Across North America, incentive programs have assisted landholders with the construction of fences, often considered “wildlife friendly,” to assist in grazing management, which has resulted in a proliferation of fencing on the landscape. Many suggested “wildlife‐friendly” fence modifications have not been evaluated for their effectiveness on the targeted species or evaluated to assess consequences for nontarget species. We evaluated the effects of 2 modifications aimed to increase fence visibility (sage‐grouse [SAGR] reflectors and white polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) on the fence‐crossing behavior of 3 sympatric ungulates in the Northern Great Plains. We used trail cameras from 2016 to 2018 to capture images of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus) at sites before and after fence sections were modified and compared crossing success by the 3 ungulates with that achieved at unchanged control sites. We used generalized linear modeling and a time‐to‐event approach to test the effect of fence modifications on ungulate crossing behavior. Our results showed that both SAGR reflectors and white PVC pipe did not impede fence‐crossing behaviors for either pronghorn or deer, nor was there a time lag in use of sites observed after modifications were deployed. Though we did not alter the height of the bottom wire, there was enough variability in bottom wire height between sites that our results indicate a greater probability of successful crossing by all 3 ungulates as bottom wire height increased. We recommend implementation of both SAGR reflectors and white PVC pipe because our results demonstrate no substantial unintended consequences on the crossing behavior of pronghorn and deer. © 2020 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.

The successful reintroduction of wild turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo) to Ontario, Canada, has led to established populations in southern portions of the province and currently allows for biannual hunting seasons. These populations geographically overlap domestic turkey farms, an important sector of the provincial agri-food industry. Potential pathogen transmission between wild and domestic turkeys is a concern, because they are susceptible to infection with many of the same pathogens and have direct and indirect contact in outdoor or open farm settings and contaminated environmental substrates. However, data concerning potential poultry pathogens in wild turkeys in Canada are scarce. Thus, we assessed the prevalence and geographic distribution of geographically relevant viruses in Ontario wild turkeys. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were tested for avian influenza viruses (AIV) by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR ( n=207), pooled tissues for lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV; n=183) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV; n=119) by PCR, and gross skin lesions by real-time RT-PCR for avian poxvirus ( n=8). We sequenced a fragment of the gag polyprotein (p31) gene of LPDV on a subset ( n=10) of LPDV-positive samples for phylogenetic analysis and tested additional upland game bird species ( n=39) and domestic fowl for LPDV ( n=17). To the best of our knowledge, we document the first detection of LPDV in wild turkeys in Canada, with a prevalence of 65% (119/183). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LPDV sequences from Ontario were genetically similar to other North American strains and did not group into separate clades. Reticuloendotheliosis virus was detected in 4% (5/119) of LPDV-positive wild turkeys. Grossly evident skin lesions from five wild turkeys tested positive for poxvirus, and all turkeys tested negative for AIV. This study provides evidence of LPDV circulation in Canada and provides a baseline for comparison with future wild turkey pathogen surveillance and monitoring in Ontario and elsewhere.

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BackgroundThe ongoing spread of artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a major threat to global health. In response, countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, including Cambodia, have declared ambitious goals to eliminate malaria. Major challenges include the lack of information on the at-risk population-individuals who live or work in or near the forest where the malaria vectors are found, including plantation workers. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey conducted in rubber plantations in Cambodia in 2014.MethodsThe survey was conducted in two rounds in four provinces and included a malaria prevalence survey, analysis for the K13 genetic mutation, and a comprehensive behavioural questionnaire. Forty plantations were included in each round, and 4201 interviews were conducted. An additional 701 blood samples were collected from family members of plantation workers.ResultsOverall malaria prevalence was relatively low with adjusted PCR prevalence rate of 0.6% for P. falciparum and 0.3% for Plasmodium vivax, and was very heterogenous between plantations. There was little difference in risk between permanent residents and temporary workers, and between the two rounds. The main risk factors for P. falciparum infection were smaller plantations, age under 30 years, lack of self-reported use of a treated net and recent travel, especially to the Northeastern provinces. Proximity of plantations to the forest was also a risk factor for malaria in round one, while male gender was also a risk factor for malaria by either species.ConclusionsWith Cambodia’s P. falciparum elimination target on the horizon, identifying every single malaria case will become increasingly important. Plantations workers are relatively accessible compared to some other at-risk groups and will likely remain a high priority. Ongoing surveillance and adaptive strategies will be critical if malaria elimination is to be achieved in this setting.

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