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Full-Text Articles in Environmental Health and Protection
California Ground Squirrels At Concord Naval Weapons Station: Alternatives For Control And The Ecological Consequences, Ivette Loredo-Prendeville, Dirk Van Vuren, Amy J. Kuenzi, Michael L. Morrison
California Ground Squirrels At Concord Naval Weapons Station: Alternatives For Control And The Ecological Consequences, Ivette Loredo-Prendeville, Dirk Van Vuren, Amy J. Kuenzi, Michael L. Morrison
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
This paper presents a methodological approach that was recently developed to determine alternatives for control of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and the resulting ecological consequences at the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS). The U.S. Navy initiated this study upon determining a need to control ground squirrels for safety reasons. The squirrel's ecological role at CNWS was examined by estimating squirrel abundance and distribution throughout CNWS, analyzing predator diets, and determining the squirrel's relationship to the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). In addition, the efficacy of live capture and translocation of squirrels as a possible control …
Trends In Mountain Lion Depredation And Public Safety Threats In California, Terry M. Mansfield, Steven G. Torres
Trends In Mountain Lion Depredation And Public Safety Threats In California, Terry M. Mansfield, Steven G. Torres
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The mountain lion (Felis concolor) is widely distributed in California over at least 80,000 square miles of a variety of habitats. Trends in lion damage to property and threats to public safety have increased in recent years. The Department of Fish and Game has documented confirmed damage to property caused by lions since 1972. In 1972, there were four depredation permits issued and one mountain lion taken, while in 1993 there were 192 permits issued and 74 lions taken. Four verified incidents of mountain lions injuring humans have occurred in California since 1985. All four incidents involved children and …
Grower Practices For Blackbird Control In Wild Rice In California, Daniel B. Marcum, W. Paul Gorenzel
Grower Practices For Blackbird Control In Wild Rice In California, Daniel B. Marcum, W. Paul Gorenzel
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
We surveyed 29 wild rice growers, representing 96% of the California acreage grown in 1993, to determine current practices for blackbird damage control. Twenty-seven growers (93%) had blackbird damage. The period of greatest damage and most intensive control was July through September. Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) most frequently caused damage, but three other species of blackbirds and the European starling (Sturnis vulgaris) were also identified. Most growers (72%) reported 1 to 10% yield loss. Average loss ranged from $121 to $309/ha, and from $14,530 to $32,061/grower. Most growers (97%) attempted to control blackbirds for an average of 3.5 months …
Current (1994) Ground Squirrel Control Practices In California, Rex E. Marsh
Current (1994) Ground Squirrel Control Practices In California, Rex E. Marsh
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Current control practices are discussed for the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) which is considered a major rodent pest to agriculture. The primary control options are poison baits, burrow fumigation and trapping. The effectiveness of baits and fumigants is linked closely with the squirrel's annual life cycle, hence knowledge of their cycle is essential. The elements of the squirrel's life cycle importance to management are given in detail. Habitat modification and other methods useful in select instances are provided, along with control strategies within the context of integrated pest management.
Developing An Electrified Fence To Exclude Rabbits From Crops, Gordon Mckillop, Dylan Poole
Developing An Electrified Fence To Exclude Rabbits From Crops, Gordon Mckillop, Dylan Poole
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The effectiveness of a new design of electric strained wire fence (CSL fence) for managing rabbits is currently being assessed in a two year trial. It is being compared with a commercially available electric netting fence (Flexinet fence) and also with farmers' normal control methods. The study is taking place on commercial farms in Cornwall, England, where the fences are being erected to protect fields of cauliflower. The amount of rabbit damage to individual plants in each field is being assessed and the numbers of rabbits feeding in these fields are being counted. Plant yields at harvest will also be …
Improving Aerial Control Of Possums By Precision Bait Delivery, David R. Morgan
Improving Aerial Control Of Possums By Precision Bait Delivery, David R. Morgan
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Aerial delivery of 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) baits is the main technique for reducing populations of New Zealand's foremost vertebrate pest, the Australian brushtail possum, in large areas of inaccesible country. Surveys after pilot-controlled aerial sowing of baits in seven operations in forests showed that inaccurate navigation along the swaths left up to half the target zone untreated. Kill was estimated to average 75 %. Inadequate coverage with baits was therefore believed to be a major factor in the survival of possums during aerial control operations. This was confirmed in field trials using rhodamine B as a biomarker to reveal acceptance …
Wolf Depredation Management In Relation To Wolf Recovery, Carter C. Niemeyer, E.E. Bangs, S.H. Fritts, J.A. Fontaine, M.D. Jimenez, W.G. Brewster
Wolf Depredation Management In Relation To Wolf Recovery, Carter C. Niemeyer, E.E. Bangs, S.H. Fritts, J.A. Fontaine, M.D. Jimenez, W.G. Brewster
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
By 1930, wolves were extirpated from the western United States for livestock protection. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act protected wolves, and by 1980, wolf recolonization began in Montana. Confirmed livestock losses have been 17 cattle and 12 sheep with 16 wolves controlled as part of a program to enhance the recovery of non-offending wolves. ADC has: 1) controlled problem wolves, 2) improved communication with affected publics and governmental agencies, and 3) enhanced wolf recovery in Montana.
An Overview Of Avian Predation And Management Techniques At Fish-Rearing Facilities, James A. Parkhurst
An Overview Of Avian Predation And Management Techniques At Fish-Rearing Facilities, James A. Parkhurst
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
As the aquaculture industry continues to expand in the United States, so too do the losses attributed to wildlife depredation. Because the industry is so diverse and the various types of culture are characterized by unique designs, operations, and arrays of cultured species, there is a need for corresponding uniqueness in predator management strategies and techniques. It is unlikely that, at any time in the near future, one universal method or approach will be developed to successfully resolve wildlife depredation problems in all facilities. However, numerous areas for improvement currently exist where potential reductions in the extent of loss can …
Racumin Plus , A New Promising Rodenticide Against Rats And Mice, Reiner Pospischil, Hans-Jurgen Schnorbach
Racumin Plus , A New Promising Rodenticide Against Rats And Mice, Reiner Pospischil, Hans-Jurgen Schnorbach
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Coumatetralyl (Racumin ) has been known since 1957 as a multiple dose anticoagulant and has been used successfully over many decades. In the seventies and especially the eighties, rats developed an increased resistance to anticoagulants in certain regions of Central Europe. Also, the addition of vitamin K to animal feed (especially to chicken feed) has reduced the efficacy against rats and mice in farm buildings. Combinations of anticoagulants with different types of vitamin D are generally described to increase the efficacy of action against rodents. It was found that especially the combination of coumatetralyl with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) could overcome …
Effective Period For Control Of The Brown Spiny Field Mouse (Mus Plantythrix) In Dry Land Crops, G. Govinda Raj
Effective Period For Control Of The Brown Spiny Field Mouse (Mus Plantythrix) In Dry Land Crops, G. Govinda Raj
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Information on breeding aspects of rodents is important to ensure control program timing necessary for effective pest management. Hence, studies on breeding aspects of the brown spiny field mouse (Mus platythrix), a known rodent pest in dry land crops were investigated including environmental factors influencing reproduction, from regular monthly collections made during the years 1990 and 1991. Field trapped rodents were classified to derive their population structure—percent juvenile, pre-pubertal and adult including prevalence of pregnancy—based on body weights and sexual conditions. The stage of pregnancy and sperm motility were confirmed by autopsy studies. The data were also analyzed …
Hanta Viruses And Their Rodent Reservoirs In The United States, James E. Childs, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Pierre E. Rollesf, John W. Krebs, Sherif Zaki, Stuart T. Nichol, C.J. Peters, Gregory E. Glass
Hanta Viruses And Their Rodent Reservoirs In The United States, James E. Childs, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Pierre E. Rollesf, John W. Krebs, Sherif Zaki, Stuart T. Nichol, C.J. Peters, Gregory E. Glass
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Since 1993, three novel hantaviruses have been identified from the United States of which at least two can cause a severe respiratory disease termed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Rodent reservoirs have been identified for two viruses; Peromyscus maniculatus is the primary host of Muerto Canyon Virus (MCV) in the western United States and genetic analyses have implicated Sigmodon hispidus as the probable host of a hantavirus in Florida. Of 813 P. maniculatus tested in the southwestern United States 30.4% were infected; 12 of 90 (13.3 %) S. hispidus from Florida were infected. The S. hispidus-associated virus has not been isolated …
Conference Participants
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The number of registered attendees was 318. The participants came from 30 states, the District of Columbia, and from 14 other countries. The wide representation from the United States and countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly knowledgeable and diversified group for the exchange of research progress, new ideas, and information on a wide range of vertebrate pest topics.
How Birds Interpret Distress Calls: Implications For Applied Uses Of Distress Call Playbacks, Michael R. Conover
How Birds Interpret Distress Calls: Implications For Applied Uses Of Distress Call Playbacks, Michael R. Conover
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Distress call playbacks are used as deterrents to keep birds out of areas where they are causing problems. However, the calls often are ineffective, owing to birds' rapid habitation to them. Recent studies on the functional significance of distress calls indicate that adult passerines only distress call when physically constrained and that the calls are designed to startle the predator holding the caller into releasing it. Further, distress calls attract other birds, which approach the caller to acquire information about the predator. These findings suggest that distress calls would be more effective if their broadcast is paired with a predator …
Unwanted Guests: Evicting Bats From Human Dwellings, Veda Depaepe, Robert H. Schmidt
Unwanted Guests: Evicting Bats From Human Dwellings, Veda Depaepe, Robert H. Schmidt
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Bats are the second largest order of mammals in the world. Their 925 species are found on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are in serious decline world-wide from shrinking habitat, persecution and pesticides. Historically, bats were recognized for consuming insect pests, but only recently has the critical additional importance of bats in pollination and seed dispersal of semi-tropical and tropical plants been recognized. Bats use artificial structures in place of lost natural habitat, resulting in their destruction out of fear and ignorance. The health risk to humans from bats in buildings is extremely low, but where bat removal is necessary, …
Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: Frontmatter & Contents,
Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: Frontmatter & Contents,
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
VERTEBRATE PEST COUNCIL 1994 EXECUTIVE BOARD CONFERENCE COMMITTEES SESSION CHAIRPERSONS CONFERENCE ASSISTANTS CONTENTS
The Role Of Predators In The Ecology, Epidemiology, And Surveillance Of Plague In The United States, Kenneth L. Gage, John A. Montenieri, Rex E. Thomas
The Role Of Predators In The Ecology, Epidemiology, And Surveillance Of Plague In The United States, Kenneth L. Gage, John A. Montenieri, Rex E. Thomas
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Predators play important roles in the ecology, epidemiology, and surveillance of plague in the United States. Most predators are accidental hosts of plague and, with the possible exception of grasshopper mice (Onychomys spp.), are not important sources of infection for feeding fleas. However, predators undoubtedly do play an important role in the natural cycle of plague by transporting infected fleas between different populations of plague-susceptible rodents. Predators are known to be at least accidental hosts for 40 of the 50 flea species that have been found to be naturally infected with plague in the U.S. Carnivores, including domestic cats, …
Do Livestock Guarding Dogs Lose Their Effectiveness Over Time?, Jeffrey S. Green, Roger A. Woodruff, William F. Andelt
Do Livestock Guarding Dogs Lose Their Effectiveness Over Time?, Jeffrey S. Green, Roger A. Woodruff, William F. Andelt
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Information about the effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for reducing coyote predation on sheep was gathered from livestock producers in the Animal Damage Control Livestock Guarding Dog Program and in Colorado. Eighty-two percent of the producers contacted reported that the performance of their dogs remained the same or improved during 1993 compared with previous years. Eighteen percent of the producers reported a decrease in their dog's effectiveness, but most still felt the dogs were a benefit to their livestock operation. Most producers who noted a decrease in effectiveness attributed it to an apparent increase in the number of coyotes and/or …
Developing International Trap Standards — A Progress Report, Neal Jotham, Robert L. Phillips
Developing International Trap Standards — A Progress Report, Neal Jotham, Robert L. Phillips
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, formed a technical committee in 1987 to develop an international standard for humane traps. This effort began with the establishment of international Working Groups charged with preparing standards for killing and restraining traps. Capture efficiency, humaneness, injury thresholds, selectivity, testing, and safety are addressed in the standards. A final draft standard could be voted on by ISO member countries by mid-1995.
Assessment Of Toxic Bait Efficacy In Field Trials By Counts Of Burrow Openings, S. Moran, H. Keidar
Assessment Of Toxic Bait Efficacy In Field Trials By Counts Of Burrow Openings, S. Moran, H. Keidar
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The Levant vole, Microtus guentheri, is a pest of most of the field crops in Israel. It lives in gallery systems, the openings of which are clearly visible, and is active above ground mainly at night. Its activity was assessed by plugging the burrow openings (holes) and, after three nights, counting the number of reopened holes. The efficacy of control by whole wheat toxic baits was determined by counting the number of reopened holes before and after the treatment in random squares. Three chemicals were tested: sodium fluoroacetate, zinc phosphide and brodifacoum. The bait was applied either by hand, …
Pindone For Rabbit Control: Efficacy, Residues And Cost, Peter C. Nelson, Graham J. Hickling
Pindone For Rabbit Control: Efficacy, Residues And Cost, Peter C. Nelson, Graham J. Hickling
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Toxins are a major component of rabbit control campaigns in New Zealand, with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) being the primary toxin in use since the 1950s. However, landowners can use 1080 only under the direct supervision of a licensed operator, and rabbit populations in regularly-poisoned areas have become increasingly resistant to this form of control. A new, cost-effective toxin that does not cause persistent residues in livestock is required by landowners who wish to undertake their own rabbit control. Several recent trials have demonstrated the potential of the anticoagulant pindone (2-pivalyl-l,3-indandione) to meet these requirements. In 1992, the New Zealand Pesticides …
Bird Control In New Zealand Using Alpha-Chloralose And Drc1339, Peter C. Nelson
Bird Control In New Zealand Using Alpha-Chloralose And Drc1339, Peter C. Nelson
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Horticulturists and the general public in New Zealand are experiencing increasing problems with a number of introduced bird species. This has meant that many people wish to carry out bird control operations themselves to reduce the problems these birds cause. Most of this control will have to be carried out by the growers themselves as there are very few professional bird control personnel in New Zealand. Alpha-chloralose is the only toxin the general public has access to for controlling birds. It is available in a variety of bait forms with a maximum toxic loading of 2% (weight/weight). Registered personnel can …
Potential Repellents To Reduce Damage By Herbivores, Dale L. Nolte, Dan L. Campbell, J. Russell Mason
Potential Repellents To Reduce Damage By Herbivores, Dale L. Nolte, Dan L. Campbell, J. Russell Mason
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Economic losses caused by herbivores and other species that inflict damage by browsing or gnawing are substantial. Because lethal approaches to damage reduction are not always practical or desirable, there is an increase in interest in the development of alternative, non-lethal technologies. Repellents may provide a feasible alternative. Here, we present recent studies of three repellent types: 1) anthranilate derivatives (e.g., methyl anthranilate), 2) predator scents (e.g., coyote urine), and 3) bittering agents (e.g., denatonium saccharide). Anthranilate derivatives and predator odors both appear to be promising repellents. Avoidance of the former substances is based on irritant volatiles, and anthranilates may …
Feral Cat Control In Britain; Developing A Rabies Contingency Strategy, R.J.C. Page, D.H. Bennett
Feral Cat Control In Britain; Developing A Rabies Contingency Strategy, R.J.C. Page, D.H. Bennett
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Feral cat (Felis catus) control is required for reasons of public health, the welfare of cats themselves, and rabies control should an outbreak occur in Britain. A prerequisite to the control of feral cat colonies would be establishing their location. A method for locating colonies was developed and tested in four urban areas with a mean area of 157 sq km. Each area was surveyed on foot and by car to obtain the number and distribution of feral cat colonies. The method involved making inquiries at premises most likely to be frequented by cats ("high risk areas"). Most (94%) …
Active Ingredients In Aphis's Vertebrate Pesticides - Use And Reregistration Status, Craig A. Ramey, Edward W. Schaffer Jr., Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Steven D. Palmateer
Active Ingredients In Aphis's Vertebrate Pesticides - Use And Reregistration Status, Craig A. Ramey, Edward W. Schaffer Jr., Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Steven D. Palmateer
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) re-registration process has had an extensive impact on the Animal Damage Control Program administered by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of USDA. Specifically, the 1988 Amendment to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act required a comprehensive reevaluation of pesticide safety; nearly 500 data submissions have been requested by EPA from APHIS to maintain its federal (Section 3) and state (Section 24(c)) low volume minor use vertebrate pesticide registrations. These registrations are used to control damage to American agricultural resources, mitigate losses to selected wildlife species, and reduce threats to public health …
Laboratory And Field Assessment Of A Carbon Monoxide Producing Fumigant Cartridge For Use In The Control Of Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus), R.J.C. Page
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Fumigation is the most effective method of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) control available in the United Kingdom. Use of current methods, involving formulations that generate hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or phosphine (PH3) on exposure to moisture, is limited by weather conditions. A carbon monoxide producing cartridge has been developed which can be used independent of weather conditions. The cartridge is similar in size to the smaller carbon monoxide (CO) cartridge used in the United States, but produces up to 70% more CO. High concentrations of CO were measured at the entrances of an unoccupied artificial warren fumigated with …
Predicting The Outcome Of Rodenticide Trials Against Norway Rats Living On Farms, Roger J. Quy, David P. Cowan, Peter Haynes, Ian R. Bmglis, Tom Swinney
Predicting The Outcome Of Rodenticide Trials Against Norway Rats Living On Farms, Roger J. Quy, David P. Cowan, Peter Haynes, Ian R. Bmglis, Tom Swinney
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Difenacoum and bromadiolone treatments against Norway rats may fail because: 1) the animals eat little or no bait, 2) reinvasion rapidly offsets any success, or 3) the population contains resistant individuals. By monitoring bait takes and employing independent measures of rat activity such as tracking plates, it is possible to identify, often in the early stages of a treatment, patterns that indicate the contribution of each of these causes to the eventual outcome. If there is no bait take from the majority of bait points visited by rats in the first week then the treatment is unlikely to be successful, …
Red-Winged Blackbird Feeding Preferences And Response To Wild Rice Treated With Portland Cement Or Plaster, Richard A. Dolbeer, Sheri K. Ickes
Red-Winged Blackbird Feeding Preferences And Response To Wild Rice Treated With Portland Cement Or Plaster, Richard A. Dolbeer, Sheri K. Ickes
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
The California wild rice (Zizania aquatica) industry considers red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) their most important pest problem. Farmers often have asked if crop-damaging blackbirds can be killed by mixing dry Portland cement or plaster-of-Paris with grain bait. We conducted a series of tests to determine the effect of cement or plaster mixed with wild rice fed to captive redwings and to determine feeding preferences of redwings for wild rice in relation to other grains. Birds would not eat cement- or plaster-treated rice when untreated rice was available and no mortality occurred when birds were offered only treated rice …
Contracts And Registration Studies, Donald J. Elias, Ray T. Sterner, Peter J. Savarbe
Contracts And Registration Studies, Donald J. Elias, Ray T. Sterner, Peter J. Savarbe
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Public and governmental concerns about the health, safety, and environmental impacts of pesticides have led to increased regulatory requirements to determine the hazards and risks associated with their manufacture, distribution, and use. Vertebrate pesticides are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. Much of the data required for registration of these pesticides will be generated by commercial testing laboratories under contract to the product registrants or sponsors. In this paper, we address aspects of the contract research process including: 1) an overview of FIFRA requirements, 2) the nature …
What Do Animal Activists Want? (And How Should Wildlife Managers Respond?), Jon K. Hooper Phd.
What Do Animal Activists Want? (And How Should Wildlife Managers Respond?), Jon K. Hooper Phd.
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
National animal activist organization leaders were interviewed with the aim of better understanding their ideologies with respect to wildlife issues. Interviewees expressed considerable concern about traditional wildlife management practices and associated consumptive recreation activities. They easily identified a number of needed changes, while had difficulty identifying things they liked about the status quo. The top suggested changes related to using more nonlethal management methods and reducing allegiance with consumptive users. The most common "bottom line" concern expressed by interviewees was the alleviation or elimination of unnecessary pain and suffering in wildlife.
Trapping Ground Squirrels As A Control Method, Ross A. O'Connell
Trapping Ground Squirrels As A Control Method, Ross A. O'Connell
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 16th (1994)
Trapping of ground squirrels could be conducted following the use of fumigants or rodenticides to further reduce populations. Trapping should be considered as an alternative to the other methods of control in cases where other controls have not worked or would not be prudent to use. Trapping can be conducted during a longer period of the year than the other methods. The type of trap used, whether live trap or one of the kill traps, can be selected as to the environmental concerns of the trapper as all traps can be effective.