response agency for the eradication of newly 

 detected invasive wildlife species. 



Cooperative agreements are being developed 

 to facilitate yearly funding of the necessary 

 management and research activities. The long-term 

 goal of the team is to extend coverage beyond south 

 Florida to other areas of the State with invasive 

 wildlife conflicts. 



NWRC Scientists Consulted on Predator-Proof 

 Fencing — In September 2006, two researchers from 

 the NWRC Hilo, HI, field station were consulted by 

 the FWS on plans to erect a 45-ha predator- proof 

 fence. The researchers had previously provided 

 technical assistance in constructing and testing 

 various fence designs. The proposed placement of 

 the fence is designed to protect endangered birds, 

 including the Hawaiian crow. The researchers 

 noted that placement of the fence on lava 

 substrates may provide fissures that allow rodents to 

 bypass the fence. Final plans for the fence are still 

 being discussed. 



International Cooperation 



NWRC Scientists Consult With Mexican 

 Scientists on Bat Control Program To Protect 

 Cattle— In September 2006, scientists from APHIS' 

 International Services Program in Mexico City 

 and the Mexican National Campaign of Paralytic 

 Rabies in Bovines (SAGARPA) visited NWRC in 

 Fort Collins. The scientists are collaborating with 

 NWRC researchers on methods to control bat rabies 

 transmission to cattle in Mexico. 



NWRC Scientists Participate in Avian Influenza 

 Training in Cambodia — In January 2007, USDA 

 conducted a cooperative workshop with the 

 Cambodian Wildlife Protection Office (WPG) in 

 Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The primary objective 

 of the course was to train 24 WPO biologists to 

 respond to wild bird morbidity or mortality events. 

 Five WS personnel from NWRC and the WS National 

 Wildlife Disease Program instructed participants 

 on wild bird capture, necropsy, and Al sampling 



techniques using classroom and field exercises. 

 The success of the training was well demonstrated 

 during the last field exercise that required the 

 newly trained staff to respond to a mock morbidity- 

 mortality event. Staff accurately assessed the 

 status of the event and then made an appropriate 

 response, wearing protective equipment to gather 

 birds and collect samples to test for potential Al. 



NWRC Hosts Chinese International Visitor 

 Leadership Program Scientists — This leadership 

 program is funded by USDA and hosted by the 

 U.S. Meat Export Federation for visiting scientists 

 from the People's Republic of China. The program 

 focuses on U.S. implementation of the World Trade 

 Organization agreement on the application of 

 sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This year's 

 program addressed pathogens and residues in food 

 exports. The Chinese scientists toured a variety of 

 U.S. laboratories during the course of the summer 

 program. NWRC headquarters in Fort Collins was 

 identified by USDA as one of the laboratories to be 

 included in the training program. 



In July 2007, Chinese scientists visited NWRC. 

 Fifteen Chinese scientists were given a tour of the 

 NWRC headquarters facilities and an overview 

 of NWRC research programs and activities. Of 

 particular interest to the Chinese delegation was 



Chinese scientists visited NWRC during 2007. 



48 Providing Wildlife Services 



