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Published on: April 30, 2019
Population reduction as a factor in the control of skunk rabies in Alberta
R C Rosatte1, M J Pybus, J R Gunson
1Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton, Canada.
Abstract:
Population reduction is being used currently to combat skunk rabies in Alberta. A total of 2,398 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were removed from three counties of southern Alberta during 1980-1983 in an effort to combat rabies outbreaks in those areas. The methods employed included trapping, poisoning, and shooting. Skunks in Forty Mile County have been rabies-free for 4 yr and the outbreaks in Newell and Warner counties appear to be under control. The data suggest that population reduction has been effective in controlling rabies in those areas.
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