Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

Rodenticide Ecotoxicology: Pre-Lethal Effects Of Anticoagulants On Rat Behaviour, Paula Cox, R.H. Smith

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Anticoagulant rodenticides may pose a secondary poisoning hazard to non-target predators and scavengers because of the time-delay between ingestion of a lethal dose and death of a target rodent. We investigated some pre-lethal effects of an anticoagulant rodenticide on the behavior of wild rats in cages and in enclosures. We found that social interactions shortened time to death, that most rats died away from cover and that thigmotactic behavior was reduced in the enclosures. The normal light-dark rhythm was upset in intoxicated rats in both cages and enclosures. Thus pre-lethal effects are likely to alter the exposure of predators and …

The Characteristics And History Of Behavioural Resistance In Inner-City House Mice (Mus Domesticus) In The U.K., Richard E. Humphries, Adrian P. Meehan, Richard M. Sibly

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Since 1984 pest control operatives in some inner-city areas in the U.K. have found that house mice have become increasingly difficult to control. Mice in these very localized areas have stopped taking rodenticide bait from bait containers, a phenomenon referred to here as behavioral resistance. We report here preliminary experiments designed to characterize the phenomenon more precisely by comparing West Midlands behaviorally resistant (WMBR) populations with non-resistant (BC) populations in Berkshire. We investigated three hypotheses, that compared with non-resistant populations, resistant mice 1) are less likely to enter conventional live-capture traps; 2) have unusual food preferences; and 3) avoid bait …

A Review Of Available Anticoagulants And Their Use In The United States, William B. Jackson, A.D. Ashton

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Nearly half a century ago anticoagulant rodenticides changed the nature of rodent control. Warfarin, and succeeding first-generation compounds, provided effective and increasingly safe baits for reducing commensal rodent populations. Environmental deficiencies were overridden by these “miracle” chemicals, but excessive and irresponsible use selected for resistant populations. Second-generation compounds with a single-feeding characteristic have controlled such resistant populations, at least initially. But use extensions to crop and field areas have been held back by registration requirements, costs, and concerns over local effects on predators. New compounds, formulations, and applications in the near future are likely to be quite limited.

The Effectiveness Of Difethialone (Lm 2219) For Controlling Norway Rats And House Mice Under Field Conditions, Edward F. Marshall

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Under an Environmental Protection Agency Experimental Use Permit, a pelleted bait containing 0.0025% (25 ppm) of the new anticoagulant difethialone was tested to determine the effectiveness in controlling Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus). Sixteen (16) individual field studies were conducted in five (5) geographical locations of the United States. The results were conclusive in showing that difethialone bait formulated at 25 ppm was both palatable and efficacious in controlling both Norway rats and house mice under actual field conditions.

Laboratory And Field Evaluation Of Difethialone, A New Anticoagulant Rodenticide, Y. Saxena, Deepak Kumar, Tanuja Bhandari, Hema Bhasin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

The efficacy of the newly developed anticoagulant rodenticide, difethialone was evaluated against various rodent species in laboratory and fields. Difethialone at 0.025% concentration in the form of loose bait (broken wheat and rice + vegetable oil + garlic powder) gave absolute mortality in Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Funambulus pennanti, and Meriones hurrianae during ‘no-choice’ tests in one day feeding. No significant difference was noted in poison bait intake and mean days to death between two and three days poison feeding. Mean days to death were ranged between 2.9 to 5.70 in all the species tested. In fields, …

Field Efficacy Evaluation Of Pelleted Strychnine Baits For Control Of Mountain Beavers (Aplodontia Rufa), D.L. Campbell, J.P. Farley, R.M. Engeman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Radio-telemetry evaluation of several concentrations of pelleted strychnine bait in earlier tests indicated moderate to good bait efficacy for control of mountain beavers. Evaluation of operational baiting with 0.0%, 0.15%, 0.50%, and 0.90% strychnine bait pellets was made in 1990 and 1991 on 24 reforestation units in Washington and Oregon. Results of baiting monitored with burrow activity indicators showed there was little difference in reduction of activity among treatments. Chemical assays and pen bioassays showed baits were lethal, but ingestion was often delayed or baits were discarded. Reexamination of test plots 1 year after baiting showed no detectable change in …

The Starling In Europe: Multiple Approaches To A Problem Species , Chris J. Feare, Pierre Douville De Franssu

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

In Europe, Starlings are widely distributed and comprise both resident and migrant populations. These cause various kinds of damage which varies with the crops grown in different European Economic Community (EEC) countries. Although EEC member states are governed by the same legislation on bird protection, each state interprets the Community legislation in its own national legislation. This leads to different national approaches to the prevention of Starling damage, with little information exchange between member states. The establishment of an EEC (or wider) working group on bird pests is recommended to coordinate research and development.

Which Useful Toxicological Information Can Be Drawn From Studies On The Hepatic Fixation Of Anticoagulant Rodenticides, J.C. Lechevin, A. Vigie

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Anticoagulant rodenticides act at the hepatic level where they are more or less fixed according to their lipophilic nature. The studies on kinetics and metabolism carried out with no toxic doses are useful to know how products act but do not allow to anticipate the toxicity risks for non target species, because of low residual contents. These risks can only be assessed after the administration of toxic doses taking into account the residue levels. The use of half-life to express the results is not sufficiently accurate and may lead to wrong conclusions. The studies involving the residue and secondary toxicity …

The Evaluation Of Alternative Toxins To Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) For Possum Control, Charles T. Eason

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Possum control in New Zealand is dependent on the use of sodium monofluroacetate (1080) and cyanide. Although 1080 is highly effective, its use is restricted to government staff. Cyanide is available for a wider group of licensed operators, but cyanide "shyness" reduces its effectiveness. An acute toxicity program has been set up to identify nonanticoagulant toxins that could be used safely by farmers. Dose-ranging studies showed that possums are susceptible to cholecalciferol, calciferol, gliftor, alpha-chloralose, and nicotine, but not to bromethalin. As lethal doses for these toxins have been ascertained, which of them are likely to be cost-effective and safe …

Interactive Computer Kiosks For Vertebrate Ipm—Status Report, Stephen C. Frantz, Robert M. Durlak

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

The recent outbreak of raccoon rabies in New York State during a period of unprecedented fiscal constraints presents an emerging organizational dilemma—how to handle increasing demands for services in an environment of diminishing resources. As one response to this need, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is developing an interactive computer system for integrating public education, professional training and public/professional communication. The basic objective is to enhance consumer access to information regarding rabies, Lyme disease and other public health issues; thereby, forming the basis for prevention. In essence, this effort can be classified as an “educational intervention,” the …

Forty Five Years Of Anticoagulant Rodenticides — Past, Present And Future Trends, Malcolm R. Hadler, Alan P. Buckle

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

The anticoagulant rodenticides were discovered in the 1940s and their advantages of efficacy and safety quickly resulted in their use dominating the practice of rodent control in temperate countries. However, the development of resistance to the early compounds within a decade stimulated research culminating in the invention of anew class of anticoagulant, the second generation compounds, active against resistant strains but also overall far more potent than those previously available. A novel baiting strategy, pulsed baiting, was developed to make full use of this valuable characteristic. Pulsed baiting has enabled the use of second generation anticoagulants in situations where early …

Impacts Of House Mouse Activity On Five Types Of Insulation, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

House mice (mus musculus) cause a variety of problems with livestock, feed, and structures. Researchers have yet to discover an insulative material that is not susceptible to house mouse damage. In this study, house mice caused significant (P < 0.01) increases in the thermal conductance of 10.2-cm thick wall panels, insulated with cellotex, fiberglass, rockwool, styrofoam, and vermiculite. Mouse populations increased 3-to 4-fold inside the insulated panels during the 6-month study period.

Progress On Managing Cattail Marshes With Rodeo® Herbicide To Disperse Roosting Blackbirds, George M. Linz, David L. Bergman, William J. Bleier

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

In August and September 1989 and 1990, we aerially sprayed 8 cattail (Typha spp.) marshes with Rodeo® herbicide to begin evaluating its use for fragmenting dense cattail stands used by roosting blackbirds (Icterinae). Treated marshes were effectively eliminated as roost sites for blackbirds. After 2 years, cattail densities in 4 marshes treated with Rodeo® at 5.8 - 7.0 L/ha were 87% lower than pretreatment densities (P = 0.0001). In 1990, we treated 4 marshes with Rodeo® at 4.7 L/ha. One year later, 6% of the cattails survived in the sprayed areas. Of 7 groups of "indicator birds," only marsh …

The Effect On Australian Animals Of 1080-Poisoning Campaigns, John C. Mcilroy

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Animals in Australia vary greatly in their sensitivity to 1080 poison, with known LD_50’s ranging from 0.11 to over 800 mg kg ^-1. Many native species, particularly in western Australia, have evolved tolerances to 1080 through ingestion of native plants that contain fluoroacetate or prey that consume those plants. Despite this, some native species, particularly a few herbivorous mammals, birds and rodents, could be poisoned during control campaigns against vertebrate pests. Field studies indicate that poisoning campaigns are not significantly affecting populations of common non-target animals, but further impact studies are required on vulnerable, rare, endangered, or uncommon …

Rodent Damage In Hawaiian Macadamia Orchards, Mark E. Tobin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Roof rats (Rattus rattus) damage an estimated 5-10% of the annual macadamia nut crop in Hawaii, resulting in farm value losses of between $2-4 million. The Denver Wildlife Research Center field station in Hilo, Hawaii studies the biology, impact, and control of rodent pests in Hawaiian agricultural crops. This paper describes field and laboratory research currently being conducted to address rat problems in macadamia nut orchards.

Evaluation Of Methyl Anthranilate As A Bird Repellent In Fruit Crops, Michael L. Avery

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 15th (1992)

Methyl anthranilate (MA) is a grape-flavored food additive that is aversive to birds. Previous studies had indicated that anthranilates can deter frugivorous birds but that anthranilates are phytotoxic. In this study, I tested the bird repellency to 2 MA formulations on blueberry plants in a large flight pen. Neither MA formulation protected the blueberries from damage by cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) or European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). The encapsulated formulation, however, was nonphytotoxic. Due to the on-going need for safe bird deterrent compounds, further development and testing of MA as a bird repellent on fruit is warranted. …

Marine Spill Response Corporation (Msrc): How It Hopes To Fill The Oil Recovery Requirements Of The Oil Pollution Act Of 1990, Gerald P. O'Reilly

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The establishment of Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) is a direct outcome of OPA-90 which will have a substantial effect on domestic shipment, storage and traffic of oil. The ramifications of the law will be felt internationally and it has set a precedent for prevention of oil spills from tankers throughout the world. It will have a positive impact on the environment of the world. But it will be costly and the public will ultimately bear the burden of the environment impact.

Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project, Christina L. Beal

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project was initiated in Newport, R.I. during the summer of 1991. The objective of the project was to decrease recreational boaters' contribution to marine debris. Two methods were used to achieve this goal. First, trash and recycling disposal facilities were increased around the harbor. Secondly, educational literature on the environmental consequences of marine debris, and the law that applies to overboard disposal, were distributed throughout the local marine community. The implementation of the pilot project led to a significant increase in the amount of debris brought ashore by boaters, and a decrease in the …

Ontario's Blue Box As An Agent Of Change, Robert Nathaniel Burgess

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Ontario's blue box has elicited strong arguments from observers on both sides of a debate regarding the recycling programme‘s promotion of social change in the province. Both supporters and critics agree on our eventual need to change from a consumer to a conserver society through the 3Rs of waste management (reduce. reuse. recycle). but they disagree on whether the blue box programme ultimately encourages this change. Disagreement also exists regarding the means to achieving change. With supporters of the blue box approach favouring working within the system whereas critics tend to favour a more radical approach. Practical criticisms concern the …

Preliminary Epidemiological Interpretation Of The Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors Contributing To The Coverage And Participation Rates Of The Vaccination Program In Arssi, Ethiopia, Muchie Kidanu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many immunization programs in developing countries arr now undergoing a period of rapid utilization. Innovative strategies, such as immunization holidays, are being tried. Political commitment and enthusiasm are high. There is a strong desire by health professionals to protect the lives of many children from the untimely death and/or disability resulting from infectious diseases preventable by vaccination.

Evaluation of an immunization program can benefit other elements of the health system, particularly those that are not amenable to objective evaluation as immunization. In this case, immunization can serve as an indicator of the overall performance of the health system. The problems …

Conference Summary And A Look To The Future, James E. Miller

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

It is with mixed feelings that I agreed, somewhat reluctantly, to accept this challenge of trying to summarize the implications of this Fifth Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference. Even though it has been over 8 years ago, I still remember burning the midnight oil and working in the predawn hours on the last eve of the First Eastern Conference trying to prepare closing remarks for use by my former Deputy Administrator, Merrill L. "Pete" Petoskey. In fact, even though some of the guard has changed, at least one of the professionals who helped provide their insight as we prepared those …

Conference Participants

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Participants

Threatened And Endanger Species Of Wetiands And Waterways In Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, And Nebraska, Ann Burruss

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Wetlands and waterways, including perennial and intermittent streams, creeks, and rivers, are habitats for many rare animal and plant species. Wetlands in many areas continue to decline in acreage and suffer adverse impacts from conversion and development. Waterways are also under pressure from channelization and leveeing.

This study has two major components. First, a series of databases was developed that includes animals and plant species that are wetland or waterway dependent and found in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska. The databases allow ready access to detailed information on each species and probable locations within each state. The plant and animal …

The Public Interest: A Matter Of Discretion?, R. Keith Higginson

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

15 pages.

Washington Instream Resources Protection: In Transition, Hedia Adelsman

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

45 pages.

Contains references.

Regulation Of Ground Water In Salt Lake Valley, Robert L. Morgan

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

24 pages (includes illustrations and maps).

Contains references.

Dam Fights And Water Policy In California: 1969-1989, Harrison C. Dunning

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

49 pages (includes illustrations and maps).

Contains references.

Federal Regulatory Interests In Water, Patricia Sanderson Port

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

39 pages.

Contains references.

The 1990 Fort Hall Water Rights Agreement: A Study In The Federal Trust Responsibility, Indian Self-Determination, And Water Rights Settlement, John S. Bushman

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

171 pages.

Pyramid Lake Negotiated Settlement: Overview And Perspective, Joe Ely

Innovation in Western Water Law and Management (Summer Conference, June 5-7)

20 pages.