ALPHA-CHLORALOSE: CURRENT STATUS, RESTRICTIONS AND FUTURE USES FOR CAPTURING BIRDS

Authors

Paul P. Woronecki, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Denver Wildlife Research Center, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Richard A. Dolbeer, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Denver Wildlife Research Center, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870Follow

Date of this Version

February 1994

Abstract

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 (FWS) and state permits regarding "incidental take," relocation, and euthanasia were responsible for the minimal use of A-C in 1993. Meetings were held in September 1993 and January 1994 to address: 1) the problems with FWS permits; 2) plans for future approved uses of A-C for additional species; 3) the availability of A-C to personnel and agencies outside the ADC program; and 4) provisions for nonapproved uses of A-C (special, emergency and non-emergency situations).