Biobullet Delivery Systems and Bison Management Using Remote Delivery Systems for Immunizing Free Ranging Bison in Yellowstone National Park

Submitted by bsiadmin on Mon, 04/07/2008 - 16:59.

Publication Type:

Report

Authors:

Altenhofen, Kelly J.

Source:

South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, p.12 (Submitted)

Call Number:

189

Keywords:

bison; Yellowstone National Park; remote delivery; vaccination; bacteria; brucellosis; wildlife health; vaccine delivery methods

Abstract:

Nontraditional approaches have been used successfully in recent years to manage wildlife populations. Contraception has also been evaluated as an alternative to hunting and culling operations in wildlife management (Kesler, 1996). Vaccines, antibiotics and anthelminthics have also been administered with success to wildlife populations (Herriges et al. 1991). However, the implementation of an effective program depends to a great deal on how efficiently various vaccines and contraceptive can be delivered (DeNicola, Kesler and Swihart). Implantation is effective, but it requires animal restraint and is stressful to the treated animal. Excessive physical manipulation of wildlife by means such as corals, squeeze chutes and mechanical restraints can be time consuming, extremely costly and dangerous both to humans and animals (Eagle et al. 1990, Turner et al. 1992). Darts are also effective, but concerns over darts lost is heavily used recreation areas may prevent this option. A remote delivery system using a projectile or biobullet may alleviate this problem. A remote delivery system using a biobullet could also reduce the amount of physical manipulation is necessary to successfully vaccinate or implant selected wildlife herds. This biobullet technology has been successfully used [to] vaccinate elk, bighorn sheep and cattle. It has also been used to administer immobilizing agents to black-tailed deer and to deliver passive integrated transponder tags to cattle and fallow deer (Herriges et al. 1991, Jessup et al. 1992, Kesler 1996). This research proposal would investigate the feasibility of using remote delivery systems and biobullet technology to vaccinate free ranging herds of bison in Yellowstone National Park. If this method of remote delivery was to prove successful, it could possibly be used as a tool for implementing a future risk management program for the control of brucellosis in bison at Yellowstone National Park.

Notes:

Found in Bison LibraryNatureBib ID: 651966