Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Environmental Health and Protection Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 68
Full-Text Articles in Environmental Health and Protection
Policy Considerations For Contraception In Wildlife Management, Wendy A. Sanborn, Robert H. Schmidt, Herbert C. Freeman
Policy Considerations For Contraception In Wildlife Management, Wendy A. Sanborn, Robert H. Schmidt, Herbert C. Freeman
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Managing wildlife populations by manipulating their birth rates is a promising technology. However, the use of contraceptive technologies will involve the development of new wildlife management policies. We designed and implemented a survey that was intended to gather information on the range of perspectives of concerned publics on contraceptive use in wildlife management. There appears to be considerable confusion and mistrust regarding the application and appropriateness of this new technology. We recommend that promoters of contraception use in wildlife management be careful to explain what this new technology can and cannot do in order to avoid the pitfalls associated with …
The Prospects And Associated Challenges For The Biological Control Of Rodents, Grant R. Singleton
The Prospects And Associated Challenges For The Biological Control Of Rodents, Grant R. Singleton
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Biological control using macro- or micro-parasites is a promising research area for control of rodents. The largest impediment to progress is a dearth of high quality research, under field conditions, on wild rodents and their diseases. A major challenge is to identify a candidate control agent which is sufficiently pathogenic, has a high transmission rate and is target specific. Once this has been done, ecological studies of both the host and the disease agent, and of the epidemiology of transmission, are required. Whether the desired pathogenicity is via increased mortality and/or reduced fertility will depend on the agent and on …
Wild Carnivores As Plague Indicators In California - A Cooperative Interagency Disease Surveillance Program, Charles R. Smith
Wild Carnivores As Plague Indicators In California - A Cooperative Interagency Disease Surveillance Program, Charles R. Smith
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
A cooperative interagency program of sampling and testing wild carnivores for plague antibody has been utilized as an important component of an integrated plague surveillance program in California since 1974. The carnivore serology program involves the California Department of Health Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS/Animal Damage Control, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, and various other cooperators. This paper summarizes the results of the testing of wild carnivores, opossums, and feral pigs over the past two decades from 49 of California's 58 counties, and discusses the importance of the program to the …
Ground Squirrel Management In The Angeles National Forest, Robyn K. Spano
Ground Squirrel Management In The Angeles National Forest, Robyn K. Spano
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
In 1987 and 1988 there was a sharp rise in epizootics in the ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) population in the Arroyo Seco District of the Angeles National Forest. In response to these incidents, a proactive rather than a reactive approach was implemented in this area. This was the beginning of a ground squirrel management program in the Angeles National Forest. From 1988 to 1993 the program developed into a joint management program between the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS), Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS), Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner's Office-Weights and Measures …
Effects Of Initial Rat Captures On Subsequent Capture Success Of Traps, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugihara, Richard M. Engeman
Effects Of Initial Rat Captures On Subsequent Capture Success Of Traps, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugihara, Richard M. Engeman
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Trapping records from studies conducted in Hawaiian sugarcane fields were analyzed to determine the effects of rat captures on subsequent capture success of Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus, and R. exulans. Traps that captured rats were subsequently more likely to capture another rat of the same species. We detected no differences in trap responses of males and females, nor did we observe any evidence that capture success of Polynesian rats and roof rats was affected by previous captures of Norway rats. This increased trap success may have been due to residual trap odors, or to greater success of traps …
Activity Patterns Of The Pocket Gopher Pappogeomys Merriami Merriami In A Mexican Rangeland, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C.
Activity Patterns Of The Pocket Gopher Pappogeomys Merriami Merriami In A Mexican Rangeland, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C.
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Pocket gophers (Pappogeomys meiriami merriami) are a problem in both crops and rangelands of Mexico. In rangelands, damage results from the animals burrowing habits which cause much soil disturbance, and their feeding on rangeland vegetation. Although considered a pest, to date there have been no quantitative studies of the activity and damage caused this species. This study was initiated to document fluctuations in activity of P. m. merriami throughout the year in a Mexican rangeland.
Natural History And Protection Of Burrowing Owls, Clark S. Winchell
Natural History And Protection Of Burrowing Owls, Clark S. Winchell
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Burrowing owls (Speotyto cunicularia) were monitored over a four year period at Naval Air Station North Island, a developed area at the north end of San Diego Bay, California. Protection of the nest burrows and a burrow marking program were initiated in 1991. The breeding population increased from 14 to 27 nests after this marking program began. Burrow types and ways to differentiate burrows used by owls from those used by California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) are outlined. The importance of burrows and their management is discussed with reference to the natural history of the owl.
Supplemental Bear Feeding Program In Western Washington, Georg J. Ziegltrum
Supplemental Bear Feeding Program In Western Washington, Georg J. Ziegltrum
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Black bear (Ursus americanus) damage to trees is a severe problem in the Pacific Northwest. Significant damage has been observed for many years, especially in highly managed private industrial forests in western Washington. The introduction of intensive silvicultural techniques resulted in higher yields, but may have also made trees more vulnerable to black bear destruction. Early lethal control efforts lost public support and the forest products industry investigated different methods that concentrated on non-lethal management tools. In 1985, the Washington Forest Protection Association introduced supplemental bear feeding as a damage prevention program in high damage areas during the …
Closing Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm
Closing Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
As Chairperson-elect of the Council, I wish to express my appreciation to all who participated in this 16th Conference. I trust you have enjoyed this conference, as I have, as well as your visit to the Santa Clara Valley. Much information has been presented here, not only in the more than 70 formal presentations, but also in evening sessions, meetings, and informal sharing and interaction. We hope we have provided adequate opportunities for informal networking, as this can be equally valuable as the scheduled papers and presentations.
Rodent Pests In Colombian Agriculture, Danblo Valencia, Donald J. Elias, Jorge A. Ospina
Rodent Pests In Colombian Agriculture, Danblo Valencia, Donald J. Elias, Jorge A. Ospina
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The tropical zones of Latin America are sources of a great faunal richness. A significant number of mammals are associated with damage to the agricultural and livestock industries of Colombia. Some studies have indicated that rodents cause serious economic and social damage in the agricultural, livestock, and stored product sectors of the Colombian economy. Evaluations of this damage have been based on three criteria: 1) the characteristics of the damage; 2) the species of rodent involved; and 3) the loss of production at harvest. Cereals and oil-producing crops are most affected as standing crops; in the livestock area, poultry and …
Using Geographic Information Systems For Tracking An Urban Rodent Control Program, Matt Von Wahlde, Bruce A. Colvin
Using Geographic Information Systems For Tracking An Urban Rodent Control Program, Matt Von Wahlde, Bruce A. Colvin
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Geographic information system technology is being used to help coordinate an urban rodent control program initiated as part of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston. Databases with neighborhood survey data, surface and subsurface baiting data, sanitation code violations, and public complaints are linked to base mapping, land parcel, and utility graphics. This integrated approach helps Project biologists plan control strategies and evaluate the relatedness of rodent activity to environmental conditions. Spatial querying techniques and the ability to graphically display and map variables, such as bait stations and sanitation deficiencies, help ensure that control resources are effectively targeted and tracked. This …
Zinc Phosphide: Implications Of Optimal Foraging Theory And Particle-Dose Analyses To Efficacy, Acceptance, Bait Shyness, And Non-Target Hazards, Ray T. Sterner
Zinc Phosphide: Implications Of Optimal Foraging Theory And Particle-Dose Analyses To Efficacy, Acceptance, Bait Shyness, And Non-Target Hazards, Ray T. Sterner
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) maintains six federal registrations for zinc phosphide (Zn3P2); three of these address the control of eight rodent species using steam-rolled oats (SRO) or wheat grains in diverse applications. Optimal foraging theory (OFT) and "particle-dose analysis" (PDA) afford predictions relevant to the efficacy, acceptance, bait shyness, and non-target hazards of these Zn3P2 baits. For PDA, numbers of SRO groats or whole wheat grains associated with acute oral median lethal (LD^) or approximate lethal (ALD) doses of Zn3P2 were compared among nine target rodent and eleven …
Registration Requirements For Non-Toxic Natural Products As Animal Damage Control Agents, Stephen A. Schumake
Registration Requirements For Non-Toxic Natural Products As Animal Damage Control Agents, Stephen A. Schumake
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Plant extracts, animal glandular secretions and excretions, and natural food flavoring agents are common sources of natural products that can be used in animal damage control applications. Such products can be used either by themselves (e.g., coyote urine as a rodent repellent), or in combination with other control agents (e.g., food odor or flavor enhancer at baiting sites). The Environmental Protection Agency registration requirements are described for a variety of potential applications of natural products including bird and rodent repellents. In some applications, the product chemistry or other data requirements could make the registration process prohibitive due to the cost …
Sources Of Information On Wildlife Damage Control, Robert M. Timm
Sources Of Information On Wildlife Damage Control, Robert M. Timm
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
In the area of wildlife damage control, people encounter a great diversity of problems for which they need effective, timely solutions. Published materials or sources of help are often scattered, difficult to locate, or even unknown to many who work in this discipline. Let me begin with three stories. They are fictional, but they are created from the variety of wildlife-human conflicts that occur in California. Thus, they represent the reality of human attempts to deal with wildlife damage.
Rejex-ItTm Ag-36 As Bird Aversion Agent For Turf And Agriculture, Peter F. Vogt
Rejex-ItTm Ag-36 As Bird Aversion Agent For Turf And Agriculture, Peter F. Vogt
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
In limited field studies on turf, winter rye, cherries and blueberries, where the presence of sufficient concentrations of ReJeX-iTTM AG-36 were known to exist, excellent bird repellency was achieved. Variations in the results are attributed to low concentrations of the initial application, rapid biodegradation due to environmental conditions, or limited application (covering less than 100% of the test plot).
An Approach To Controlling Golden Eagle Predation On Lambs In South Dakota, Blair C. Watte, Robert L. Phillips
An Approach To Controlling Golden Eagle Predation On Lambs In South Dakota, Blair C. Watte, Robert L. Phillips
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
A case of severe golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) predation on domestic sheep was documented on seven South Dakota ranches during the spring of 1993. One hundred forty-two lambs and one ewe were verified as being killed by eagles during a six-week period. In an effort to resolve the depredation problem, padded leghold traps were used to capture 21 golden eagles in or near the lambing pastures. The captured eagles were translocated and released approximately 322 km northeast of the capture area. Predation on lambs ceased following the relocation effort.
Alpha-Chloralose: Current Status, Restrictions And Future Uses For Capturing Birds, Paul P. Woronecki, Richard A. Dolbeer
Alpha-Chloralose: Current Status, Restrictions And Future Uses For Capturing Birds, Paul P. Woronecki, Richard A. Dolbeer
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
In 1992, the Animal Damage Control (ADC) program received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use Alpha-Chloralose (A-C) nationwide for capturing waterfowl (Anatidae), coots (Fulica americana), and pigeons (Columba livia). To review the first year (1993) of operational use of A-C, we surveyed in January 1994 all ADC State Directors on the status of A-C use within their states. In 1993, 59 ADC personnel were trained and certified in the approved uses of A-C and 696 nuisance waterfowl were captured with A-C in 10 states. Restrictions imposed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service …
Acrolein As A Ground Squirrel Burrow Fumigant, Jerry P. Clark
Acrolein As A Ground Squirrel Burrow Fumigant, Jerry P. Clark
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Acrolein (Magnicide ®H) is registered in California as an aquatic herbicide. Studies in Alameda and Modoc Counties were conducted to evaluate the field efficacy of acrolein as a ground squirrel burrow fumigant. Applications of acrolein (92%) at 20 ml and 40 ml per burrow were made from a custom built jet gun connected to a hose which ran to a cylinder mounted on a pickup truck. The burrow openings were covered with soil after application. The application rate of 20 ml of acrolein per burrow provided approximately 90% control of ground squirrels. Acrolein applied at 40 ml did not significantly …
Evaluation Of Field Sampling Techniques For Estimation Of Bird Damage In Pistachio Orchards, A. Charles Crabb, James J. Marois, Terrell P. Salmon
Evaluation Of Field Sampling Techniques For Estimation Of Bird Damage In Pistachio Orchards, A. Charles Crabb, James J. Marois, Terrell P. Salmon
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Pistachio orchards were selected and evaluated for damage caused by either scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) or American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). The distribution of damage caused by each species was evaluated and quantified. The percentage of trees damaged by scrub jays ranged from 58% to 99% and tended to be distributed randomly throughout the. orchard. In orchards with crow damage, the percentage of trees damaged ranged from 18% to 46% and damage tended to be aggregated. Data from orchards were used to evaluate the relative accuracy and precision of various sampling strategies. Randomly distributed bird damage could be sampled with relatively …
Managing Raccoons, Skunks, And Opossums In Urban Settings, Kevin D. Clark
Managing Raccoons, Skunks, And Opossums In Urban Settings, Kevin D. Clark
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment.
Laboratory Studies With Compound Drc-1339 On Feral Pigeons, John L. Cummings, Patricia A. Pochop, Melvyn V. Garrison, Carol A. Furcolow, James E. Davis Jr.
Laboratory Studies With Compound Drc-1339 On Feral Pigeons, John L. Cummings, Patricia A. Pochop, Melvyn V. Garrison, Carol A. Furcolow, James E. Davis Jr.
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Laboratory studies were conducted to determine an effective DRC-1339 concentration and bait dilution ratio to control pigeons. Treated whole corn baits formulated with Alcolec-s®, corn starch, or corn oil as adhesive agents and 0.25% or 0.37% DRC-1339 diluted 1:5 with untreated corn produced < 10% mortality. DRC-1339 treated whole corn baits (0.25% and 0.37%) diluted 1:0 and formulated with Alcolec-s® produced 20% and 5% mortality, respectively. Whole corn treated with 0.37% DRC-1339, diluted 1:0, and formulated with corn starch produced 68% mortality in laboratory-held pigeons and was selected for further evaluations in field studies to provide efficacy data to the EPA. DRC-1339 residue levels observed in pigeons free-feeding on 0.37% undiluted DRC-1339 treated corn was not detected in breast tissue and only occurred in the gastrointestinal tract of two of five pigeons at 0.06 and 0.19 ppm. DRC-1339 residues observed in pigeons force-fed 21 whole corn kernels treated with 0.37% DRC-1339 (approximately 5 times the LDso dose) were not detectable after 3 h in breast tissue and 24 h in the gastrointestinal tract. DRC-1339 residues in pigeons gavaged with 58 mg DRC-1339 (over 10 times the LDM dose) were detectable in the breast muscle of four of nine pigeons at 0.061 to 0.10 ppm. DRC-1339 residues in the gastrointestinal tract ranged from 0.13 to >17 ppm in eight of nine treated pigeons and was not detectable in the remaining pigeon.
Preventing Deer Damage With Barrier, Electrical, And Behavioral Fencing Systems, Paul D. Curtis, Michael J. Fargione, Milo E. Richmond
Preventing Deer Damage With Barrier, Electrical, And Behavioral Fencing Systems, Paul D. Curtis, Michael J. Fargione, Milo E. Richmond
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are responsible for damage to a variety of horticultural crops. Economic losses often require growers to implement one or more damage management methods including repellents, scare devices, hunting to control deer numbers, and fencing. A relatively small proportion of producers currently use fencing as their primary deer damage management technique due to high initial costs and other perceived shortcomings. Several fencing systems, including baited single wires, three-dimensional outriggers, and slanted and vertical fences up to 3.3 m (11 feet) in height have successfully excluded deer under some conditions, but simple designs are effective only under light …
Food Habits And Management Of Introduced Red Fox In Southern California, Richard T. Golightly Jr., Michelle R. Faulhaber, Kevin L. Sallee, Jeffrey C. Lewis
Food Habits And Management Of Introduced Red Fox In Southern California, Richard T. Golightly Jr., Michelle R. Faulhaber, Kevin L. Sallee, Jeffrey C. Lewis
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Introduced red fox in urban Orange County, California ate a wide variety of foods. Mammals and birds were consumed at all times of the year and both taxa appeared in approximately half or more of the fecal samples at all times of the year. Human supplied food remains were also common and supplemental feeding occurred at all study sites. Supplemental feeding has the potential to exacerbate problems for management of introduced red fox and several endangered species.
Opening Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Wendy S. Halverson
Opening Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Wendy S. Halverson
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Opening remarks
The European Ferret, Mustela Putorius, (Family Mustelidae) Its Public Health, Wildlife And Agricultural Significance, Jim C. Hitchcock
The European Ferret, Mustela Putorius, (Family Mustelidae) Its Public Health, Wildlife And Agricultural Significance, Jim C. Hitchcock
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The European ferret, Mustela putorius, a species prohibited in California, has become increasingly popular as a household "pet." As a result, its threat to public health, wildlife and agriculture has markedly increased. There has also been a consequent increase in reported attacks on humans, especially infants, including several fatalities. Reports of rabid European ferrets are also on the increase. When European ferrets establish "feral" populations, domestic poultry, waterfowl, game birds, rabbits and other species are at substantial risk. At this time, a California Legislature Assembly Bill has been introduced to change the status of the European ferret from a …
Monitoring Wildlife Damage Management Pesticides, The Role Of The California Department Of Fish And Game, Robert C. Hosea
Monitoring Wildlife Damage Management Pesticides, The Role Of The California Department Of Fish And Game, Robert C. Hosea
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The Pesticide Investigations Unit (PIU) of the California Department of Fish and Game is responsible for identifying and mitigating the hazards of pesticides to fish and wildlife. By conducting annual reviews of individual county vertebrate pest control plans, investigating pesticide related fish and wildlife losses and reviewing all pesticides proposed for registration in California, the PIU monitors potential effects of vertebrate toxicants on fish and wildlife. The California Department of Fish and Game is working in conjunction with other state and local agencies, manufacturers and applicators to develop balanced, safe pest control programs which provide maximum protection to California's fish …
Biological Management (Control) Of Vertebrate Pests-Advances In The Last Quarter Century, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Thomas R. Schmaderer
Biological Management (Control) Of Vertebrate Pests-Advances In The Last Quarter Century, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Thomas R. Schmaderer
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
In 1967, Howard provided a review of biological control of vertebrate pests. The term "biological control" was borrowed from the field of entomology, where it has been traditionally defined as "the reduction in number or density of pests through biological processes such as predation, pathogens, habitat modification, and fertility control." Current philosophy in wildlife damage management advocates "the reduction of damage to a tolerable level" rather than "the reduction of the number or density of vertebrate pests." Therefore we abdicate the term "biological control" and encourage the use of a new term, "biological management" of wildlife damage. Advances in science …
Efficacy Of Five Burrow Fumigants For Managing Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Efficacy Of Five Burrow Fumigants For Managing Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Current limitations on pesticides for managing prairie dog populations underscore the need for additional research on candidate compounds. I conducted this study to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two registered burrow fumigants (aluminum phosphide and gas cartridges) and three unregistered burrow fumigants (methyl bromide, chloropicrin, and a methyl bromide/chloropicrin mixture) for managing black-tailed prairie dogs. All five fumigants reduced burrow activity 94% to 97%, as measured by a plugged burrow technique. Total costs for materials and labor for the registered products, excluding application equipment, were nearly twice ($30.00 to $38.50) the cost of the unregistered fumigants ($15.25 to $16.25).
Present Status Of Rattus Norvegicus On Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador, Gillian Key, Elizabeth Wilson, Jules Conner
Present Status Of Rattus Norvegicus On Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador, Gillian Key, Elizabeth Wilson, Jules Conner
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Introduced commensal rodents have had a major impact on the biota of island communities worldwide; the ship rat (Rattus rattus) and the house mouse (Mus domesticus) have a long history in the Galapagos islands, while the larger, more aggressive brown rat (Rattus norvegicus was identified only in 1983 on one island, Santa Cruz. By 1988 it had spread into the agricultural zone but was still restricted to human habitation. In 1993 the cross-island road and village communities in the agricultural zone of Santa Cruz were sampled using a standard trap line of break-back traps. House surveys were also carried out, …
Effects Of Cs2-Starch Xanthate On Consumption By Rats, Ann E. Koehler, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugffiara
Effects Of Cs2-Starch Xanthate On Consumption By Rats, Ann E. Koehler, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugffiara
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
We conducted a series of preliminary feeding trials with Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), roof rats (/?. rattus), and Polynesian rats (R. exulans) to examine the effects of carbon disulfide (CS2) on consumption of nontoxic foods. We formulated CS2 at target concentrations of 10 ppm in deionized water, and of 50 ppm to 100,000 ppm in a starch xanthate matrix. However, we did not analyze actual concentrations of CS2 in the test foods or measure its rate of volatilization, and thus cannot verify the levels of CSj the rats were exposed to. CS2 diluted …