Population reduction as a factor in the control of skunk rabies in Alberta.
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.
D000416:Alberta; D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora / Q000382:microbiology*; D012889:Mephitidae / Q000382:microbiology*; D011155:Population Control; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*