HIGHLIGHTS OF BIRD CONTROL RESEARCH IN ENGLAND, FRANCE, HOLLAND, AND GERMANY

The purpose of this paper is to present a brief review of the research being conducted in England, France, Germany, and The Netherlands on problems caused by nuisance and depredating birds. Much of the information presented has been obtained through correspondence with collaborators. In the fall of 1962, I discussed depredating bird and bird-airport problems with research workers in these countries, and also attended the meeting of the International Union of Applied Ornithology held in Frankfurt/Main. In November 1963, I attended an international symposium about the bird-airport problem, held in Nice, France. This paper will draw attention to the current research which I think will interest American investigators, but will not report every aspect of the foreign investigations. Details appear in the publications that are listed

Population trends of resident and migratory Canada geese in relation to strikes with civil aircraft

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are of particular concern to aviation in the USA because of their large size, flocking behavior, attraction to airports for grazing, and, for the resident population, year-round presence in urban environments. We documented trends in resident and migrant Canada goose populations in North America from 1970 to 2012, and for 1990 to 2012 examined these trends in relation to trends in reported civil aircraft collisions (strikes) with Canada geese. The overall Canada goose population increased 4.5 fold from 1.26 million in 1970 to 5.69 million in 2012. Most of this overall increase was due to a 15.6-fold increase in the population of resident geese (from 0.25 to 3.85 million), especially during the 1990s when the population increased at a mean annual rate of 12.7%. From 2000 to 2012, the resident population has stabilized, fluctuating between 3.36 and 3.85 million birds. The migrant population has remained relatively stable since 1990, with the population in 2012 estimated at 1.84 million. Resident geese comprised 68% of the total Canada goose population in 2012 compared to 41% in 1990 and 20% in 1970. From 1990 to 2012, 1,403 Canada goose strikes with civil aircraft were reported in the USA, of which 704 (50%) caused damage. The strike rate and damaging strike rate for all geese and for resident geese only (strikes in May to September) increased in parallel with the increase in the total Canada goose population (resident and migratory combined) and resident population, respectively, from 1990 to 1999. From 1999 to 2012, the strike rate and especially the damage strike rate exhibited a downward trend, especially for strikes involving resident geese during May to September. We hypothesize that this decline is due to Canada goose management programs implemented at many airports and in other urban areas

Secreted Amyloid β-Proteins in a Cell Culture Model Include N-Terminally Extended Peptides That Impair Synaptic Plasticity

Evidence for a central role of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the genesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has led to advanced human trials of Aβ-lowering agents. The “amyloid hypothesis” of AD postulates deleterious effects of small, soluble forms of Aβ on synaptic form and function. Because selectively targeting synaptotoxic forms of soluble Aβ could be therapeutically advantageous, it is important to understand the full range of soluble Aβ derivatives. We previously described a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line (7PA2 cells) that stably expresses mutant human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Here, we extend this work by purifying an sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-stable, ∼8 kDa Aβ species from the 7PA2 medium. Mass spectrometry confirmed its identity as a noncovalently bonded Aβ40 homodimer that impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in vivo. We further report the detection of Aβ-containing fragments of APP in the 7PA2 medium that extend N-terminal from Asp1 of Aβ. These N-terminally extended Aβ-containing monomeric fragments are distinct from soluble Aβ oligomers formed from Aβ1-40/42 monomers and are bioactive synaptotoxins secreted by 7PA2 cells. Importantly, decreasing β-secretase processing of APP elevated these alternative synaptotoxic APP fragments. We conclude that certain synaptotoxic Aβ-containing species can arise from APP processing events N-terminal to the classical β-secretase cleavage site

Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Limits Mitochondrial Damage and Preserves Function Following Ischemic Injury

Aims: Myocardial ischemia can result in marked mitochondrial damage leading to cardiac dysfunction, as such identifying novel mechanisms to limit mitochondrial injury is important. This study investigated the hypothesis that inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), responsible for converting epoxyeicosatrienoic acids to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids protects mitochondrial from injury caused by myocardial infarction. Methods: sEH null and WT littermate mice were subjected to surgical occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery or sham operation. A parallel group of WT mice received an sEH inhibitor, trans-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-y1-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (tAUCB; 10 mg/L) or vehicle in the drinking water 4 days prior and 7 days post-MI. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography prior- and 7-days post-surgery. Heart tissues were dissected into infarct, peri-, and non-infarct regions to assess ultrastructure by electron microscopy. Complexes I, II, IV, citrate synthase, PI3K activities, and mitochondrial respiration were assessed in non-infarct regions. Isolated working hearts were used to measure the rates of glucose and palmitate oxidation. Results: Echocardiography revealed that tAUCB treatment or sEH deficiency significantly improved systolic and diastolic function post-MI compared to controls. Reduced infarct expansion and less adverse cardiac remodeling were observed in tAUCB-treated and sEH null groups. EM data demonstrated mitochondrial ultrastructure damage occurred in infarct and peri-infarct regions but not in non-infarct regions. Inhibition of sEH resulted in significant improvements in mitochondrial respiration, ATP content, mitochondrial enzymatic activities and restored insulin sensitivity and PI3K activity. Conclusion: Inhibition or genetic deletion of sEH protects against long-term ischemia by preserving cardiac function and maintaining mitochondrial efficiency

The Immunomodulatory Role of Adjuvants in Vaccines Formulated with the Recombinant Antigens Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 against Onchocerca volvulus in Mice.

BACKGROUND: In some regions in Africa, elimination of onchocerciasis may be possible with mass drug administration, although there is concern based on several factors that onchocerciasis cannot be eliminated solely through this approach. A vaccine against Onchocerca volvulus would provide a critical tool for the ultimate elimination of this infection. Previous studies have demonstrated that immunization of mice with Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2, when formulated with alum, induced protective immunity. It was hypothesized that the levels of protective immunity induced with the two recombinant antigens formulated with alum would be improved by formulation with other adjuvants known to enhance different types of antigen-specific immune responses. METHODOLOGY/ PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Immunizing mice with Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 in conjunction with alum, Advax 2 and MF59 induced significant levels of larval killing and host protection. The immune response was biased towards Th2 with all three of the adjuvants, with IgG1 the dominant antibody. Improved larval killing and host protection was observed in mice immunized with co-administered Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 in conjunction with each of the three adjuvants as compared to single immunizations. Antigen-specific antibody titers were significantly increased in mice immunized concurrently with the two antigens. Based on chemokine levels, it appears that neutrophils and eosinophils participate in the protective immune response induced by Ov-103, and macrophages and neutrophils participate in immunity induced by Ov-RAL-2. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanism of protective immunity induced by Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2, with the adjuvants alum, Advax 2 and MF59, appears to be multifactorial with roles for cytokines, chemokines, antibody and specific effector cells. The vaccines developed in this study have the potential of reducing the morbidity associated with onchocerciasis in humans

ACTIVITIES OF THE FAA INTER-AGENCY BIRD HAZARD COMMITTEE

The Federal Aviation Administration established an Inter-Agency Bird Hazard Committee in September 1966 in recognition of the increased hazard of birds to aviation. This inter-agency group was formed to obtain and consolidate informa-tion about the bird-aircraft problem and to develop ways of lessening collisions between birds and aircraft. The committee includes representatives from the Fed-eral Aviation Administration, Civil Aeronautics Board, Department of Health, Edu-cation & Welfare, National Aeronautics & Space Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. The activities of the committee have been limited primarily to an advisory role. It is without authority to establish regulations or to fund research or man-agement measures. Furthermore, unlike the situation in most other countries, the FAA has little authority over the operation of airports (except for Washington National and Dulles). In spite of these limitations, progress has been made by the agency and the committee in a variety of areas

Status of North American Canada Goose Populations (Poster)

North American Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations continue to increase, causing potentially greater hazard to aviation. There is greater interest by biologist and aviation interests in monitoring the status of these populations because of the increasing number of Canada goose strikes to aircraft. Waterfowl in North America are managed in four administrative flyways – the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific. Goose numbers in these flyways are based on mid-winter or breeding period counts. The Canada goose count for North America in 2000 was 5,728,000—61% were the large resident geese. The resident component of the population has increased more than 3-fold from 1990-2000. Reported Canada goose strikes on aircraft have increased during recent years. For the years 1990-2001, Canada geese were identified in 61% of all goose strikes (606 of 985) reported to the FAA. Also, during the same reporting period, geese caused engine damage in 139 of the 985 strikes. Canada geese damaged 61% of the engines (85 of 139). The numbers of operating commercial jet aircraft and scheduled departures by airlines increase yearly. The higher number of Canada goose strikes probably is due to a greater awareness of the hazard and better reporting of strikes, and to the exposure of more commercial aircraft to increasing Canada goose populations. Aggressive integrated Canada goose management programs should continue or be undertaken to reduce this hazard

NONPREDATORY MAMMAL DAMAGE RESEARCH NEEDS

Nonpredatory mammal damage probably exceeds one-half billion dollars each year in the U.S., in spite of many techniques and programs for controlling such losses. Improved and new control methods are obviously needed. The task of ADC researchers has become increasingly demanding and complex, however. They must not only obtain information to satisfy recurring Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data call-ins required to maintain and improve existing State and Federal rodenticide registrations, but must develop and register new damage control techniques and strategies. New methods must be highly efficacious, safe, cost effective, and present the lowest possible hazard to non-target species and to the environment if EPA registrations are to be obtained. The maintenance of existing Federal registrations can be a lengthy process and very costly. Reregistering strychnine could cost several million dollars if tolerances are needed, and data acquisition will require a number of years. New registrations would require additional resources. For significant advances in animal damage control to be made, greater emphasis must be placed on learning about the behavior and physiology of problem animals so there would be opportunity to identify behavioral and/or physiological characteristics that could be exploited for new control techniques

CANADA GOOSE POPULATIONS AND STRIKES WITH CIVIL AIRCRAFT: POSITIVE TRENDS FOR AVIATION INDUSTRY

Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations in North America are subdivided into “migrant-goose” and “large-goose” populations. The “large-goose” populations consist primarily of flocks that are non-migratory (hereafter referred to as resident geese). Estimated migrant and resident geese numbers in the four flyways (Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific) are based on mid-winter or breeding period counts. The overall Canada goose population increased five fold from 1970 (1.08 million) to 2005 (5.01 million). Most of this overall increase was due to a 15-fold increase in the population of resident geese (from 0.2 to 3.4 million), especially during the 1990s when the population increased at a mean annual rate of 13.8%. Since 2000, the resident Canada goose population has stabilized at about 3.4-3.6 million. The migrant population has remained relatively stable since 1990 with the population in 2005 estimated at 1.7 million. Resident geese comprised 67% of the total Canada goose population in 2005 compared to 38% in 1990 and only 18% in 1970. Resident Canada geese are of particular concern to aviation because of their large size, flocking behavior, use of airports for grazing, and year-round presence in urban environments. From 1990 to 2005, 1,279 Canada goose and “goose” (unidentified to species but likely Canada geese) strikes with civil aircraft were reported in the USA of which 675 (53%) caused damage. Damage to one or more engines was reported in 163 cases. The number of reported Canada goose and “goose” strikes per year increased, in concert with the increase in the resident population, from 39 in 1990 to 115 in 1998. However, reported strikes declined since 1998 to 70 in 2005 in spite of the continued high overall resident population. This decline is likely due to aggressive Canada goose management programs implemented at many airports and other urban areas. These programs must be continued and expanded to reduce this significant hazard to aviation

SURFACTANTS AS BLACKBIRD STRESSING AGENTS

Applications of wetting-agent solutions produce mortality in birds. The exact cause of death is undetermined, but it is believed that destruction of the insulating qualities of the plumage permits ambient cold temperatures and evaporation to lower the body temperature to a lethal level. The original concept of using these materials as bird-control tools was developed in 1958 at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Laurel, Maryland. Early field trials by personnel of the Division of Wildlife Services and the Denver Wildlife Research Center indicated that ground-application techniques had promise, but limitations of the equipment precluded successful large-scale roost treatments. In 1966, Patuxent Center personnel began using tanker-type aircraft to evaluate high-volume aerial applications of wetting agents. The success of these tests led to the use of small aircraft to make low-volume, high-concentration aerial applications just prior to expected rainfall. Recent trials of the low-volume method show that, with some limitations, it is effective, inexpensive, and safe to the environment