Influences Acquisition Of New Flavor Aversions, Bruce A. Kimball, Dale L. Nolte

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Multiple experiments were conducted with a mammalian herbivore to determine how experience

with plant secondary metabolites (terpenes and tannins) influenced acquisition of new aversions to

diets containing these same plant metabolites. Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) were employed as

behavioral models for this study. Twenty-four subjects were assigned to three treatment groups that

received 20 days of experience with test diets: (A) terpene diet only; (B) tannin diet only; and (C)

terpene and tannin diets offered singly on alternate days. In experiment 1, all subjects were offered

both diets in a two-choice test to determine if experience affected diet preference. Both …

Management Of Cattail (Typha Spp.) Stands With Glyphosate To Disperse Blackbirds , George M. Linz, H. Jeffrey Homan, Ryan L. Wimberly, Philip Mastrangelo, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

In the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and South Dakota, blackbirds (Icteridae) gather by the thousands in large premigratory roosts in late summer and early fall. Wetlands dominated by cattails (Typha spp.) provide ideal roosting habitat for these aggregations. Sunflower fields near large roosts can receive substantial damage. To eliminate potential roosting sites, Wildlife Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented a cattail management program that aerially sprays dense cattail stands with the herbicide glyphosate m-(phosphonomethyl) glycine]. The continued viability of the program depends on a positive benefit-cost ratio and minimal environmental impacts. In this paper, …

Influences Of Land Use Patterns On Blackbird Abundance In The Prairie Pothole Region Of North Dakota, Greg M. Forcey, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

One issue affecting sunflower growers in the upper Great Plains of North America is crop depredation by blackbirds. In this region, blackbirds annually destroy an average of $5.4 million of sunflower. To increase the understanding of how blackbirds are influenced by large-scale land-use patterns, we developed multiple regression models to explain how various land use patterns influence blackbird abundance. We used data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the USGS land cover assessment to develop regression models examining associations between land use characteristics and blackbird abundance. Both red-winged blackbirds and yellow-headed blackbirds were negatively associated with the amount …

Avian Use Of Roadside Habitat In The Southern Drift Plains Of North Dakota And Implications For Cattail (Typha Spp.) Management, Bryan D. Safratowich, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We determined avian use of roadside rights-of-way to develop proper management strategies for the manipulation of roadside cattail. Cattail management is a technique used to reduce nesting and roosting habitat for problematic blackbird species, which might feed on sunflower crops in the vicinity of cattail-dominated wetlands. Thirty quarter sections (1 quarter section ≈ 64.75 ha) located in the Southern Drift Plains of North Dakota served as our study units. Roadside habitat along two 0.5 mile (-0.8 km) transects bordering these quarter sections was surveyed to assess avian use. Additionally, nest surveys were , conducted to provide an index of breeding …

Avian Use Of Harvested Crop Fields During Spring Migration Trrough North Dakota, Alegra M. Galle, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Over the past century, the amount of mixed-grass prairie in North Dakota has diminished with a concomitant increase in land used for crop production. Consequently, the diversity of habitat available for migrant birds has decreased, and birds are now limited to choosing habitats that are uncharacteristic of those used during other times of the year. Because of the extensive agricultural production in this region, the value of harvested crop fields to spring-migrating birds was studied by examining avian habitat use in harvested fields to determine differences in bird use among these habitats. In the spring of 2003, 60 harvested fields …

Effects Of Aerial Lines On Red-Winged Blackbird Nesting Success, William H. Clark, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Crop damage attributed to foraging red-winged blackbirds continues to be a problem in localized areas of the United States. Therefore, new methods that are both environmentally and public friendly need to be developed for repelling blackbirds. One such method that is more humane and less hazardous than the chemical control is the use of aerial lines to repel birds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerial lines on the reproductive effort of nesting red-winged blackbirds and to determine the spacing, type, and size of aerial lines that are most effective. Maximum likelihood estimates for the …

Quantification Of Cattail (Typha Spp.) In The Prairie Pothole Region Of North Dakota In Relation To Blackbird Damage To Sunflower, Scott T. Ralston, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Sunflower is an important crop for many farmers in the upper Midwest, especially in North Dakota and South Dakota. Blackbirds have been a major problem for the sunflower grower community. Bud depredation to a field can be devastating. The USDA-APHISWS is charged with reducing the conflict between the birds and the farmers. Many methods have been employed by Wildlife Services and other agencies to lessen the damage. One method is the reduction of the cattail (Typha spp.) habitat used by blackbirds in and around wetlands; however, cattails are used by other animals. Consequently, there is a need to insure …

Detection Of Clostridium Botulinum Type C Cells In The Gastrointestinal Tracts Of Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis Mossambicus) By Polymerase Chain Reaction, P. Nol, J.L. Williamson, T.E. Rocke, T.M. Yuill

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We established a method of directly detecting Clostridium botulinum type C cells, while minimizing spore detection, in the intestinal contents of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). This technique involved extraction of predominantly cellular DNA from tilapia intestinal tracts and used a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect presence of type C₁ toxin gene. We consistently detected C. botulinum type C cells in tilapia gastrointestinal contents at a level of 7.5310⁴ cells per 0.25 g material or 1.9310³ cells. This technique is useful for determining prevalence of the potentially active organisms within a given population of fish …

Serologic Survey For Canine Infectious Diseases Among Sympatric Swift Foxes (Vulpes Velox) And Coyotes (Canis Latrans) In Southeastern Colorado, Eric M. Gese, Seija M. Karki, Mead L. Klavetter, Edward R. Schauster, Ann M. Kitchen

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Swift foxes (\'IL~VPGCY~ OX)a nd CoVi I otes (C~rrisl r~tr(~r~a.rse) sympatric canids distributed througllout rnany regions of tlie Great Plains of North America. ~h~ prevalence of canid diseases arnong these two species where they occur syiripatrically is presently unknown. Frorn January 1997 to January 2001, we collected blood salnples from 89 switt toxes and 122 coyotes oil the US Arlny Pifion Canyon Maneuver Site, 1,as Anilrlas County, SE lorado (USA). Seroprcvalence of ailtibodies against canine parvovirr~s (C13\i) was 71 % for adult (>9 nlo old) ailcl 38% for jrlveilile (59 Ino old) swift fbxes. Adult (21 yr old) and …

Movements Of Urban Canada Geese: Implications For Nicarbazin Treatment Programs, Kurt C. Vercauteren, David R. Marks

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Resident Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and human populations in North America are increasing rapidly. Consequently, human-goose conflicts also are increasing. A potential approach to manage Canada goose populations is the use of orally delivered reproductive inhibitors. Nicarbazin, when ingested daily, is a reproductive inhibitor that has the potential to reduce the hatchability of Canada goose eggs. To successfully employ reproductive inhibition, managers must understand the behavior of local Canada goose populations, primarily springtime movements, nesting, and habitat use to develop effective methods for delivering necessary doses. We monitored movement, habitat use, and nesting of 51 resident Canada geese, …

Use Of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Measures In Conservation Biology Research: Considerations For Application And Interpretation, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Brian E. Washburn

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analyses are increasingly being used by a variety of scientists (e.g., conservation biologists, animal scientists) to examine glucocorticoid (i.e., stress hormone) secretion in domestic and wild vertebrates. Adrenocortical activity (i.e., stress response) is of interest to conservation biologists because stress can alter animal behavior, reduce resistance to disease, and affect population performance. The noninvasiveness of fecal-based assessments is attractive, particularly when studying endangered species, because samples can often be obtained without disturbing the animal. Despite such advantages, many confounding factors inhibit the utility of this technique in addressing conservation problems. In particular, interpretation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite …

Increasing Acceptance And Efficacy Of Zinc Phosphide Rodenticide Baits Via Modification Of The Carbohydrate Profile, J. J. Johnston, D. L. Nolte, B. A. Kimball, K. R. Perry, J. C. Hurley

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Toxicant coated grain-based baits are widely used to control rodent pests throughout the world, but where alternative food sources are available, bait acceptance and efficacy are often less than optimal. In an attempt to develop baiting strategies to increasebait acceptance and efficacy of zinc phosphide-coated baits, a sugar-enhanced rolled oat based zinc phosphide bait was evaluated. With pre-baiting, 100 and 60% mortality was achieved for California and Belding’s ground squirrels, respectively. A series of two choice tests with a variety of potential bait matrices indicated that rolled oats was a desirable base matrix for both species but the lecithin sticker …

Avian Perching Deterrents On Ultrasonic Sensors At Airport Wind-Shear Alert Systems, Michael L. Avery, Ann C. Genchi

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Preventing birds from perching on the sensor units of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Low Level Wind-shear Alert System (LLWAS) is crucial to its successful operation. In this study we evaluated, under controlled conditions, responses of brownheaded cowbirds (Molothrus ater), fish crows (Corvus ossifragus), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), barred owls (Strix varia), and black vultures (Coragyps atratus) to several anti-perching devices. No device was totally successful against every species. Of the 5 original test devices, the most effective perching deterrent was a set of 17 stout spikes (“AgSpikes”) secured to the central portion of the sensor unit that point up …

Emergency Wildlife Management Response To Protect Evidence Associated With The Terrorist Attack On The World Trade Center, New York City, Richard B. Chipman, Richard A. Dollbeer, Kenneth J. Pruesser, Daniel P. Sullivan, Erin D. Losito, Allen L. Gosser, Thomas W. Seamans

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

At the request of the New York City Police Department, the PoIt Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a team of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) biologists mobilized in less than 24 hours to assist federal, state and local law enforcement officials in managing birds and rodents impacting the recovey of evidence as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. During the 10-month recovery effort fiom September 2001 to June 2002, more than 1.7 million tons of debris was shipped fiom "Ground Zero" …

What Can Birds Hear?, Robert C. Beason

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

For bids, hearing is second in importance only to vision for monitoring the world around them. ./\vim hearing is most sensitive to sounds from about 1 to 4 kHz, although they can hear higher and lower frequencies. No species of bird has shown sensitivity to ultrasonic frequencies (>20 kHz). Sensitivity to frequencies below 20 Hz (dasound) has not received much attention; however, pigeons and a few other species have shown behavioral and physiological responses to these low frequencies. In general, frequency discrimination in birds is only about one-half or one-third as good it is for humans within the 1 …

Extensive Contiguous North–South Range Expansion Of The Original Population Of An Invasive Lizard In Florida, Michaella M. Smith, Henry T. Smith, Richard M. Engeman

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Florida has one of the two worst non-indigenous invasive species problems in the United States, and all such species are considered by statute to be a potential ecological problem. Unfortunately, little information is available about most of Florida’s invasive species. Here, we provide information on range expansion of a population of one of the lesser-known species. The Palm Beach County, Florida, population of the northern curly-tailed lizard, Leiocephalus carinatus armouri, was examined for north–south expansion of its previously documented range. Observations were conducted as contiguous expansion outward from the previously known range. We found a substantial contiguous range expansion …