SUPPLEMENT TO THE JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES

Charlotte F. Quist, Editor
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Athens, GA USA  30602
Telephone: 706-542-5349
Fax: 706-542-5977
E-mail: CQUIST@CVM.VET.UGA.EDU
 

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

        Recently, the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) began sponsoring a Feral Cat Altering Program, whereby feral cats are trapped, taken to local veterinarians for neutering (costs reimbursed by CVMA), and then returned to their “natural environments”.  Although the program is intended to ultimately reduce the feral cat population, wildlife conservation agencies and other veterinary and scientific organizations have expressed a number of concerns about its implementation, specifically in regard to the release of these cats on or near public lands managed to protect wildlife and the well-documented impact of feral cats on native songbird and other wildlife populations.  According to a CVMA news release (www.cvma.net), “by spaying and neutering [and releasing] feral cats, veterinarians will reduce the numbers of unwanted cats in animal shelters; ultimately this will save the lives of many cats and reduce the killing at shelters” (the goal of the program is to spay/neuter and release 60,000 feral cats over a 3 year period).   Apparently this $3.2 million spay/neuter program is intended to replace the current practice of euthanizing feral cats brought into animal shelters.  Have CVMA and other proponents of this program considered the potential impact that release of feral cats may have on songbirds and other native wildlife?  Moreover, what about disease issues?  The risk of disease should certainly be another consideration, both from a public health and wildlife perspective, as cats can act as reservoirs of plague and toxoplasmosis, to mention a few.  Nothing in the press releases and web page information indicate that the concerns of wildlife biologists, wildlife veterinarians, and other conservation groups have been considered or even communicated to participating veterinarians and “caregivers” (the folks encouraged to capture and release the cats), or that the effects of this program on feral cat and wildlife populations will be monitored.  I think we would all agree that efforts to reduce feral cat population and the numbers of animals killed in animal shelters are laudable goals, but certainly not at the expense of indigenous wildlife.  Clearly, the feral cat issue is complex and one that is likely to generate considerable discussion in the future, particularly if other states consider similar programs.  We, as wildlife health professionals, should play an important role in these discussions.
        On another subject, I have recently been asked by a number of students and other individuals how to get more involved in the WDA.  My advice to all is to attend the annual meeting, present a paper, participate in the student research and scholarship awards, and volunteer for committees.  We are always looking for energetic and enthusiastic members to work for and promote the Association.   Also, if you are so inclined, attend and listen in on the WDA council meetings held the day before the annual meeting convenes.  These meetings are open to all interested WDA members.   Hope to see you all in Wyoming!   Tonie Rocke, WDA President

WDA ACTIVITIES

2000 WDA Conference.  The 49th Annual Conference of the WDA will be held June 4-8, 2000 at the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA.  The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will sponsor the meeting.  The Jackson Lake Lodge is a spectacular resort complex located in the middle of Jackson Hole.  The resort overlooks Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range.  It is just south of America’s premier national park, Yellowstone, and it is about 30 miles north of the town of Jackson where unique shopping, restaurants, and entertainment can be found.  The Lodge is self-contained having several superb restaurants and services as well as different levels of accommodations ranging from lodge rooms to cabins to luxurious suites.  Room reservations should be made directly with the Lodge (800-628-9988; mention WDA Conference) before April 15.  Recreational vehicle and more rustic camping opportunities are available at campgrounds associated with the Lodge.  The Lodge can be reached by driving or by flying into Jackson and taking either a shuttle or renting a car (make rental car reservations early!).  This will truly be an opportunity for a family vacation.  While most of us will be stuck in a conference room, your spouse and children can be hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, river rafting, golfing, shopping, wildlife viewing (moose, elk, bison, bears, wolves, birds, and more), or swimming (heated pool).
        The Editorial Board and Council will meet on Sunday, June 4 prior to the Conference.  There will be a special meeting of the Western Wildlife Health Cooperative on Saturday afternoon, June 3.  A welcoming reception will be held on Sunday evening at the Lodge.  General sessions will begin on Monday, June 5.  Contributed papers begin on Monday and continue through Thursday afternoon.  The picnic and auction will be held on Monday evening, June 5.  The banquet and awards presentations will be held on Wednesday evening, June 7.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before or after the conference to explore this most spectacular and unique natural area.
 Complete information regarding the Conference can be obtained by contacting Becky Russell, Box 3312, University Station, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; phone: 307-766-5616; fax: 307-766-5630; e-mail: rrussell@uwyo.edu.  Information will also be posted on the WDA website at http://www.wildlifedisease.org.  Conference registration must be made before April 15, 2000 to avoid late fees.

Nature Camp for Kids at the WDA 2000 Meeting!!!  Plans are being made to offer “Nature Camp” opportunities for children attending the meeting.  The Teton Science School, a 30-year old non-profit environmental education center, will be developing a program to be held at the School in Grand Teton National Park.  They routinely run summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, and will customize a program for the WDA kids.  So that a head start can be made on planning before pre-registration closes on April 15, we need to get an idea of how many children (and their ages) may participate in the program.  If you are interested in bringing your children to the meeting and having them attend the Teton Science School program, would you please contact Becky Russell, who is handling the WDA registration.  She can be reached at: Box 3312, University Station, Laramie, WY 82071 USA.  Telephone: (307) 766-5616; FAX: (307) 766-5630; E-mail: rrussell@ywyo.edu.  Additional information on the Teton Science School can be found at: http://www.tetonscience.org/

1999-2000 WDA Committee Members
Committee, date appointed

Awards
Randy Zarnke - Chair, 1997 (now in 4th yr)
Ted Leighton, 1998 (3rd yr)
Thijs Kuiken, 1999 (1st yr)

Budget and Audit
Les Uhazy - Chair, Treasurer
Tom Yuill
Anne Fairbrother
Ian Barker
Charles van Riper III
Beth Williams
Charlotte Quist
Tonie Rocke

Carleton Herman Fund
Tom Yuill
Don Forrester
Anne Fairbrother

Information
Charlotte Quist - Chair
Joe Corn
Ian Barker
Bill Samuel
Jill Chambers Lang, 1999 (student)

Membership
Kirsten V.K. Gilardi - Chair, 1999 (1st yr)
Billy Karesh, 1998 (2nd yr)
Torston Mörner, 1999 (1st yr)
Barry Hartup, 1999 (1st yr)

Nominations
Todd Cornish - Chair, 1997 (3th yr)
Todd O’Hara, 1998 (2nd yr)
Ken Waldrup, 1999 (1st yr)

Promotions
Pam (Boppel) Nankervitz - Chair, 1998 (2nd yr)
Sandi Black, 1998 (2nd yr)
Mike Ziccardi, 1998 (2nd yr)
Kerry Beheler-Amass, 1998 (2nd yr)

Student Activities
Ellis Greiner - Chair, 1997 (4th yr)
Ted Leighton, 1999 (2nd yr)
Cindy P. Driscoll, 1999 (1st yr)
Thierry Work, 1999 (1st yr)

Teller
Lynn Creekmore, Secretary
Christina Sigurdson, 1999 (student)
Erin Myers, 1999 (student)

Time and Place
Bill Samuel - Chair
Terry Kreeger
Charlotte Quist
Dave Jessup
Rick Botzler

Sections Committee
Ed Addison
Carol Meteyer

Committee on Issues Related to the Journals - ad hoc
Chuck Rupprecht

Educational Aids – ad hoc
Lauren Richey - Chair, 1997 (2nd yr)  (student)
Susan E. Little, 1998
Scott Terrell, 1998   (student)
Margaret A. Lehr, 1999   (student)

Electronic Communication – ad hoc
Charles Rupprecht
Josh Dein
Walter Boyce

Executive Manager Committee - ad hoc
Bill Samuel - Chair
Dave Jessup
Bob McLean
Tonie Rocke
Wilbur Amand

WDA STUDENT ACTIVITIES

        The Wildlife Disease Association offers a scholarship and two awards to encourage student participation in the Association and our annual conference, and to recognize outstanding student research.  Students are defined as undergraduate or graduate students in the basic or veterinary sciences, and veterinary interns or residents.  Potential recipients must be members of the Wildlife Disease Association or must apply for membership at the time of application for the award.  Student supervisors are encouraged to bring these awards to the attention of their students well in advance of deadlines.

Editor’s Note:  The deadline for the WDA Scholarship and Research Awards for 2000 was March 3, 2000.  Individuals interested in competing for those Awards should look to next year for possible consideration.  The following guidelines were for this year’s competition and are listed for reference only.  Next year’s guidelines may change somewhat.

1) Wildlife Disease Association Scholarship.  This scholarship acknowledges outstanding academic and research accomplishment, commitment, and potential in pursuit of new knowledge in wildlife disease (or "health").  The scholarship has a value of $2,000 US and is awarded annually to an outstanding student who is pursuing a master's or doctoral degree specializing in research on wildlife disease.

 To be considered, the candidate should:

• Possess an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a four-year baccalaureate degree.       Applicants with first-class standing (i.e., grade point average above 3.5 in 4.0 system, 80% in percentage system, with B+ or better) will receive priority;
• Be committed to leadership, scholarship, and service in the wildlife disease profession.

• One copy of all relevant transcripts.  Transcripts can be official (i.e. with the imprint of the official seal of the institution and the signature of the responsible university officer) or        copies signed by the student’s faculty advisor;
• Up to three letters of support, including a letter from the student’s faculty advisor, that address the following specific abilities of the applicant: academic achievement, scholarly promise, research ability, verbal and writing skills, industriousness, leadership abilities, judgement and potential for contributions to the field of wildlife disease;
• Evidence of superior scholastic achievement (course work, scholarships);
• Evidence of potential or achievement in research (publications, publication awards, invitations to present);
• Other evidence of distinction OR commendation (letters, accomplishments).

3) Terry Amundson Student Presentation Award.  This award recognizes the best student paper presented at the Annual Conference.  The award is based on the scientific content of the research and the quality of the presentation.  The winner receives a plaque and $250.  In addition, up to three students receive Honorable Mention, which includes a plaque and a smaller monetary award.  Students wising to be considered for the award should submit an abstract by April 1, 2000 to the Program Chair of the 2000 Annual WDA Conference (see “Call for Papers) and a copy of the abstract to Dr. Ellis Greiner at the above address.

        For more information regarding any of these awards or other student information, please contact Dr. Ellis Greiner, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32511 USA.  Telephone: 352-392-4700 ext.5861; FAX: 352-392-9704.  Email: greinere@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu

Nominations for WDA Council
The following individuals have been nominated for the two up-coming vacancies on the WDA Council.  Biographic sketches will be included with the ballots that will be mailed out to all members.  Vote promptly!

John Fischer, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
        University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA
Jonna Mazet, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology
        Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis, CA USA
Thijs Kuiken, Institute of Virology
        Erasmus University and the University Hospital
        Rotterdam, Netherlands

Past Journal Issues to be Purged!  Due to cost of storing past issues of the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, most of the past issues will be purged over the next few months.  If you are interested in obtaining past issues, contact the business office at Allen Press; email WDA@allenpress.com.

WDA Members!!  We are exploring the possibility of updating or developing a new WDA logo.  Please check out our webpage (www.wildlifedisease.org) to view the options and vote on your preference.  A final decision will be made in June at the annual meeting in Wyoming.

OTHER MEMBER NEWS

Obituary - Kenneth Neiland.  Former WDA member Kenneth A. Neiland passed away on January 15, 2000 in Redmond, Oregon.  Ken was born on February 18, 1929 in Portland, Oregon.  He earned a B.S. degree from Reed College and a M.S. from the University of California – Los Angles (UCLA).  The Alaska Department of Fish and Game employed Ken as a disease and parasite specialist from 1961 until 1981.
        Ken was widely recognized for his research and many publications on northern wildlife.  He contributed to many national and international wildlife disease conferences.  He was among the first Alaska scientists to collaborate with Russian colleagues during the thawing of the Cold War.  Ken will be remembered as a multi-talented individual.  He excelled as a scholar, artist, craftsman, collector, and marksman.  He was a voracious reader and collector of books, stamps, and fine firearms.  He was an accomplished pianist and often composed his own music.  Ken was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He traveled extensively in these pursuits to such places as Russia, South American, Africa, and Australia.  He was ahead of his time in recognizing that hunting and fishing success down not necessarily mean a full bag.  More than one companion was surprised to see Ken sit and watch his quarry but never fire a shot.  - Contributed by Randy Zarnke

HAPPENINGS IN THE FIELD

USGS Investigates West Nile Virus; Steps Up Bird Surveillance.  West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease previously never reported in the Western Hemisphere, has caused encephalitis in people in the New York City area.  Birds are the natural hosts for this virus, which can be transmitted from infected birds to humans and other animals through bites of infected mosquitoes.
        USGS scientists and other investigators have diagnosed West Nile virus in birds from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  USGS has alerted State and Federal wildlife agencies and has established a surveillance network to monitor bird populations.
        In early October, USGS dispatched a team of seven wildlife health specialists from the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin to New York to determine the bird species involved, the geographic distribution of the virus and to evaluate the susceptibility of cows which have been found dead throughout the region.
        The magnitude of the bird mortality is not yet known.  While some affected areas have reported high bird mortality (1000’s), mostly in American crows, a number of the birds have died from other causes.  Of the specimens tested by the Centers for Disease Control, less that 55% have tested positive for West Nile virus.
        USGS is working with the CDC, USDA, State Public Health Departments, and State and Federal Natural Resource agencies on surveillance networks to track the dis4ease.  Specimens submitted from this effort are being examined at the USGS biological containment facility at the Madison Center.  Suspect tissues are being forwarded to the CDC for confirmation.  This multi-state effort is likely to continue through May, 2000.
        Crow samples are especially important because crows appear to be highly sensitive to the virus.  Crows can act as sentinels for local transmission of the disease since the6 normally travel less than 200 miles and generally do not migrate.  Infected crows can also help state and local health departments determine the risk to humans.
        The USGS is working with the USDA to systematically collect blood samples from crows and other bird species for virus detection along the Atlantic seaboard.  Sick or dead birds with signs of the disease will also be collected and examined.
        Work will continue to focus on collecting information and samples that will help determined the extent of wildlife species involved, the distribution of the virus in bird populations, and if the range of the virus is expanding beyond the currently reported sites.  Moreover, plans will be developed to prepare for future outbreaks. USGS National Wildlife Health Center Wildlife Health Alert.  Fact Sheet #99-02.  October, 1999.

Canada-Wide Epidemic of Winter Tick in Moose.   In late winter and spring of 1999, many moose (Alces alces) across Canada died in association with heavy infestations of the winter tick (Dermacenter albipictus).  Information on this epidemic is incomplete, but there is clear evidence of occurrence from coast to coast across the boreal forest and forest fringe.  High mortality of moose and tick-associated hair loss in surviving moose was reported from New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.  As examples of the problem, 16 dead moose were reported in Algonquin Park, Ontario from March 13 to April 20, 2000, and many more dead moose were found in the spring and summer.  The proportion and severity of hair loss in moose surveyed from the air in Ontario was the worst ever noted in the 15 years this survey has been carried out.  Margo Pybus, NRS-Fish and Wildlife, compiled field office reports for Alberta.  There were 1130 occurrence reports: 92% of moose had severe hair loss, 28% were dead and 43% of dead moose were calves.  The female to male ratio among affected moose was 2:1.  Early warm spring weather with little snow cover, and hot summer weather appear to be conditions leading to high survival of female and larval winter ticks on the ground, and high rates and intensities of infection of moose in the fall.  This results in epidemic disease when the ticks mature to adults on moose in late winter and spring the following year.  Unfortunately, these climatic predictors of moose mortality from winter tick suggest that mortality may be high again in the late winter and spring of 2000; spring was early and warm in many areas, and the summer hot in much of Canada’s moose habitat in 1999.  Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center Newsletter – Winter 1999, Volume 6 (2).

Pneumonia And Septicemia In Dall’s Sheep.  In June, July, and September of 1999, respectively, two mature Dall’s sheep ewes and a ram (Ovis dalli) were found dead in the MacKenzie Mountains of Canada’s Northwest Territories.  Necropsy findings in all three animals included severe bronchopneumonia and lungworms.  Arcanobacterium (formerly Actinomyces) pyogenes was isolated from each of the animals.  Arcanobacterium pyogenes had been previously isolated from pneumonia in a bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), and is presumed to be stress-related.
        The significance of these cases is not known.  This is the first time in 24 years of non-resident hunting that dead sheep have been reported to the wildlife managers.  Census data paints a promising picture of the health of the MacKenzie Mountain Dall’s populations, with excellent lamb-ewe rations and stable overall counts.  Despite this reassurance, we have concerns about the possibility of unrecognized mortality due to pneumonia, which is one of the major mortality factors in bighorn sheep.
        To address the paucity of data on normal parasitic and bacterial fauna of MacKenzie Mountains Dall’s sheep, wildlife managers of this region, in partnership the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are launching a project in 2000, involving planned collections, opportunistic hunter-killed data, and complete necropsy of natural mortalities. Abstracted from the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center Newsletter – Winter 1999, Volume 6 (2).

National Wildlife Health Center’s Quarterly Mortality Report. There were 4 die-offs this quarter with estimated losses equal to or greater than 4,000 birds.  The largest event occurred in mid October, when over 20,000 red-winged blackbirds and nearly 6,000 brown-headed cowbirds were found dead and dying in an Illinois wheat field during an intentional poisoning event involving the carbamate compound carbofuran.   US Fish & Wildlife Service Law Enforcement and IL Department of Conservation Officers investigated the incident.
        The California Department of Fish and Game informed the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) of a fall avian botulism die-off at Leavitt Lake in California leaving an estimated 8,000 waterfowl dead (primarily shoveler, pintail and coots).   The Department launched a major carcass pick up effort.  The last known botulism die-off at this site occurred in the late 1980's and involved 300 birds.  This year’s mortality was considered significant because it was believed the waterfowl losses were at least equal to the total annual waterfowl production of all the Northern California-North Coastal Region Wildlife Areas.
        From early November through late January, approximately 5,000 pintails and mallards died from lead poisoning at Catahoula Lake in Louisiana.  This was the worst lead poisoning event there since 1989.  Contributing factors included an increase in duck numbers, lower than usual lake levels due to ongoing drought conditions, and birds feeding at the lake instead of nearby agricultural fields and wetlands normally flooded at this time of year.
        Over 4,000 birds, primarily coots, were collected during a die-off at Lake Shawano near Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The cause of the mortality was due to the parasite Leyogonimus polyoon.  This parasite was first detected during a waterbird die-off at this site in 1997 when coot losses exceeded 11,000 birds.  Retrospective work revealed this parasite was responsible for a 1996 die-off at the site also.  Although this is a common cause of coot and moorhen mortality in Eastern Europe, it had never been reported in North America.  Lake Shawano continues to be the only known North American site where this disease has occurred.
        Avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM), the unusual neurologic disease in coots, eagles, and waterfowl that has occurred nearly annually since 1994, was documented again in the fall of 1999 at all the previously known locations.  The NWHC confirmed the disease in coots on Wood Lake, North Carolina.  The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study confirmed the disease in coots on Lakes De Gray and Ouachita in Arkansas, Lake Juliette and Strom Thurmond Lake in Georgia, and Lake Murray and two lakes near Aiken, South Carolina.  One eagle from Lake Ouachita is confirmed with the disease and another from the same lake is a suspect mild case.  Brains from eagles from Arkansas and one collected near Aiken, South Carolina are being examined for the lesion.  So far, it appears to be a mild year for AVM with few losses and no new locations or species reported.
        An iridovirus infection is suspected as the cause of death in over 500 Northern Leopard frogs in a creek in McLean County, North Dakota.  Additional virology and diagnostic samples are in progress.  A similar virus was isolated from a North Dakota salamander die-off in 1998.
        The West Nile virus (WNV) die-off in crows continued through October and into November in the New York City area.  Thousands of crows are estimated to have died and crows were found positive for WNV in 10 counties in New York, 15 counties in New Jersey, and 2 counties in Connecticut.  Eighteen native species were found positive for the virus although it is unknown whether all these species died from the infection (see NWHC website information on WNV for list of species at <http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.html>).  One crow from Baltimore, Maryland was also found positive for the virus.  This was the only dead bird found positive for WNV outside of the 3-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus, never previously reported in the Western hemisphere, which generally causes a milder disease in humans than St. Louis encephalitis virus; however it can cause human fatalities, especially in the elderly, and seven people died out of 61 clinically ill people during this outbreak in New York City.  Crows with WNV infection were used as a sentinel system to detect the presence of the virus in an area and guide decisions on public health response efforts.  Bird surveillance to detect WNV activity is planned for the next mosquito season in multiple states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.  Bird surveillance was listed first in recommendations outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or WNV surveillance in the CDC’s January 21st  issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
A detailed version of the Quarterly Wildlife Mortality Report is available in the hard-copy version of the Supplement or online at www.umesc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.html.

WDA SECTION NEWS

NEWS FROM AFRICA
Workshop on Crocodiles Held in Uganda.  From 14 - 15 September 1999, a workshop on the management of crocodiles was held in Uganda, East Africa.  The aim of the Workshop was to promote the health, welfare, and conservation of the Order Crocodilia, especially the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).  This was achieved by providing lectures and practical sessions at which field biologists, veterinarians and others could benefit from one another's experiences of working with these reptiles.  The Workshop was organized and coordinated by Dr. Gladys Kalema MRCVS (Uganda Wildlife Authority), Mrs. Margaret Cooper LLB (Wildlife Health Services, UK) and Professor John E Cooper FRCVS (Wildlife Health Services and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust).   Lectures on Day 1 covered a range of subjects.  The biology of the Nile crocodile was discussed with the aid of a young live specimen and an excellent papier maché model produced (and demonstrated) by Nicholas Nandala David, a young Ugandan art student.  This was followed by a presentation on the management of captive crocodiles (Gladys Kalema) and an interactive session on legal issues (Margaret Cooper).  The afternoon was devoted to lectures relating to maintenance of health, treatment of disease and an analysis (presented by Dr. John Bosco Nizeyi, Uganda) of problems that had hampered productivity at Uganda's only crocodile farm at Buwama.  An array of relevant literature was on display and all registrants received a set of course notes.
On Day 2 a bus from Makerere University took participants on the one-hour journey to Buwama, on the edge of Lake Victoria, where Uganda Crocs Ltd, a company licensed to hatch and rear animals taken from Murchison Falls National Park, have ranching enterprise (farm) for Nile crocodiles.  The farm's Manager, Mr. Duncan Majane, first led a tour of the premises.  Participants took notes, asked questions and offered advice on a range of subjects relating to the health and welfare of captive crocodiles and the conservation implications of captive breeding and ranching.  The remainder of the day was spent on practical work.  Sick crocodiles were examined clinically, blood and urine samples were taken for investigation (some of it in the field) and anaesthesia and euthanasia were demonstrated.  Post-mortem examination of two crocodiles provided an opportunity for participants to gain experience in the identification of internal organs, the recognition of pathological lesions and the selection and processing of samples for diagnostic purposes.  Finally, all present gathered together in a shaded area near the lake - an idyllic wooded spot through which large papilionid butterflies glided and over which African fish eagles called - and discussed the lessons learned over the previous two days.  A group of three was charged with drawing up reports and recommendations.  It was agreed that Uganda, which in the past has contributed much to our knowledge of the Nile crocodile, could serve as an important source of information on this species and that this needs collaboration between those who work with crocodiles in the wild and those who keep or study them in captivity.  The farming and ranching of crocodiles for their skin and meat are not universally acceptable but the evidence is that since 1971, when the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group was formed, the status of 16 of the world's 23 species has been improved by ensuring that these have value to those who live in proximity to them.
This workshop, the first of its kind in Uganda, was an unqualified success.  It brought together staff of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management (WARM) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, research workers and crocodile farmers.  It provided a forum for debate and encouraged views about ranching and captive breeding of crocodiles to be aired.  Above all, it offered an opportunity, in the country which boasts the 'source of the Nile', for Crocodylus niloticus, studied by scientists for many hundreds of years, to be discussed.  This workshop would not have been possible without the support of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the British Herpetological Society (BHS), the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Mrs. Helena Cotton and a number of private individuals - especially in Great Britain – who provided financial help or donated equipment.
        Further information about this Workshop - or future similar ventures planned in Uganda - is available from either Dr. Gladys Kalema (Uganda Wildlife Authority, P O Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda, gkalema@starcom.co.ug) or Professor John E. Cooper (Wildlife Health Services, P.O. Box 153, Wellingborough NN8 2ZA, UK, NGAGI@compuserve.com).

NEWS FROM AUSTRALASIA
Peter Holz, Australian Newsletter Editor, gives us another quote as “food for thought”!

 “I wonder whether the process ordinarily referred to as growing up is not actually a process of growing down; whether experience, so much touted among adults as the thing children lack, is not actually a progressive dilution of the essentials by the trivialites of living.”  - Aldo Leopold

NEWS FROM EUROPE
EWDA Congress 2000. The first meeting of the European section of the Wildlife Disease Association (EWDA) was held in Paris in 1994.  Subsequent meetings took place in Wroclaw, Poland (1996) and Edinburgh, Scotland (1998). The 4th meeting will be held in Zaragoza, Spain from 20-23 September 2000. This congress will include sessions on diseases and management of game species, and predators, prey and disease. Each session will include invited presentations and short communications. There will also be sufficient time for free presentations on other wildlife disease topics. The EWDA prize will be awarded for the best student presentation.  The social programme will include an informal “auction” in order to raise money for forthcoming student awards. Conference participants are kindly requested to contribute any item (pathology slides, books or collections of papers, drawings or pictures as soon as possible) to the auction. Other social activities include the conference dinner to be held on Friday 22 September and a trip to the Pyrenees/Monegros desert on Saturday 23 September. Zargoza 2000 promises to live up to the high standard established at previous EWDA meetings.
        To obtain a registration and abstract form, please contact Daniel Fernández de Luco, Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, E-50.013 Zaragoza, Spain. Telephone: (+34) 976 761609; fax: (+34) 976 761608; e-mail: luco@posta.unizar.es

Avian Research Fund in 2000. The International Fund for Avian Research (IFAR) has ambitious plans for the year 2000 and hopes that its influence will continue to grow after that, with consequent benefits to the welfare and conservation of birds.
        IFAR was well represented at the National Exhibition at Telford (UK) in December 1999, where it joined forces with the veterinary team responsible for the Birds’ First Aid Room. IFAR funded the attendance at the Show of four postgraduate veterinary students and as a result of generous gifts from Mr. Leslie Carr (Sunrise Aviculture) and Mrs. Beryl Romani (A1 PetLine), was able to donate to the First Aid Room much needed equipment including two tubular heaters.  At the Banquet on the Saturday evening three magnificent prints donated by the artist, Mr. John Birch, were auctioned and raised £170 – a valuable boost for IFAR’s finances and an opportunity to promote the Fund and its work.  IFAR was also to forge useful contacts with Greendale Laboratories (UK) who this year sponsored the veterinary team and First Aid Room.
        The National Exhibition also provided an opportunity to introduce Emma Magnus, BSc, MSc, who takes over as Honorary Secretary of IFAR following the retirement of Brian Byles, the Fund’s founder. Brian will remain as Treasurer, with Professor John Cooper FRCVS as Chairman and Dr Francis Scullion MRCVS as Scientific Advisor. Emma is no stranger to the avicultural world. In 1998 and 1999 she judged the "Talking Birds" at the National. Emma is a zoologist who practices as a Consultant in Animal Behaviour and is based in Ipswich, Suffolk (UK). She has broad interests in animals, their welfare and conservation.
        With Emma’s appointment, IFAR faces an exciting period of change, with opportunities to extend its reputation and standing into new areas and disciplines, including animal ethology and the biological sciences. Funding remains a key consideration and Emma, in collaboration with the rest of IFAR’s committee, will be tackling the all-important question of how to attract money and donations of equipment so that the Fund can do more to encourage and to support avian research.
        Further information about IFAR and its work can be obtained by contacting the Fund c/o British Veterinary Association, 76 Mansfield Street, London, W1M 0AT, UK or by e-mail at emma@ifar.freeserve.co.uk or EmmaMagnus@compuserve.com. John E Cooper, Wildlife Health Services, P.O. Box 153, Wellingborough NN8 2ZA, UK.

Third International Conference on Mycobacterium bovis.   Following the two very successful international conferences on Mycobacterium bovis held in the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand, the third will be hosted by the UK Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Cambridge, UK from 14 to 16 August 2000.
        The year 2000 is an important time in Mycobacterium bovis research with the expected completion of the M. bovis Genome Project (jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and the Wellcome Trust). It is hoped that this milestone will act as a catalyst for further research into the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic reagents to help in the fight against this important zoonotic disease at the start of the new millennium. The conference will comprise papers by invited speakers, and selected oral and poster presentations. Seminar topics on the agenda will include disease control, epidemiology, modelling disease in domestic animals and wildlife, molecular typing, pathogenesis, immunology, diagnosis, mycobacterial genetics and vaccinology.
        It is also intended to run several workshops after the end of the official conference on 17 August (places will be limited). Topics will include molecular fingerprinting techniques, immunodiagnosis, comparative pathology and vaccine development.
        For further information, contact Sarah Stewart, M. bovis 2000, VLA Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 1932 357680; Fax: +44 (0)1932 357701; E-mail: s.stewart@vla.maff.gov.uk.

Annual Report to OIE on Wildlife Diseases in Europe in 1998. Below is an extract from a report to a meeting of the OIE working group on wildlife diseases, held from 19-21 October 1999 in Paris. This report was compiled by Marc Artois (with help from the French SAGIR network), and Torsten Morner from a questionnaire completed by many EWDA correspondents in various European countries. The assistance of all correspondents is acknowledged.

LIST A DISEASES:
Classical swine fever: Classical swine fever (CSF) among wild boar (Sus scrofa) remains a problem of great concern in Europe. During the reporting period (1998), outbreaks were reported from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In May 1998, wild boar with signs of CSF were detected in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland; CSF virus was isolated and shown by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to be identical to a previous isolate from wild boar in the Varese region of Italy. Of the outbreaks reported in 1998, this was the only one from an area where no previous cases had been recorded.
        Several reports were published in 1998/99 under the auspices of the European Commission on the control of CSF among wild boar. Meetings were held, proceedings were published, and a Working Group provided a report. In countries with CSF in domestic pigs, wild boar may become infected due to contact with infected pigs. Once introduced, the virus is spread by direct and indirect contact between infected and susceptible wild boar. Persistently infected piglets are believed to contribute to virus circulation. The virus may be transmitted directly (when contact is possible) or more often indirectly (e.g. by farmers who are hunters and contaminated food) from wild boar to domestic pigs. In Germany and Italy, epidemiological evidence suggests crossover transmission of the CSF virus between domestic pigs and wild boar. Where appropriate separation exists between domestic pigs and wild boar, human activities are the main explanation for the introduction of CSF from the wild to the domestic porcine populations or vice versa. The disease can die out spontaneously or persist without signs of self-limitation. Endemic CSF situations seem to have become more prevalent in Europe in recent years.  Documents on control strategies can be requested from the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Directorate General XXIV, European Commission.
Newcastle disease: In Austria, Newcastle disease (ND) was detected in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological tests, virus isolation and intracerebral pathogenicity index testing. ND virus and pigeon paramyxovirus were obtained from pigeons from 1992 to 1997 in Germany.

LIST B DISEASES:
Bovine tuberculosis: This disease continues to be a major cause for concern in some wildlife populations on several continents. These concerns relate to both the potential effects of this disease on certain wildlife populations, as well as the regulatory and veterinary public health concerns arising from the presence of sylvatic reservoirs of infection in countries with active bovine tuberculosis eradication schemes and in those officially tuberculosis-free. In Europe, bovine tuberculosis was reported from the following countries:

• Spain; fallow deer (Dama dama)-7 cases; red deer (Cervus elaphus)- 13 cases; wild boar (Sus scrofa)- 22 cases; Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)- one case.
• United Kingdom; badgers (Meles meles)- 367 cases; roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)- 1 case; fallow deer- 2 cases; red deer- 3 cases. (A further 3 cases were reported in domestic cats).
• Italy; frequently in wild boar in the Liguria region.

WILDLIFE LIST DISEASES
Sarcoptic mange: Sarcoptic mange continues to be a common and severe disease in animal populations in different parts of the world. In most parts of Europe, sarcoptic mange in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) is still very common. In these areas, fox mange also occurs in other carnivores, such as lynx (Lynx lynx), pine marten (Martes martes) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). In the Alps and Iberian mountains, sarcoptic mange continues to be a common disease in chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and ibex (Capra ibex).

BIPAS. Volume 21 of BIPAS (Bulletin d’Information sur la Pathologie des Animaux Sauvages en France) is now available. It contains a comprehensive summary of the wildlife disease surveillance activities of the SAGIR (Surveillance Sanitaire de la Faune Sauvage) network in 1999. There are articles on respiratory disease in chamois by D. Gauthier and M. Cadoz, keratoconjunctivitis in ibex and mouflon by M. Terrier, polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in relation to reintroduction of otters by B. Francois and co-authors, louping ill in mountain hares and grouse in Scotland by K. Laurenson and co-authors, and Mycoplasmae conjunctivae infection in chamois and ibex by C. Grattarola and co-authors. A valuable bibliography of publications (including abstracts) on wildlife disease in Europe from 1996 to 1999 also appears in this issue. This bibliography is maintained by AFSSA (Agence Française de Securite Sanitaire des Aliments), Nancy and is submitted annually to the OIE working group on wildlife diseases. If you publish any papers relating to wildlife disease in Europe, please send a copy to Dr Marc Artois, AFSSA Nancy, Domaine de Pixérécourt, BP 9, F-54220 Malzéville, France. Copies of BIPAS may be obtained free-of-charge from Dr Marc Artois at the same address.

European Section. Material suitable for publication in the Newsletter includes news of recent wildlife disease outbreaks in Europe, short case reports, announcements and reports of relevant meetings in Europe, and job and scholarship announcements. Submissions should be in English, but members for whom English is a second language and who send material in basic English or in their own language, will be accommodated as far as possible. Deadline for submission of articles for the next issue (July 2000) is 21 May 2000. Please mail (floppy disk preferred), fax or e-mail submissions to Seamus Kennedy, Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland; telephone +44 (028) 90525701, fax: +44 (028) 90525767, e-mail: seamus.kennedy@dardni.gov.uk

WDA SECTION CHAIRS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Australasian Section.  For information regarding the Australasian Section, contact Lee Skerratt, School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Princes Hwy, Werribee, Victoria 3030 Australia.  Telephone: 61 3 9742 8330; fax: 61 3 9741 0401; email: skerratt@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au

European Section.   For information regarding the European Section, contact Torsten Morner, The National Veterinary Institute, Department of Wildlife, Box 7073, S750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.  Telephone: +46-1867-4214; fax: +46-1830-9162; email: Torsten.Morner@SVA.SE

Latin American Section.  For information regarding the Latin American Section, contact Alonso Aguirre, TUSVM Wildlife Clinic, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.  Telephone: (508) 839-7918; fax: (508) 839-7930; email: aguirre@wpti.org

Nordic Section.  For information regarding the Nordic Section, contact Hans-Henrik Dietz, Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Fur Animal and Wildlife Diseases, 2 Hangovej, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.  Telephone: 45-89-37-24-17; fax: 45-89-37-24-70; email: hhd@svs.dk

Wildlife Veterinarian Section.  For information regarding the Wildlife Veterinarian Section, contact Dr. Terry Kreeger, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 2362 Highway 34, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 USA.  Telephone: 307-322-2571; FAX 307-766-5630; email: tekreege@wyoming.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Branch Chief, Laboratory Investigations; National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.  Preliminary notification of a full-time permanent position to be filled at the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS)  National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin.  This permanent full-time multidisciplinary position could be filled from one of the following disciplines:  Supervisory Microbiologist GS-0403-13/14; Supervisory Wildlife Biologist GS-0486-13/14; Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer GS-0701-13/14.  The mission of the USGS-NWHC is to: (1) determine the impact of disease on wildlife resources under Department of Interior (DOI) stewardship; (2) identify the role various pathogens have in contributing to these losses; (3) develop effective means for disease prevention; and (4) reduce wildlife losses to disease.  There are four major areas of activity: (1) field response to and investigation of wildlife disease problems, (2) disease diagnosis and control, (3) research, and (4) training in disease identification and control.  These activities are integrated into an interdisciplinary program that combines the expertise of specialists with training in epidemiology, wildlife biology, microbiology, virology, pathology, parasitology, chemistry, and veterinary medicine.  The USGS-NWHC provides consultations and technological leadership to federal and state government agencies and non-profit organizations in disease of wildlife as well as supplying the general public authoritative information on disease problems. The geographic area of coverage includes all states and territorial possessions of the United States as well as any special assignments in foreign nations.  United States citizenship is required for eligibility.  Equal opportunity through affirmative action.  Information about the NWHC can be obtained from the web page at: www.emtc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.html
Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Robert G. McLean, Director; or Joan Schneider, Administrative Officer at (608) 270-2400; National Wildlife Health Center.

TRAINING/EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Veterinary Externship In Fish Health And Laboratory Methods.  The Olympia Fish Health Center is one of nine Fish Health Centers within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located in Olympia, Washington.  We provide diagnostic laboratory and field examination services to six National Fish Hatcheries on the Olympic Peninsula and mid-Columbia River Basin, collect and process samples for the National Wild Fish Health Survey, and cooperate in the National Aquaculture Drug Registration Project.  We also work in cooperation with the Tribal and State Fish Health Laboratories that are located in Olympia.
        The Olympia Fish Health Center routinely uses bacteriology (biochemical, ELISA, and PCR methods), virology (cell culture, serological, and PCR methods), parasitology (microscopic and PCR methods), histology, and clinical chemistry testing to aid the hatcheries in producing quality fish that will contribute to the enhancement and restoration of fish stocks and other aquatic species.  We collect most of the samples ourselves during field examinations of adult and juvenile fish and then return to our laboratory in Olympia to run the assays.  Our busiest time of the year is September through November when multiple species of Pacific salmon are spawning at our hatcheries.  We collect various tissue samples from these returning adults to monitor for some common and  regulated fish pathogens.  This information is used to prepare Broodstock Inspection Reports and may be beneficial in designing disease prevention and control methods for the eggs and offspring of these adults.
        Student externs will visit several National Fish Hatcheries, perform field examinations on juvenile fish, take samples for Broodstock Inspections, process samples for bacterial culture, virus culture, ELISA and PCR assays.  Independent study projects are encouraged and we will provide technical assistance and guidance wherever possible.  All opportunities will be taken to expose the Extern to as many fish culture facilities and fish disease situations as possible, and, time will be provided for discussions with other fish health professionals.
        Students that are interested in gaining experience working in Aquaculture and/or diagnostic laboratory methods are encouraged to apply.  Duration of the externship and times of year other than September, October, and November may be arranged to accommodate the student’s schedule.  For more information and application forms please contact Joy Evered, DVM at Olympia Fish Health Center, 3704 Griffin Lane SE, Suite 101,Olympia,  WA  98501.  Telephone: 360-753-9046; Fax: 360-753-9403; or email at joy_evered@fws.gov

Senior Veterinary Student Externship in Wildlife Medicine.  A six-week externship in Wildlife Medicine is being offered to a senior-year veterinary student by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the University of California - Davis Wildlife Health Center (WHC), commencing Winter/Spring 2001. The extern will work under the tutelage of CDFG and WHC wildlife veterinarians and pathologists.  He/she will rotate between CDFG’s Wildlife Investigations Lab (WIL) in Rancho Cordova and CDFG’s Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center (MWVCRC) in Santa Cruz, with variable time spent at the WHC.  Depending upon on-going activities at the various facilities, the extern can expect to gain practical experience in wildlife immobilization and transport, captive wildlife care, and wildlife disease investigation and management, and will work with a variety of species, including hoofstock, carnivores, marine mammals and seabirds.  The extern will be expected to complete a research or laboratory project during the externship under the tutelage of a CDFG wildlife veterinarian, and produce a final report on the project.  A stipend will be available for travel and living expenses.  Externs will be responsible for obtaining housing while at the WIL or WHC; free housing is available in Santa Cruz.  Interested students should send a letter of intent which includes preferred and alternative dates for the externship (between January – June 2001), a current resume, and two letters of reference, to: Kirsten Gilardi, Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 by June 1, 2000.  Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by July 1, 2000.  Telephone or E-mail inquires should be directed to Kirsten Gilardi:  530-752-4896, kvgilardi@ucdavis.edu.

Zoo Short Course at the University of Tennessee.  Two five-day courses on zoological medicine will be held at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine during 2000 for veterinarians and veterinary students.  The college is offering the program for the second year, due to the success of the 1999 program, said course director Dr. Ed Ramsay, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine.  Veterinarians from the U.S., England, and Italy, and student from five U.S. veterinary schools attended in 1999.
        The upcoming course will take place in Knoxville, TN from May 22-26 for veterinarians and June 19-23 for veterinary students.  Continuing education credit will be available for veterinarians.  The student course is intended for veterinary students in the pre-clinical years of their curriculum that anticipate applying for zoo externshipps or residencies.
        The zoo course consists of lectures and laboratories, and is conducted in conjunction with the Knoxville Zoological Gardens, a facility currently participating in more than 20 Species Survival Plans.  It will include a wide range of topics in captive wildlife medicine, focusing on those aspects of zoo animal medicine and husbandry not covered by other continuing education programs.  Topics will include zoo animal nutrition, infectious diseases of reptiles and  felids, raptor medicine, non-human primate preventive medicine, immobilization, darting systems and elephant and rhinoceros medicine.  Faculty will include Dr. Ramsay and Dr. Juergen Schumacher, assistant professor, both of whom are diplomats of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
        Tuition will be $500 for students and $900 for veterinarians.  For additional course information, contact Dr. Ramsay at (865) 974-5570, FAX (865) 974-5640; or email: eramsay@utk.edu.  You can also access the veterinary college’s main web site (www.vet.utk.edu) under educational programs.  Enrollment is limited to 10 for the veterinary session of the course and 20 for the student session.  Veterinarians may register by contacting Barbara Campbell at (865) 974-7264; FAX: (865) 974-4773; or email: bcampb4@utk.edu.  Students may register by contacting Dr. Ramsay.

Directory of Post-Graduate Educational Opportunities in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.   The World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians has recently produced a Directory of Post-Graduate Educational Opportunities in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.  The Directory covers opportunities in over fifty countries and is a must for veterinary students or graduates interested in furthering their careers in the field of wildlife medicine.  For further information, please contact the Secretary of the WAWV at: F.Scullion@zoo.co.uk

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
British Veterinary Zoological Society Spring Meeting 2000 'Emerging Diseases'. 13-14th May 2000; Cotswold Wildlife Park, England.  Anyone wishing to present a paper should contact Michael Waters (mwaters@rvc.ac.uk), Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane North Mymms, Hatfield Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom. Fax: +44(1707)661464.
Student papers, reviews and original research are all very welcome.  For registration details, please contact Derek Lyon (DGLyon9@aol.com), 4 Butts Hill Court, Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NH, United Kingdom. Fax: +44(1978)852065

49th Annual Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association.  June 3-8, 2000; Jackson, Wyoming. This year’s conference will held at the Jackson Lake Lodge located within Grand Teton National Park.  This will be a great opportunity for the family to enjoy hiking, river rafting, sightseeing, fishing, horseback riding, golf, and tennis.  The town of Jackson offers hundreds of unique shopping opportunities.  Yellowstone National Park and the National Elk Refuge are adjacent to Grand Teton National Park.  Attendees are encouraged to make early reservations at the Jackson Lake Lodge (800-628-9988) and for rental cars in Jackson.  For more information see “WDA Activities” Section of this Supplement or contact Terry Kreeger, Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 307-322-2571 or tekreege@wyoming.com.

Society For Conservation Biology 14th Annual Meeting.  June 9-12, 2000; Missoula,  Montana. The Society for Conservation Biology's 14th Annual Meeting will be held June 9-12 in Missoula, Montana.  The conference theme will be Large Scale Conservation: Genes, Landscapes, and People  including a  symposium on Conservation Medicine: The Ecological Context of Health. There will be a total of eight concurrent sessions of symposia and contributed papers in the sessions.  In addition, there will be a wide variety of workshops and organized discussions.  Registration, lodging and other information can be obtained from the Society's website at http://www.umt.edu/scb2000/default.htm
or direct email inquiries to scb2000@selway.umt.edu

International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases 2000.  July 16-19, 2000; Atlanta, Georgia.   The International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases 2000 (ICEID 2000) will convene July 16-19, 2000 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquids Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia.  For more information, please check the ICEID 2000 website at: http://www.asmusa.org/mtgsrc/iceid99main.htm
Contact ICEID 2000 management by email (ICEID@asmusa.org), phone (202) 942-9257, or FAX (202) 942-9340.  We welcome you questions and comments.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine Joint Conference.  September 17-21, 2000; New Orleans, Louisiana.  The AAZV will hold its’ annual conference in conjunction with the IAAAM.  Joint program sessions include Environmental Issues/Facilities Design, Conservation Medicine/Reports for the Field, Toxicology/Pharmacology/Therapeutics, What’s New in Diagnostics?, Nutrition, and Reptiles/Amphibians.   AAZV concurrent sessions will be Avian, Large Mammals/Ungulates, Small Mammals/Carnivores/Primates, Case Reports/Practice Tips, Innovations in Training at Home and Abroad, New and Improved Surgical Techniques, and Preventive Medicine/Group and Herd Health.  IAAAM concurrent sessions will be Infectious Disease, Immunology/Clinical Pathology, Case Reports, and Pathology.  There will also be a poster session, veterinary student paper competitions, and workshops/wet labs.
        For additional conference information, please contact Wilbur Amand VMD, Executive Director AAZV, 6 North Pennell Road, Media, PA 19063 USA.  Telephone: (610) 892-4812; FAX: (610) 892-4813.  Email: 75634.235@compuserve.com.

Year 2000 Meeting of the European Division of the Wildlife Disease Association (EWDA). September 20-23, 2000; Zaragoza, Spain.  After the successful meetings of Paris (1994), Wroclaw (1996), and Edinburgh (1998), the 4th meeting of the EWDA will take place at the Veterinary Facility in Zaragoza, Spain on September 20-23, 2000.  The congress will include a session in diseases of game species and another session on carnivore diseases and conservation.  Each session will include invited presentations and short communications.  There will be enough time for free presentations of other wildlife diseases, too.  For pre-registration and more information, please contact either Daniel Fernandez-de-Luco (luco@posta.unisar.es, SEDIFAS, Facultad de Veterinaria, c/Miguel Servet 177, E-50.013 Zaragoza) or Christian Gortazar (gortazar@irec.uclm.es, IREC, P.O. Box 535, E-13.080 Ciudad Real), preferentally via e-mail.

2000 American College of Zoological Medicine Certification Examination.  October 10-12, 2000; Yulee, Florida.  The American College of Zoological Medicine Certification Examination will be offered at White Oak Conservation Center, Yulee, Florida on October 10-12, 2000. An applicant must be a licensed veterinarian and senior author on at least five refereed publications.  Candidates who have completed a two year ACZM-approved post-graduate training program must have an additional year of experience under the supervision of an ACZM Diplomat. An alternate route requiring a minimum of six years post-graduate experience in zoological medicine also exists. A mentor program to assist all candidates is in place.
        The two part examination consists of a qualifying examination on the first day, which includes the medicine of avian, aquatic, reptilian, mammalian, and wildlife species. Candidates who pass may take the certifying examination in either general zoological (birds, reptiles, and mammals), wildlife, aquatic, avian or herptile (reptile and amphibian) medicine offered on the following day. Successful candidates for Diplomat status must pass both the qualifying and certifying examinations.
        The deadline for receipt of completed applications is March 31, 2000. For application materials, specific qualification requirements, or other questions concerning ACZM, contact Dr. Mike Loomis, Secretary, ACZM, North Carolina Zoological Park 4410 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27203, Phone (336) 879-7630, FAX (336) 879-7637, or email mike.loomis@ncmail.net.  An examination packet can also be downloaded from the ACZM web site at www.worldzoo.org/aczm/aczmindex.htm

Australasian WDA Meeting.  December 3-8, 2000; New Zealand.  The 2000 Australasian WDA meeting will be held in New Zealand from December 3-8.  For more information contact Padraig Duignan at the Department Veterinary Pathology & Public Health, Veterinary Science, Massey University, P.B. 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.  Email: P.J.Duignan@massey.ac.nz.  In 2001, a combined meeting of the Australasian WDA, Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biology, World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, and the Wildlife Interest Group of the New Zealand Veterinary Association is planned to be held in Sydney.  Further details to follow.

Veterinary Conservation Biology: Wildlife Health and Management in Australasia.  July 2-6 2001; Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia.  Call for Papers!!  Expressions of interest are invited for presentation of papers or posters at the above conference organized jointly by the Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists (AAVCB), World Association of Wildlife
Veterinarians (WAWV), Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (WSNZVA) and the Wildlife Disease Association Australasian Section (WDA). The focus of the conference will be a range of issues crucial to wildlife health and management and the conservation of biodiversity in the Australasian region. The program is intended to be comprehensive and of interest to biologists, zoologists, veterinarians, other scientists and wildlife workers involved with the conservation and care of wildlife.
Presentations will be of 25 minutes duration followed by 5 minutes question time. Session topics and convenors for the five-day scientific program are as follows:
Day 1: Monday 2 July. Conservation Biology in Australasia (AAVCB).  A range of issues crucial to the conservation of biodiversity in Australasia, including the impacts of wildlife health and welfare on biodiversity, human health and Australasia's agro-economy will be covered. Convenor: Dr Rupert Woods rwoods@auswide.net.au
Day 2: Tuesday 3 July.  Wildlife Utilisation (WAWV). The intention of this day is to examine a range of issues related to this topic, including at least one session on utilization of wildlife by indigenous people.  Both consumptive and non-consumptive use (ecotourism) will be dealt with.  Convenor: Dr Tony English aeng5919@mail.usyd.edu.au
Day 3: Wednesday 4 July. Marine Wildlife and Birds (WSNZVA). This day will focus on marine wildlife and avian health, management and conservation issues. Convenor: Dr Jerry Pauli jmpauli@voyager.co.nz
Day 4. Thursday 5 July. Wildlife Recovery and Reintroduction Programs and Vertebrate Pests (AAVCB). Australasia has one of the worst species extinction records with many species critically endangered. Issues relating to reintroduction biology, recovery programs, wildlife rehabilitation and
the management of vertebrate pests will be covered. Convenor:  Dr Larry Vogelnest lvogelnest@zoo.nsw.gov.au
Day 5. Friday 6 July. Wildlife Health in Australasia (WDA-Australasian Section). This day will be devoted to wildlife health, covering both captive and free ranging species. Recent investigations into emerging diseases in Australasian wildlife and their significance in terms of ecological
relationships, effects on species diversity and zoonotic potential will be covered. Convenor: Dr Michael Lynch vets@zoo.org.au
Posters.  Posters will be displayed for the duration of the conference.  Sessions will be allocated during which poster authors must be present to speak about their chosen topic and answer delegate's questions. The topic should be anything of relevance to the overall theme of the conference.
Convenor: Anne Martin anne_m_martin@yahoo.co.uk
The deadline for notification to session convenor of interest in presenting a paper or poster is June 30, 2000.  The deadline to submit abstracts to session convenor for review is August 30, 2000.
Please send your expression of interest to the convenor of the session that most suits the topic of your paper. Upon receipt of this you will be sent a package of information including a style guide for abstracts, papers and/or posters. Please note that not all papers will necessarily be accepted and
that, if accepted, your paper may be moved to a different session. For general conference information please contact the Program Convenor: Dr Larry Vogelnest, Taronga Zoo, PO Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia. E-mail: lvogelnest@zoo.nsw.gov.au, fax (61 2) 99784516.

Wildlife Disease Association and the Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (STVM) Conference.  July 22-27, 2001, Kwa Maritane, Pilansberg National Park, South Africa.  Plan now!  The Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) and the Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (STVM) will hold a joint meeting with the theme “Wildlife and Livestock Disease and Sustainability: What Makes Sense?” from July 22-27, 2001 at Kwa Maritane, Pilansberg National Park, South Africa.  The meeting will be the WDA’s 50th annual and 8th international conference, and the 6th biennial conference of the STVM.  The location and program will allow government scientists, university researchers, conservationists and policy/decision makers to consider various aspects of wildlife and livestock management and diseases, including those that devastate both wildlife and livestock, issues of sustainability, and what types of approaches and programs make sense in the new millenium.  Conference information, travel information, registration and the call for papers will be handled by Event Dynamics, P.O. Box 411177, Craighall 2024, South Africa.  Telephone: 27 11 442 611; FAX: 27 11 442 5927.  Email: sandra@eventdynamcis.co.za
        Further information will be available on the WDA and STVM websites and newsletters beginning in the spring of 2000.  The venue will allow plenty of opportunity for world class game viewing, social events and local entertainment, African folk art and craft shopping, and extension tours and safaris within southern Africa.

New Book Available! 
The USGS-National Wildlife Health Center is pleased to announce that the "Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases: General Field Procedures and Diseases of Birds" has been completed.  This field manual is a revision and expansion of our 1988 "Volume 1, Field Guide to Wildlife Diseases" and is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid, Administrative Grant No. AP95-017.  The Table of Contents and an order form can be found at www.entc.nbs.gov/http_data/nwhc/metapubs.html

Late Job Posting!
Wildlife Veterinarian, National Park Service.  The Natural Resource Program Center of the U.S. National Park Service in Fort Collins, Colorado will be recruiting a Veterinary Medical Officer (Wildlife), with emphasis in wildlife capture and chemical immobilization, and wildlife health and diseases.  The starting salary for this position will be $59,623/year.  Applications will be accepted from current Federal employees, those with reinstatement status, or those individuals who have never worked for the Federal Government.  Candidates must be a U.S. citizen.  The position will be announced on April 10 and close on May 5, 2000.  For a copy of the announcement, including qualification requirements and how to apply, see www.usajobs.opm.gov.  For additional information, contact Penni Sandoval, National Park Service personnel office, at 303-969-2543.
 

Note from the Editor:  Please send meeting announcements, diagnostic riddles, position and grant announcements, miscellaneous items, etc. for the Supplement to the Journal of Wildlife Diseases to Charlotte F. Quist, SCWDS/Athens Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; telephone: (706) 542-5349; fax: (706) 542-5977; e-mail: CQUIST@CVM.VET.UGA.EDU   Double spaced typewritten or electronic mail files in WordPerfect 5.1 or Microsoft Word are preferred.  The deadline for submission of articles for the next issue (July 2000, JWD Vol. 36, No. 3) is May 25, 2000.