Bird Feeders as Locations for Skunk Uptake of Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits

Authors

Tad C. Theimer, Northern Arizona UniversityFollow
Tisheena Talk, Northern Arizona University
Shylo Johnson, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
David L. Bergman, USDA APHIS Wildlife ServicesFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 53(2), 2017, pp. 424–427

Comments

Copyright Wildlife Disease Association 2017.

This document is a U.S. government work and is not subject to copyright in the United States.

DOI: 10.7589/2016-11-245

Abstract

Significantly more (54%, P=0.003) placebo baits placed under 26 bird feeders in Arizona, US were removed by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) than at paired, nonfeeder locations (19%). Baiting at bird feeders could supplement traditional oral rabies vaccine bait placement in urban-suburban areas while engaging the public in rabies control efforts.