Decades of federally subsidized predator control has failed to prevent a sheep industry decline, the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society says.
WCS officials say more than 80 years of federally subsidized predator control with a total investment of more than $1.6 billion hasn't prevented an 85 percent decline in the sheep industry since its peak of 56.2 million animals in 1942.
The society says predation by coyotes is often cited as the primary cause of the decline. However, the organization says 80 years of historical data reveal a variety of market trends -- ranging from fluctuating hay prices and rising wages for livestock workers, to the drop in wholesale prices of lamb and wool -- are the real culprits behind the industry's decline.
"That the decline of the sheep industry is closely associated with unfavorable market conditions rather than predation losses raises serious doubts about the value of continued efforts to control carnivores," said WCS research scientist Kim Berger, lead author of the study.
The research appears in the latest issue of the journal Conservation Biology.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Related stories:
The fight back by Britain's otters sees a decline in American mink
A study by Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) suggests that native otters are driving American mink from Britain’s riverbanks. Researchers found a significant relationship between the decline in mink signs and the increase in those of otters, suggesting that returning otters may be driving the reduction of mink.
Study confirms vCJD could be transmitted by blood transfusion
The findings underline the importance of precautions against vCJD transmission, such as the Government decision in 2004 to ban blood donations from anyone who had received a blood transfusion since 1980.
Variant of mad cow disease may be transmitted by blood transfusions, according to animal study
Blood transfusions are a valuable treatment mechanism in modern medicine, but can come with the risk of donor disease transmission. Researchers are continually studying the biology of blood products to understand how certain diseases are transmitted in an effort to reduce this risk during blood transfusions. According to a study in sheep prepublished online in
Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology, the risk of transmitting bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, commonly known as "mad cow disease") by blood transfusion is surprisingly high.
Ancient sheep help pinpoint brain timing mechanisms linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder
(PhysOrg.com) -- New research by Aberdeen scientists suggests that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) relates to an ancient timing mechanism in the brain dating back millions of years.
Pathogen that causes disease in cattle also associated with Crohn's disease
People with Crohn's disease (CD) are seven-fold more likely to have in their gut tissues the bacterium that causes a digestive-tract disease in cattle called Johne's disease. The role this bacterium may or may not play in causing CD is a top research priority, according to a new report released by the American Academy of Microbiology. The reports points out that the cause of CD is unknown, and the possible role of this bacterium—which could conceivably be passed up the food chain to people—has received too little attention from the research community.
Midge-hunting scientists tackle spread of devastating bluetongue virus
Scientists at the BBSRC-funded Institute for Animal Health (IAH) are stepping up the battle against the devastating and economically damaging bluetongue virus. By combining ingenious ways to trap and monitor midges with cutting edge computer modelling and weather predictions the IAH team are gaining an understanding of how the insects spread the disease so that they can improve surveillance methods and advise farmers how and when to protect their animals.
Footrot vaccine closer than ever
Monash University scientists have started clinical trials to find a successful vaccine against footrot in sheep.
DNA test to revolutionise sheep worm control
CSIRO scientists have moved a step closer to developing a novel DNA test which has the potential to revolutionise management of one of the biggest threats to sheep health in Australia, the barber’s pole worm.