Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 66

Full-Text Articles in Environmental Health and Protection

Closing Remarks For The Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Lewis R. Davis Mar 1988

Closing Remarks For The Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Lewis R. Davis

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

This brings to an end the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference. Without the speakers and the session chairs, there would not have been a conference. Let us acknowl¬edge them for the excellent job done.


Conference Participants: Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Mar 1988

Conference Participants: Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference,

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

The Conference totalled 401 registered attendees. The wide representation from the United States and from 14 countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly diversified group for the exchange of ideas and information.


Opening Remarks -- Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, A. Charles Crabb Mar 1988

Opening Remarks -- Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, A. Charles Crabb

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

As the chair of this year's conference, it is a great honor to be able to represent the 23 hard working members of the Vertebrate Pest Council. On behalf of the Vertebrate Pest Council I would like to welcome all of you to the 13th Vertebrate Pest Conference. The exchange of information and the establishment of professional relationships between people interested in vertebrate pest management certainly makes the efforts necessary to put on this conference a worthy endeavor.


Frontmatter For Volume Of Proceedings Of The Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1988, Mar 1988

Frontmatter For Volume Of Proceedings Of The Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1988,

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Frontmatter and Contents for the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference held at MONTEREY SHERATON HOTEL, Monterey, California, March 1,2 & 3, 1988.


Pesticides, Scientists, Farmers, And The Public: No "White Knight" Rescue In Sight, Pamela Jones Mar 1988

Pesticides, Scientists, Farmers, And The Public: No "White Knight" Rescue In Sight, Pamela Jones

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: The pesticide controversy is much more complicated than simply a disagreement over facts and risk estimates between the "experts" and the "fearful." It is a battle over ideology as much as one over information. This paper discusses the notion of "educating the public" about pesticides, establishing realistic expectations of efforts by industry and academia, and notes some of the limitations, and potential involvement, of scientists as "translators" in dealing with this controversy.


Animal Rights And Vertebrate Pest Control, Dale L. Brooks Mar 1988

Animal Rights And Vertebrate Pest Control, Dale L. Brooks

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: Many animal rights activists are very vocal in their belief that animals are more valuable or at least equally important to humans. There is little to no compromise in their overall view that the use of animals for food, fiber, teaching, research and testing does not result in improvements for other animals or societal needs. Today's activists are well prepared and very articulate in getting their views across to the public through the press and television media. An increasing number of the public is beginning to believe the activist allegations of inhumane animal practices. The biologist can no longer …


Vertebrate Pesticides And Nontarget Wildlife Losses In Proper Perspective, James E. Miller Mar 1988

Vertebrate Pesticides And Nontarget Wildlife Losses In Proper Perspective, James E. Miller

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: The use of pesticides as one of the management tools to assist in the prevention and control of damage caused by vertebrate wildlife is certainly not new, nor has it become any less controversial in recent years. In fact, throughout the recent history of pesticide uses for control of vertebrate damage to the production of food and fiber, the prevention of potential epizootic diseases, and other potential threats to man's well-being and to the habitats and management of other wildlife resources, the use of pesticides as well as other management tools have generally been reviewed and monitored by professionals. …


The Impact Of Wildlife Damage On Wildlife Management Programs In Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven Mar 1988

The Impact Of Wildlife Damage On Wildlife Management Programs In Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: Wildlife damage caused by species normally managed as game animals or furbearers should be of major concern to wildlife managers and various user groups: hunters, trappers, and other outdoor recreationists. Real or potential damage may be used as an important factor in determining population levels, harvest goals, and distribution of white-tailed deer and Canada geese in Wisconsin. In any state where private land and agriculture are important, such a strategy could reduce wildlife populations and associated recreational opportunities. Recent surveys in Wisconsin have quantified the amount and distribution of deer, goose, and turkey damage in Wisconsin. These data allow …


Photonovels Produced By Client/Professional Partnerships: An Educational Approach To Commensal Vertebrate Ipm, Stephen C. Frantz, John P. Comings, Debra L. Roter Mar 1988

Photonovels Produced By Client/Professional Partnerships: An Educational Approach To Commensal Vertebrate Ipm, Stephen C. Frantz, John P. Comings, Debra L. Roter

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: Since commensal vertebrate pest problems are largely "people problems," a well-planned and executed educational intervention could be the single most important component in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The basic purpose of educational interventions is to bring sufficient information and understanding to affected clients so that they can and will intercept and control pests in the infested habitat. The encouragement of client participation in producing educational materials is consistent with learning theory and pest management principles. Such production methods allow materials to be closely aligned with client concerns and establish a climate for mutual exchange of ideas between …


Attractiveness Of Carbon Disulfide To Wild Norway Rats, J. Russell Mason, N. Jay Bean, Bennett G. Galef Jr. Mar 1988

Attractiveness Of Carbon Disulfide To Wild Norway Rats, J. Russell Mason, N. Jay Bean, Bennett G. Galef Jr.

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

In laboratory experiments, carbon disulfide (CS2) increases the attractiveness of feeding stations to rats and mice. Bait consumption is also increased, and the effects are more pronounced for females than for males. The present study was designed to assess whether CS2 would enhance consumption of a standard bait formulation by wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). The results showed that consumption was tripled when bait was paired with CS2. We speculate that CS2 could similarly enhance the effectiveness of rodenticide bait formulations to which it is applied. Extensive field tests of CS2 as a rodent attractant appear warranted.


Vitamin Kt Treatment Of Brodifacoum Poisoning In Dogs, C. G. Mackintosh, F. J. Laas, M. E. R. Godfrey, K. Turner Mar 1988

Vitamin Kt Treatment Of Brodifacoum Poisoning In Dogs, C. G. Mackintosh, F. J. Laas, M. E. R. Godfrey, K. Turner

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Twenty dogs received a potentially lethal (15 mg/kg) dose of brodifacoum, a halogenated coumarin-type anticoagulant poison. Eleven were immediately treated with vitamin K: daily for 5 days, either by intramuscular injections (2 mg/kg) or oral tablets (1 mg/kg). It was necessary to give further doses of vitamin Kj to most of the dogs for up to 2 weeks after the first treatment period to reduce their P times to normal levels (<10 >seconds). Four dogs were not given further vitamin Kj and two of these died of acute blood loss from an intrathoracic hemorrhage. Nine dogs received vitamin K: (2 …


Activity Of Lm 2219 (Difethialone), A New Anticoagulant Rodenticide, In Commensal Rodents, J. C. Lechevin, Richard M. Poche Mar 1988

Activity Of Lm 2219 (Difethialone), A New Anticoagulant Rodenticide, In Commensal Rodents, J. C. Lechevin, Richard M. Poche

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

ABSTRACT: Preliminary studies completed on commensal rodents with the new anticoagulant rodenticide difethialone showed very good efficacy, such that 25 ppm baits could be used effectively. New test results presented in this publication confirm the activity as shown under laboratory conditions in choice tests, which represent more severe conditions, as well as its effectiveness against rodents that are resistant and non-resistant to warfarin. In tests where the palatability was only fair the chemical activity resulted in excellent mortality. In a field test against a large population of Mus musculus the results proved very satisfactory. Difethialone is toxic to birds and …


Efficacy And Environmental Impact Of Flocoumafen (Storm) Wax Block Baits Used For Rice Field Rat Control In The Philippines., Melanda M. Hoque, Jaime L. Olvida Mar 1988

Efficacy And Environmental Impact Of Flocoumafen (Storm) Wax Block Baits Used For Rice Field Rat Control In The Philippines., Melanda M. Hoque, Jaime L. Olvida

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Two large (approx. 160 ha) trial sites incorporating ricefields and village housing were selected in Laguna Province, Philippines. Flocoumafen 3.5-g wax block baits (StormR) were applied to one site, initially as two area-wide pulses of 80 to 100 blocks/ha and later as spot treatments, to areas of particularly high rat infestation. Baiting in and around the village houses was already carried out during the first two applications. On average, only 1.175 kg/ha/season of flocoumafen block bait gave good rodent control resulting in significant decreases in crop damage (% cut tillers) compared to the untreated area. The overall yield increase was …


Stopping House Mice Building Infestations Through Exterior Control , Charles E. Knote Mar 1988

Stopping House Mice Building Infestations Through Exterior Control , Charles E. Knote

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

CONCLUSIONS (1) Exterior house mice (M- musculus) were the source (SOS) of 90% or more of the potential interior house mouse problems in these food warehouses and other buildings. (2) The use of a palatable bagged mouse bait inside a totally enclosed elevated mouse-sized bait station (MAJ-ik-BOX), along with self-setting multi-catch lever mouse traps (TIN CATS) "bunched" together at potential mouse entries safely and effectively eliminated an estimated 99% or more of the migrating exterior mice living or running next to the foundations of buildings. (3) The effectiveness of the "bunched" mouse-sized bait station/multi-catch trap in controlling 99% of the …


Reduction In Rodent Populations Through Intermittent Control Operations In The Cropping Ecosystem Of The Indian Desert, Ranjan Advani, Ishwar Prakash, R. P. Mathur Mar 1988

Reduction In Rodent Populations Through Intermittent Control Operations In The Cropping Ecosystem Of The Indian Desert, Ranjan Advani, Ishwar Prakash, R. P. Mathur

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Control operations at 6-month intervals, continued for four years in crop fields, reduced the rodent population to 5.08 percent losses to agricultural production. After eight crop seasons, a significant reduction in rodent density was observed in treated areas when compared with that of the control areas (P < 0.01). Correlation between pre-treatment population index (y) and number of seasons (log of x) was found to be 0.91 (P < 0.01). A relationship was established between y and x : y = 0.804.0-0.9621 log x. From this equation, it can be inferred that rodent population will reach zero level after treating crop fields continuously for6.85 or say 7.0 (seven) seasons. After control, the numbers of predominant rodents, Tatera indica, Meriones hurrianae and Rattus meltada. were significantly reduced and the residual population was composed of Mus booduga. Gerbillus spp., Rattus gleadowi. Golunda ellioti and Funambulus pennanti.


Characteristics Of Damage By Vertebrate Pests To Groundnuts In Pakistan, Joe E. Brooks, Ejaz Ahmad, Iftikhar Hussain Mar 1988

Characteristics Of Damage By Vertebrate Pests To Groundnuts In Pakistan, Joe E. Brooks, Ejaz Ahmad, Iftikhar Hussain

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Vertebrate pest damage to groundnut (Arachis hvpogea) was assessed at harvest in 164 fields selected along road transects in Pakistan. Overall damage in these fields was estimated at 5.3 %, of which the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) accounted for 2.4%, the short-tailed mole rat (Nesokia indica) caused 1.0%, and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) caused 0.9%. Desert hares (Lepus nigricollis). crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) and house crows (Corvus splendens) together accounted for the remaining 1.0% damage. The damage characteristics of each species are described. Observations indicated that visual above-ground examination of plants for damage underestimated the actual loss because …


Predator Odors And Their Potential Role In Managing Pest Rodents And Rabbits, Thomas P. Sullivan, Druscilla S. Sullivan, Douglas R. Crump, Hal Weiser, Elisabeth A. Dixon Mar 1988

Predator Odors And Their Potential Role In Managing Pest Rodents And Rabbits, Thomas P. Sullivan, Druscilla S. Sullivan, Douglas R. Crump, Hal Weiser, Elisabeth A. Dixon

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). several species of voles (Microtus spp.), the northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoidest. and the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) cause serious damage to forest plantations and stands (and voles and pocket gophers in tree fruit orchards) by their feeding activities. Certain synthetic predator odors are reviewed which have produced significant avoidance responses in these pest species and reduced damage to crop trees on an experimental basis. In addition, the specific study reported in this paper was designed to assess the influence of predator odors on population density and survival of montane vole (M. montanus) populations in …


A Field Method For Assessing The Palatability Of Rodenticidal Baits, A. P. Buckle, D. E. Kaukeinen Mar 1988

A Field Method For Assessing The Palatability Of Rodenticidal Baits, A. P. Buckle, D. E. Kaukeinen

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Assessments of the palatability of rodenticide baits are usually conducted in the laboratory but little is known of the value of such tests as determinants of the potential performance of formulations in the field. Field bait acceptance tests conducted earlier were either unduly time-consuming or failed to take account of aspects of rodent behavior in relation to baiting regimes which make the interpretation of results difficult. This paper describes a novel, cost effective technique for assessing the palatability of baits in the field and the use of the new method to compare the acceptance of three commercial formulations, containing either …


Introduced Animals In Hawaii's Natural Areas, Charles P. Stone, Stephen J. Anderson Mar 1988

Introduced Animals In Hawaii's Natural Areas, Charles P. Stone, Stephen J. Anderson

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

The Hawaiian islands provide superlative examples of biological evolution and are perhaps the best sites in the world for biological invasions. Introduced invertebrates such as the Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) and the western yellowjacket wasp (Paravespula pensvlvanica) reduce native insects and plant pollinators and may have been a factor in native bird declines. Management of invertebrates in localized areas through use of chemicals such as Tahara and diazinon is being attempted. Research on the long term effects of alien birds on native ecosystems is under way, but management currently is restricted to preservation of intact and large areas of native …


Effects Of Implementing Epa's Endangered Species Protection Program On National Forest System Lands, Shelley Witt, Glen Contreras, Max M. Ollieu Mar 1988

Effects Of Implementing Epa's Endangered Species Protection Program On National Forest System Lands, Shelley Witt, Glen Contreras, Max M. Ollieu

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

In 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated an effort to comply more fully with the Endangered Species Act. This effort became their "Endangered Species Protection Program." The possibility of such a program was forecast in 1982 when Donald A. Spencer gave a presentation to the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference on "Vertebrate Pest Management and Changing Times." This paper focuses on current plans for implementing the EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program as it relates to the USDA Forest Service. It analyzes the potential effects this program will have on the agency, using the pocket gopher (Thomomys spp.), strychnine, and …


The Operation Of Coordinated Rabbit Control Organizations In England And Wales, I. G. Mckillop Mar 1988

The Operation Of Coordinated Rabbit Control Organizations In England And Wales, I. G. Mckillop

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Rabbit control organizations in England and Wales were studied between 1978 and 1982. A national survey of existing organizations showed that there were 2 types (societies and groups) and that they jointly covered only 2% of farmers and 1.5% of agricultural land. Three societies were studied for 3 years and were found to be underfunded and increasingly unable to provide coordinated control on adjoining properties. Farmers are provided with recommendations on how to run coordinated rabbit control organizations.


Recognizing Black Bear Damage To Second Growth Redwoods, Gregory A. Giusti Mar 1988

Recognizing Black Bear Damage To Second Growth Redwoods, Gregory A. Giusti

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Black bears, Ursus americanus, have been known to cause severe damage to second-growth redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The damage is seasonal and is often associated with logging roads, skid trails or other openings in the forest. Signs of damage are characteristic and cannot easily be confused with other species of wildlife that damage redwoods.


Terrestrial Mammalian Pests In Argentina—An Overview, John E. Jackson Mar 1988

Terrestrial Mammalian Pests In Argentina—An Overview, John E. Jackson

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

In Argentina, 41 of the country's 300 native or introduced land mammals are legally considered as pests: 31 are indigenous and 10 exotic. The types of problems arising are described and the principal species causing them are reviewed. Although inflicting damage, several wild animals are also valuable for commercial hunting enterprises.


A Decade Of Use Of Livestock Guarding Dogs, Raymond Coppinger, Lorna Coppinger, Gail Langeloh, Lori Gettler, Jay Lorenz Mar 1988

A Decade Of Use Of Livestock Guarding Dogs, Raymond Coppinger, Lorna Coppinger, Gail Langeloh, Lori Gettler, Jay Lorenz

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Results from a ten-year study of livestock guarding dogs show that the dogs are an effective tool for reducing predation. Average reduction attained by five strains of dogs (Anatolian Shepherds, Maremmas, Shar Planinetz, Anatolian/ Shars, Maremma/Shars) was 64%, with predation reduced to zero for 53% of reporting producers in 1986. Variations in trustworthy, attentive and protective behavior of the dogs were breed-specific, and offer mechanisms for improving the system.


Problems Associated With Beaver In Stream Or Floodway Management, Wendy S. Fitzgerald, Ronald A. Thompson Mar 1988

Problems Associated With Beaver In Stream Or Floodway Management, Wendy S. Fitzgerald, Ronald A. Thompson

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

In California, beaver (Castor canadensis) were first recognized for their value as a furbearer. Additionally, in many areas, beaver are considered desirable if not essential components of stream and wetland ecosystems. Where beaver and human activity overlap, beaver have become nuisance animals causing direct damage through dam building, flooding, bank denning, and loss of agricultural crops. Other problems such as the threat of levee failure and subsequent flooding, increases in undesirable brush growth due to a raised water table, restricted access due to flooding, and an increased mosquito population resulted in the Department of Water Resources (DWR) developing a beaver …


Predators And Sheep Management Practices In Sonoma County, California, Stephanie Larson, Terrell P. Salmon Mar 1988

Predators And Sheep Management Practices In Sonoma County, California, Stephanie Larson, Terrell P. Salmon

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Over the last twenty-five years, sheep numbers have been declining in Sonoma and Marin Counties at the same time the number of predators has increased. With the removal of most chemical control methods, livestock producers have had to turn to other methods of preventing livestock losses. The objective of this project was to survey livestock producers to determine the levels of predation, type of predator involved, and the management methods being used to reduce these losses. This information is essential to develop a sound extension program to help livestock producers better deal with the predator problem.


Field Evaluation Of Padded Jaw Coyote Traps: Effectiveness And Foot Injury, Samuel B. Linhart, F. Sherman Blom, Gary J. Dasch, Richard M. Engeman, Glenn H. Olsen Mar 1988

Field Evaluation Of Padded Jaw Coyote Traps: Effectiveness And Foot Injury, Samuel B. Linhart, F. Sherman Blom, Gary J. Dasch, Richard M. Engeman, Glenn H. Olsen

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

A field study of unpadded and padded foothold coyote traps was undertaken in six western states in 1986-1987. Tests were designed to determine the capture efficiency and extent of foot injury caused by different trap modifications. Results were similar to an earlier study undertaken in 1984-85 that showed padded traps reduced foot injury but captured and held fewer animals than did unpadded traps. Both studies showed that unpadded long-spring traps used operationally by Federal Animal Damage Control specialists were the most effective (75-78% capture rate) but caused more foot injury. Padded long-spring traps were intermediate in efficacy (52-57%) and foot …


Badgers (Taxidea Taxus) As Occasional Pests In Agriculture, Steven C. Minta, Rex E. Marsh Mar 1988

Badgers (Taxidea Taxus) As Occasional Pests In Agriculture, Steven C. Minta, Rex E. Marsh

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

The badger (Taxidea taxus). because of its strong propensity for digging, is considered North America's fossorial carnivore, feeding mostly on ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and mice throughout much of the western and midwestern continent. Badger excavations, primarily in search of food, produce mounds and deep holes which can damage alfalfa and other crops and damage farm equipment and water systems. Depredations include poultry, waterfowl, and eggs. Overall, the badger is considered a relatively minor vertebrate pest. As a furbearer it is considered a renewable natural resource. Most local pest problems are currently reduced through leghold trapping and shooting. Habitat modification …


Development And Testing Of The Coyote Lure Operative Device, Daniel B. Fagre, Steven M. Ebbert Mar 1988

Development And Testing Of The Coyote Lure Operative Device, Daniel B. Fagre, Steven M. Ebbert

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

A new device for orally delivering substances to coyotes (Canis latrans) has been under development for approximately 10 years. The development of the coyote lure operative device (CLOD) is described along with some recent field evaluations of the CLOD system. In general, the results of these field tests indicate that the CLOD shows potential and merits further development.


Observation Of Woodpecker Damage To Electrical Distribution Line Poles In Missouri, Lyle A. Stemmerman Mar 1988

Observation Of Woodpecker Damage To Electrical Distribution Line Poles In Missouri, Lyle A. Stemmerman

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1988)

Woodpecker damage to electrical distribution poles was monitored in Saline and Pcttis Counties. Damage increased over the four-year monitoring period. There was an increase in both the number of poles damaged and the amount of damage to individual poles. When woodpecker-damaged poles were replaced, the replacement poles proved highly vulnerable to attack. A pole repair and replacement program in Dekalb and Gentry Counties was monitored. The objective was to determine if plastic mesh would effectively protect poles from woodpecker attack and if efficacy could be reliably determined within one year of installation. Plastic mesh failed to provide an acceptable level …