Experimental vaccine partially successful at preventing CWD in deer

Posted on January 5, 2015 by admin

deer cwd story 12-23-14

Journal Sentinel files

In a scientific milestone that could have human health implications, an experimental vaccine was partially successful at preventing chronic wasting disease in deer, according to a recently published U.S. study.

By Paul A. Smith of the Journal Sentinel

Dec. 23, 2014

In a scientific milestone that could have human health implications, an experimental vaccine was partially successful at preventing chronic wasting disease in deer, according to a recently published U.S. study.

The finding represents the first time a treatment has prevented the deadly prion infection in deer. Continue reading →

Posted in Chronic Wasting Disease, Deer, Disease | Comments Off on Experimental vaccine partially successful at preventing CWD in deer

Early migration shows loon flight path

Posted on December 17, 2014 by admin

December 16, 2014

By: Chelsea Mongeau

Loon study pic

Geolocator tag on a common loon. Image: Kevin Kenow, USGS

When it comes time to take a winter vacation, even 4-month-old common loons from the Great Lakes region waste no time flying to warmer climates.

These birds began making their way down to the Gulf of Mexico between late October through the beginning of November – a few weeks earlier than usual – because of the early cold, according to U.S. Geological Survey researchers.

The researchers tagged 20 of the birds in Minnesota and Wisconsin in August with satellite transmitters and geolocators to monitor their migration to the Gulf of Mexico. The transmitters track the pressure, light levels and temperature of where the birds happen to be. Continue reading →

Posted in Disease, Species Management | Comments Off on Early migration shows loon flight path

Cornell University scientists accidentally create ‘buck magnets’ in effort to control deer population

Posted on October 23, 2014 by admin

Nick Canedo on October 16, 2014 at 2:39 PM, updated October 16, 2014 at 4:47 PM

Cornell University launched a program in 2009 aimed at satisfying all Ithaca residents by controlling the area’s deer population in an innovative way. Fast forward to 2013, and scientists were left puzzled: deer pregnancy rate was down, but the population remained the same.

How did this happen? Turned out the scientists had unknowingly created “buck magnets.” The Washington Post recently chronicled the university’s program that led to this surprising result. Continue reading →

Posted in Deer, News, Species Management, Wildlife Legislation | Comments Off on Cornell University scientists accidentally create ‘buck magnets’ in effort to control deer population

Survey shows highest waterfowl population in 59-year history

Posted on July 21, 2014 by admin

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 9:39 a.m. CDT July 18, 2014

Ring-necked duck

A ringed-neck duck

MADISON – Waterfowl breeding populations in 2014 are mostly good to excellent in Wisconsin and North America, according to recent surveys by state, federal and Canadian wildlife officials.

The surveys were conducted by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The USFWS survey showed the highest North American duck population estimate in the 59-year history of the survey. Continue reading →

Posted in Species Management | Comments Off on Survey shows highest waterfowl population in 59-year history

Missouri veto resonates through captive deer hunting industry

Posted on July 15, 2014 by admin

 

Ryan Sabalow, ryan.sabalow@indystar.com July 14, 2014

X-Factor

X-Factor, a deer owned by Indiana deer farmer Russ Bellar, was bred for his enormous antlers and used as a stud in the fenced hunting industry. (Photo: Photo provided/Russ Bellar )

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon last week dealt a blow to the deer breeding and fenced hunting industry in what’s being called a bellwether case in the national debate over how to regulate a practice linked to the spread of disease.

Nixon vetoed legislation that would have transferred oversight of the state’s deer breeders from wildlife officials to Missouri’s agriculture department.

“White-tailed deer are wildlife, and they are also a game animal,” Nixon wrote in his veto message. “Putting them behind a fence does not change that fact.” Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Chronic Wasting Disease, Deer, Disease, Wildlife Legislation | Comments Off on Missouri veto resonates through captive deer hunting industry