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Moose naturally acquire soil fungi on their fur that are entomopathogenic to the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus. Presumed to provide a measure of on-host tick control, it is unknown whether these soil fungi impact subsequent off-host stages of the tick. Eggs and resultant larvae originating from engorged, adult female winter ticks collected from dead calf moose (Alces alces) were used to investigate the presence and extent of fungal infection. Approximately 40% of eggs and larvae were infected, almost exclusively by the fungus Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (teleomorph Microascus brevicaulis: Microascaceae, Ascomycota). Eggs analysed on the day of oviposition and day of hatching had high frequency (40%) of S. brevicaulis, whereas the frequency in eggs harvested in utero was minimal (7%); therefore, exposure occurs pre-oviposition in the female's genital chamber, not by transovarial transmission. At hatching, larvae emerge containing S. brevicaulis indicating transstadial transmission. Artificial infection by topical application of eggs and larvae with a large inoculum of S. brevicaulis spores caused rapid dehydration, marked mortality; pathogenicity was confirmed by Koch's postulates. The high hatching success (>90%) and multi-month survival of larvae imply that S. brevicaulis is maintained as a natural pathobiont in winter ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain moose (Alces alces) populations in the northeastern United States are in decline because of increasing frequency of winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) epizootics characterized by high calf mortality and reduced productivity in the population. Previous research identified soil fungi in wallows of bull moose that are pathogenic to larval winter ticks. We analysed skin/hair samples of moose harvested in Maine, USA, to further understand this fungus–tick–moose relationship. A total of 32 keratinophilic fungi from moose fur and skins were isolated, predominately Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Trichoderma, Beauveria, and Scopulariopsis. Each displayed pathogenic activity against unfed winter tick larvae (sole infestation stage) by topical application of spore inoculums and Koch's postulates. Bulls had more entomopathogenic fungi, pathogenic fungal isolates to ticks, and infected larvae than cows and calves. We propose a disease cycle with interactions of soil fungi, moose, and on-host winter tick larvae killed by entomopathogenic soil fungi. Bull moose presumably experience enhanced exposure and protection from abundant soil fungi due to their wallowing behaviour during the breeding season that is coincidental with questing by winter tick larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that evaluated the effectiveness of pregnancy indicators in detecting reproductive success in free-ranging contracepted white-tailed deer in Connecticut. Analysis of the effectiveness of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptive adjuvants and adjuvant-PZP combination; Assessment of the reliability of using blood titers; Examination of the use of fecal pregnancy indicators for contracepted deer.

In northern New Hampshire, we examined the use patterns of moose visiting a roadside salt lick before (1996) and after (1997–1999) a blind was built specifically to view moose at the lick. Moose visitation patterns were monitored with trail monitors equipped with cameras placed on trails leading into the study and control salt licks. There was no difference in frequency of use and time of use at the study and control sites in any year. Nocturnal use was higher than diurnal use; use was greatest at 2200–2400 and 0400–0600 hours at both sites. Reduced use of the trail closest to the blind indicated that placement of the blind probably altered access patterns of certain moose. A trend in 1998–1999 toward more visits during early morning than peak afternoon viewing time indicated that assessment of viewing opportunity warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the influence of supplemental feeding on the energy balance of white-tailed deer in northern New Hampshire. Identification of the population consuming supplemental pelleted concentrate; Interrelationships of deer density, food availability, and winter severity with the feeding sites; Increase of the energetic cost of foraging and thermoregulation.

Measures standard metabolic rate (SMR) and the effects of temperature on metabolism of adult eastern wild turkeys during each season of the year. Minimal thermoregulatory costs for turkeys at normal winter temperatures in south central New Hampshire; Further data analysis.