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To control invasive species and prioritize limited resources, managers need information about population size to evaluate the current state of the problem, the trend in population growth through time, and to understand the potential magnitude of the problem in the absence of management actions. This information is critical for informing management actions and allocating resources. We used two national-scale data sets to estimate historical, current, and future potential population size of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa; hereafter wild pigs) in the United States. Between 1982 to present, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study mapped the distribution of wild pigs in the United States. In addition, recent research has predicted potential population density of wild pigs across the United States by evaluating broad-scale landscape characteristics. We intersected these two data sets to estimate the population size of wild pigs in 1982, 1988, 2004, 2010, 2013, and 2016. In addition, we estimated potential population size if wild pigs were present at equilibrium conditions in all available habitat in each state. We demonstrate which states have experienced recent population growth of wild pigs and are predicted to experience the greatest population increase in the future without sufficient management actions and policy implementation. Regions in the western, northern, and northeastern United States contain no or few wild pig populations, but could potentially support large numbers of these animals if their populations become established. This information is useful in identifying regions at greatest risk if wild pigs become established, which can assist in prioritizing management actions aimed at controlling or eliminating this invasive species across broad to local scales.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to gain information from parents in the United States about their children with albinism. The article focuses on information and services related to medical care and low vision care. Methods An online questionnaire was used to collect data, and parents had opportunities to submit additional information. One hundred ninety-two families, representing 223 children with albinism from 40 U.S. states, completed surveys. Results A snapshot of the data indicates that for 8.6 out of 10 families, there were no known relatives with the condition; 55.8% of the children had visual acuities that met the criteria for legal blindness in the United States; and 48% of the children using optical devices had received clinical low vision evaluations by optometrists or ophthalmologists who specialized in low vision. Implications for practitioners The data gathered suggest recommendations for medical service providers, including clinical low vision specialists who perform evaluations for improving the functional use of vision.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to gain information from parents in the United States about their children with albinism. The first article (in this issue) focused on the data from this study that addressed medical and low vision care. This article focuses on information and services related to the education of children with albinism. Methods An online questionnaire was used to collect data for this study from parents of children with albinism. Representing 223 children with albinism from 40 states in the U.S., 192 parents completed surveys and had opportunities to submit additional information. Results A snapshot of the data indicates that, as a whole, parents perceive their children to do well academically, but they experience social and emotional challenges; 98 children were receiving direct instruction from a teacher of students with visual impairments and 84 were receiving consultation services. Although parents were generally satisfied with their level of involvement in the development of their children's education plans, many could not provide key information about the assessments their children had received, their children's reading rates, or the services with which their children were being provided. Discussion These data illuminate the fact that, despite the premise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) that parents be equal partners in the education of their children with special needs, these parents of children with albinism were not as informed about the assessments and services that their children were receiving as might be expected. Findings also suggest the possibility that students with albinism may not be receiving appropriate educational services to address the limitations imposed by their low vision. In particular, it appears that these students, most of whom will be non-drivers, are not receiving orientation and mobility services. In addition, there was evidence that over half of these children may not be receiving instruction in the use of low vision devices. Implications for practitioners The data gathered in this study provide directions for educators who work with children who have albinism and their families, as well as for those who design and administer services for children with visual impairments. Based on these reports from parents, it appears that children with albinism are not being assessed in the areas key to understanding their functioning and, although as a group they are doing well academically, other needs related to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) are not being addressed as frequently. Teachers of students with visual impairments may want to be more explicit when describing to parents the assessments on which their educational recommendations are being made. Further research is needed to determine if children with low vision are being provided with educational services based on educational assessments and needs or if other administrative factors are driving these services.

Haematophagous biting midges of the genus Culicoides are pests of humans, livestock, and wildlife, and some also serve as vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) worldwide. In North America, there are only two Culicoides spp. proven to transmit BTV and/or EHDV-Culicoides (Hoffmania) insignis Lutz (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and Culicoides (Monoculicoides) sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Culicoides sonorensis is considered the primary vector due to its wide distribution across much of North America, whereas C. insignis has a neotropical distribution historically limited to peninsular Florida. However, Culicoides surveys conducted 2007 to 2015 have detected the presence of C. insignis in five southeastern states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana), suggesting C. insignis has or is currently experiencing a northwestward range expansion in the southeastern United States. Because C. insignis has a neotropical distribution and is a known vector of BTV serotypes exotic to North America, an expanding range could pose an introduction risk of virus serotypes new to the region and/or increased transmission of circulating endemic serotypes.

Previous published evidence for the occurrence of an exotic armadillo tick, Amblyomma auricularium (Conil), in Florida is scant, but we found it is fully established and integrated into the state's tick fauna. We collected 11,192 specimens of this tick from naturalized nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus L., and 14 other species of wild native mammals and birds in Florida, while sampling statewide during 2004 through 2007. In all, we document its specific presence only in 14 contiguous South Florida counties. Moreover, we report the first collections of A. auricularium from the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Kerr), common raccoon [Procyon lotor (L.)], cotton deermouse [Peromyscus gossypinus (Le Conte)], gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus (Schreber)], eastern spotted skunk [Spilogale putorius (L.)], and white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman)]. For the first time on birds, we report the collection of this tick from the broad-winged hawk [Buteo platypterus (Vieillot)], northern cardinal [Cardinalis cardinalis (L.)], Carolina wren [Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham)], gray catbird [Dumetella carolinensis (L.)], and yellow-rumped warbler [Setophaga coronata (L.)]. In addition, we report unattached A. auricularium collected from humans for the first time, and additional new collections from domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris L.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral arthropod-borne disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants, caused by infection with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). EHDV is transmitted to vertebrate animal hosts by biting midges in the genus Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones is the only confirmed vector of EHDV in the United States but is considered rare in Florida and not sufficiently abundant to support EHDV transmission. This study used ecological niche modeling to map the potential geographical distributions and associated ecological variable space of four Culicoides species suspected of transmitting EHDV in Florida, including Culicoides insignis Lutz, Culicoides stellifer (Coquillett), Culicoides debilipalpis Hoffman and Culicoides venustus Lutz. Models were developed with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production in DesktopGARP v1.1.3 using species occurrence data from field sampling along with environmental variables from WorldClim and Trypanosomiasis and Land use in Africa. For three Culicoides species (C. insignis, C. stellifer and C. debilipalpis) 96-98% of the presence points were predicted across the Florida landscape (63.8% - 72.5%). For C. venustus, models predicted 98.00% of presence points across 27.4% of Florida. Geographic variations were detected between species. Culicoides insignis was predicted to be restricted to peninsular Florida, and in contrast, C. venustus was predicted to be primarily in north Florida and the panhandle region. Culicoides stellifer and C. debilipalpis were predicted nearly statewide. Environmental conditions also differed by species, with some species' ranges predicted by more narrow ranges of variables than others. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was a major predictor of C. venustus and C. insignis presence. For C. stellifer, Land Surface Temperature, Middle Infrared were the most limiting predictors of presence. The limiting variables for C. debilipalpis were NDVI Bi-Annual Amplitude and NDVI Annual Amplitude at 22.5% and 28.1%, respectively. The model outputs, including maps and environmental variable range predictions generated from these experiments provide an important first pass at predicting species of veterinary importance in Florida. Because EHDV cannot exist in the environment without the vector, model outputs can be used to estimate the potential risk of disease for animal hosts across Florida. Results also provide distribution and habitat information useful for integrated pest management practices.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral arthropod-borne disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants. EHD virus (EHDV) is transmitted to vertebrate animal hosts by biting midges in the genusCulicoides. Culicoides sonorensisLatreille is the only confirmed vector of EHDV in the United States but is considered rare in Florida and not sufficiently abundant to support EHDV transmission. This study used ecological niche modeling to map the potential geographical distributions and associated ecological variable space of fourCulicoidesspecies suspected of transmitting EHDV in Florida, includingCulicoides insignis, Culicoides stellifer, Culicoides debilipalpisandCulicoides venustus.Models were developed with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production in DesktopGARP v1.1.3 using species occurrence data from field sampling along with environmental variables from WorldClim and Trypanosomiasis and Land use in Africa. For threeCulicoidesspecies (C.insignis, C. stelliferandC. debilipalpis) 96 – 98% of the presence points were predicted across the Florida landscape (63.77% – 72.53%). ForC. venustus, models predicted 98.00% of presence points across 27.42% of Florida. Geographic variations were detected between species.Culicoides insigniswas predicted to be restricted to peninsular Florida, and in contrast,C. venustuswas predicted to be primarily in north Florida and the panhandle region.Culicoides stelliferandC. debilipalpiswere predicted nearly statewide. Environmental conditions also differed by species, with some species’ ranges predicted by more narrow ranges of variables than others. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was a major predictor ofC. venustusandC. insignispresence. ForC. stellifer, Land Surface Temperature, Middle Infrared were the most limiting predictors of presence. The limiting variables forC. debilipalpiswere NDVI Bi-Annual Amplitude and NDVI Annual Amplitude at 22.45% and 28.09%, respectively. The model outputs, including maps and environmental variable range predictions generated from these experiments provide an important first pass at predicting species of veterinary importance in Florida. Because EHDV cannot exist in the environment without the vector, model outputs can be used to estimate the potential risk of disease for animal hosts across Florida. Results also provide distribution and habitat information useful for integrated pest management practices.

Feral Hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that have occupied the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the early 1900s. Recent studies on vegetation, mast, and harvest history were important for our work. Using these data, a model with discrete time and space was formulated to represent the feral hog dynamics in the Park. Management strategies and key characteristics of the population were investigated. The model uses observed mast variation to help govern population dynamics and results indicate that Park control efforts have limited the growth of the population.

SUMMARYAlthough many parasites are transmitted between hosts by a suite of arthropod vectors, the impact of vector biodiversity on parasite transmission is poorly understood. Positive relationships between host infection prevalence and vector species richness (SR) may operate through multiple mechanisms, including (i) increased vector abundance, (ii) a sampling effect in which species of high vectorial capacity are more likely to occur in species-rich communities, and (iii) functional diversity whereby communities comprised species with distinct phenologies may extend the duration of seasonal transmission. Teasing such mechanisms apart is impeded by a lack of appropriate data, yet could highlight a neglected role for functional diversity in parasite transmission. We used statistical modelling of extensive host, vector and microparasite data to test the hypothesis that functional diversity leading to longer seasonal transmission explained variable levels of disease in a wildlife population. We additionally developed a simple transmission model to guide our expectation of how an increased transmission season translates to infection prevalence. Our study demonstrates that vector SR is associated with increased levels of disease reporting, but not via increases in vector abundance or via a sampling effect. Rather, the relationship operates by extending the length of seasonal transmission, in line with theoretical predictions.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potency of vecuronium and duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in dogs with centronuclear myopathy (CNM). ANIMALS 6 Labrador Retrievers with autosomal-recessive CNM and 5 age- and weight-matched control dogs. PROCEDURES Dogs were anesthetized on 2 occasions (1-week interval) with propofol, dexmedetomidine, and isoflurane. Neuromuscular function was monitored with acceleromyography and train-of-four (TOF) stimulation. In an initial experiment, potency of vecuronium was evaluated by a cumulative-dose method, where 2 submaximal doses of vecuronium (10 μg/kg each) were administered IV sequentially. For the TOF's first twitch (T1), baseline twitch amplitude and maximal posttreatment depression of twitch amplitude were measured. In the second experiment, dogs received vecuronium (50 μg/kg, IV) and the time of spontaneous recovery to a TOF ratio (ie, amplitude of TOF's fourth twitch divided by amplitude of T1) ≥ 0.9 and recovery index (interval between return of T1 amplitude to 25% and 75% of baseline) were measured. RESULTS Depression of T1 after each submaximal dose of vecuronium was not different between groups. Median time to a TOF ratio ≥ 0.9 was 76.7 minutes (interquartile range [IQR; 25th to 75th percentile], 66.7 to 99.4 minutes) for dogs with CNM and 75.0 minutes (IQR, 47.8 to 96.5 minutes) for controls. Median recovery index was 18.0 minutes (IQR, 9.7 to 23.5 minutes) for dogs with CNM and 20.2 minutes (IQR, 8 to 25.1 minutes) for controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE For the study dogs, neither potency nor duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade was altered by CNM. Vecuronium can be used to induce neuromuscular blockade in dogs with autosomal-recessive CNM.

The expansion of feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations in the United States has resulted in increased efforts to develop and implement control strategies designed to minimize the impacts done by this invasive species. We describe an individual-based model for feral hogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The objectives of the model are to provide an understanding of the population dynamics of this feral hog population and to determine the efficacy of the annual harvest as a population control method. Results suggest that the dynamics of the population are driven by fall hard mast production and the GSMNP harvests currently limit growth of the population, but these control efforts have not reduced the population.

An experimental analysis was conducted to quantify the water-mist discharge characteristics required to suppress wood-crib fires. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of these innovative systems in a canonical fire scenario. To this end, an experimental suppression facility was constructed including commercially available water mist nozzles, thermocouples for measuring the thermal transient in and around the wood cribs and a load cell for measuring the mass loss rate and the final wood crib damage. 510×510×380 mm wood cribs were used as the fuel source in all the experiments. The injection pressure and orifice diameter of the water-mist nozzles were varied in the experiments to modify the applied water flux and the initial spray momentum. These quantities were identified to be the governing parameters for suppression performance. They were characterized for all experiments along with the drop-size and velocity distributions. Critical values were determined for these quantities from first order kinematic and thermal analysis based on spray and fire source characteristics. The experimental results demonstrated critical suppression behavior consistent with this first order analysis.

Brucellosis is a common infection of feral swine throughout the United States. With the recent expansion of feral swine populations across the country, this disease poses an increasing threat to agriculture and hunters. The standard approach to Brucella surveillance in feral swine has been serological testing, which gives an indication of past exposure and is a rapid method of determining populations where Brucella is present. More in-depth analyses require bacterial isolation to determine the Brucella species and biovar involved. Ultimately, for a comprehensive understanding of Brucella epizootiology in feral swine, incorporation of genotyping assays has become essential. Fortunately, the past decade has given rise to an array of genetic tools for assessing Brucella transmission and dispersal. This review aims to synthesize what is known about brucellosis in feral swine and will cover prospective genomic techniques that may be utilized to develop more complete understanding of the disease and its transmission history.

Hepatitis E is recognized as a zoonosis, and swine are known reservoirs, but how broadly enzootic its causative agent, hepatitis E virus (HEV), is remains controversial. To determine the prevalence of HEV infection in animals, a serological assay with capability to detect anti-HEV-antibody across a wide variety of animal species was devised. Recombinant antigens comprising truncated capsid proteins generated from HEV-subgenomic constructs that represent all four viral genotypes were used to capture anti-HEV in the test sample and as an analyte reporter. To facilitate development and validation of the assay, serum samples were assembled from blood donors ( n = 372), acute hepatitis E patients ( n = 94), five laboratory animals (rhesus monkey, pig, New Zealand rabbit, Wistar rat, and BALB/c mouse) immunized with HEV antigens, and four pigs experimentally infected with HEV. The assay was then applied to 4,936 sera collected from 35 genera of animals that were wild, feral, domesticated, or otherwise held captive in the United States. Test positivity was determined in 457 samples (9.3%). These originated from: bison (3/65, 4.6%), cattle (174/1,156, 15%), dogs (2/212, 0.9%), Norway rats (2/318, 0.6%), farmed swine (267/648, 41.2%), and feral swine (9/306, 2.9%). Only the porcine samples yielded the highest reactivities. HEV RNA was amplified from one farmed pig and two feral pigs and characterized by nucleotide sequencing to belong to genotype 3. HEV infected farmed swine primarily, and the role of other animals as reservoirs of its zoonotic spread appears to be limited.

We collected ectoparasites from 27 of 51 wild-caught, free-ranging exotic reptiles examined in Florida from 2003 to 2008. Sampled animals represented eight species, five of which yielded ectoparasites. Reported new parasite distribution records for the United States include the following: the first collection of the African tick Amblyomma latum (Koch) from a wild-caught animal [ball python, Python regius (Shaw)] in the United States; the first collection of the lizard scale mite Hirstiella stamii (Jack) from any wild-caught animal [green iguana, Iguana iguana (L.)]; and the first collection of the lizard scale mite Geckobia hemidactyli (Lawrence) in the continental United States from a wild-caught tropical house gecko, Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnes). We also report the first collections of the Neotropical ticks Amblyomma rotundatum (Koch) and Amblyomma dissimile (Koch) from wild-caught Burmese pythons, Python molurus bivittatus (Kuhl); the first collections of A. dissimile from a wild-caught African savannah monitor, Varanus exanthematicus (Bosc); and from wild-caught green iguanas in the United States; and the first collections of the native chiggers Eutrombicula splendens (Ewing) and Eutrombicula cinnabaris (Ewing) from wild-caught Burmese pythons. These reports may only suggest the diversity of reptile ectoparasites introduced and established in Florida and the new host-parasite relationships that have developed among exotic and native ectoparasites and established exotic reptiles.

Surveys for disease agents were conducted in introduced free-ranging elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) in Arkansas and Kentucky. Elk had been captured in Colorado and Nebraska and released in Arkansas during 1981-1985. From 1997 through 2002 elk were captured in Arizona, Kansas, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah and released in southeastern Kentucky. Specimens were collected from 170 hunter-killed elk in Arkansas during 1998-2006, and 44 elk in Kentucky during 2001-2004. Significant findings included isolation of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis from one elk in Kentucky and evidence of previous or current infections by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in several animals in Arkansas. Serological tests provided evidence of previous infection by epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, bluetongue virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and multiple serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and hemoparasites such as Anaplasma spp. were not detected. Results from elk obtained through these surveys were consistent with exposure to disease agents endemic in livestock and wildlife in Arkansas and Kentucky.

Among several unusual species collected during surveillance of ectoparasites on wildlife hosts in the southeastern United States and Caribbean Region, the larvae of a new species of Whartonacarus were encountered in 2003 on a cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (L.), in the Florida Keys. This is the first record for a member of Whartonacarus in the continental United States. The mite is described and named as Whartonacarus floridensis Mertins, and the possible significance of this discovery with respect to the “tropical bont tick,” Amblyomma variegatum (F.), is discussed. A brief taxonomic review of Whartonacarus raises questions about the putative synonymy of Whartonacarus nativitatis (Hoffmann) and Whartonacarus thompsoni (Brennan) and suggests that Whartonacarus shiraii (Sasa et al.) may include two distinct taxa. Whartonacarus is redefined, and a revised key to the known taxa is provided. Toritrombicula oceanica Brennan & Amerson is placed in the genus Whartonacarus. Also, Whartonacarus palenquensis (Hoffman) is rejected as a member of this genus and placed in its own new genus, Longisetacarus Mertins.

Surveys in 2001, 2005, and 2006 attempted to determine the role of wildlife in maintenance and dissemination of the tropical bont tick, Amblyomma variegatum (F.) (Acari: Ixodidae), in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Small mammals; birds; white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann); and feral cattle, Bos taurus L., were examined at nine premises, in mountainous rain forest, and in surrounding areas in western St. Croix, an area including and central to all known bont tick-infested premises on the island. Small Asian mongooses, Herpestes javanicus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire), yielded 1,566 ectoparasite specimens, representing five species, and including larvae of a soft tick, Carios puertoricensis (Fox); the tropical horse tick, Anocentor nitens (Neumann); and the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini). Black rats, Rattus rattus L., yielded 144 specimens, representing six ectoparasite species, including C. puertoricensis. Of 25 bird species examined, seven yielded 116 ectoparasite specimens representing at least 14 different species of lice and mites, but no ticks. White-tailed deer and feral cattle yielded only various stages of A. nitens and R. microplus ticks. A. variegatum was not encountered on any potential wildlife host sampled, reflecting its low occurrence in St. Croix during the survey period. One collection of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from a spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia (L.), and collections of feather mites (Acari: Astigmata: Trouessartiidae) from both bananaquits, Coereba flaveola (L.), and black-faced grassquits, Tiaris bicolor (L.), may represent new, undescribed species.

Surveys for evidence of exposure to pseudorabies virus (PRV), Brucella suis, swine influenza virus (SIV; human-like H1N1, reassortant type H1N1, H1N2-like H1N1 and H3N2), porcine circovirus 2 (PCV 2), and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) in feral swine (Sus scrofa) were conducted in areas where feral swine were geographically associated with high densities of transitional swine premises in South Carolina and high densities of commercial swine production in North Carolina. In South Carolina, 10/50 (20.0%), 7/50 (14.0%), and 29/49 (59.2%) feral swine tested antibody positive for PRV, B. suis, and PCV-2, respectively. Antibodies to PRRSV (0/49) and SIV (0/49) were not detected. In North Carolina, antibodies to PRV and B. suis were not detected in serum samples from 120 feral swine; however, antibodies to PRRSV (1/120 [0.8%]), PCV-2 (86/120 [71.7%]; these included 80 positives plus six suspects), and SIV (108/119 [90.7%]) were present. The presence of PRV and B. suis in South Carolina may have been due to the introduction of infected feral swine into the area or to a previous association of feral swine with infected transitional swine. Their absence in the North Carolina populations may have been due to the absence of these disease agents in the feral swine originally introduced into the area and the lack of a potential for contact with infected commercial swine. Feral swine associated with commercial swine in North Carolina may have been exposed to SIV subtypes circulating in commercial swine via airborne spread of SIV from commercial swine facilities. Feral swine seropositive for PCV-2 were prevalent in both states, which may indicate efficient transmission from commercial swine and transitional swine, or that PCV-2 is widespread in feral swine. The low prevalence of animals with antibodies against PRRSV may indicate a less-than-efficient means of transmission from commercial to feral swine. Additional epidemiologic studies are needed to understand the risks and mechanisms of transmission of disease agents among commercial, transitional, and feral swine, and the role of feral swine as reservoirs of these disease agents.

Those of us who entered the field of visual impairment and blindness in the 1970s experienced the "low vision movement"--that is, the shift in philosophical focus from "sight saving" to sight enhancement. During the first half of the 20th century, children with low vision were encouraged to not use their vision, but to "save" it. This philosophy was so pervasive that some schools for the blind still have photographic evidence of children with low vision reading braille with cloth over their hands so they could not use their vision to read the dots. In the second half of the century, in contrast, sight enhancement was encouraged, and specific curricula were developed to teach children with low vision how to use their remaining vision. This fundamental change created a host of developments, including the subsequent emphasis on the development of visual skills in children with low vision, introduction of university courses on the topic of low vision, development of an interest group on low vision within our professional organization, growth of entire conferences dedicated to low vision, inclusion of the category of "low vision therapist" for certification, and the increased appearance of manuscripts in the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) on the topic of low vision. In this centennial essay, we offer details of the volume of manuscripts published in the 100-year history of JVIB and its predecessors on this single topic, thus illustrating the journal's dedication to the topic of low vision. According to research presented in 2005 by Goodrich and Arditi, in the years 1999 to 2003, JVIB featured more manuscripts on low vision (18%) than any other journal in the field of visual impairment and blindness. (In second place was the American Journal of Ophthalmology, which published 6%.) After poring over 100 years of material for this overview of the literature on low vision, we decided to organize this essay according to the model of the public health continuum of care, which has three phases: prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation and education. We believe this model will not only allow us to capture the broad themes of the literature on low vision, but also reflects our strong philosophical belief that the best low vision service is interdisciplinary. PREVENTION The goal of public health practitioners is to prevent disease. Looking through the journal, we found that the information published in the early 1900s provided a fascinating glimpse into the state of health care, specifically eye care, during that time period. For example, two of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the United States in the early 1900s were ophthalmia neonatorum and trachoma. Ophthalmia neonatorum--a form of conjunctivitis caused by untreated venereal disease that is contracted by the unborn infant as he or she traverses the birth canal--was first mentioned in Outlook for the Blind in 1908. The second cause, trachoma, was also a type of conjunctivitis. We were somewhat stunned to learn that trachoma was once endemic in North America and Europe. Although trachoma remains the leading cause of blindness in the world today, it is extremely rare in developed countries. However, in 1910 a physician reported on incidences of trachoma in western Pennsylvania to "draw attention to its practically ignored ravages among certain classes" (Harris, 1910). Dr. Harris wrote: Much has been accomplished by skilled medical and surgical measures, in addition to certain hygienic directions, but we are very far from the desired goal, inasmuch as we have yet failed to discover the exciting cause of the disease or find a remedy that is in a strict sense curative (p. 113). Perhaps in an attempt to raise awareness, the opening of the Autumn 1915 editorial, entitled "The Trachoma Problem," was: "Why have you given so much space to Trachoma in this issue of the Outlook for the Blind? …

This is the second part of a two-part report of a study about the instruction of children who are learning or using both braille and print simultaneously (dual media). It explores the instructional methods and curricular decisions of teaching dual media to students with low vision and reports the students’ current literacy levels and reading rates and their teachers’ expectations for future levels of literacy.

This is the first of a two-part report of a study on the instruction of children who were learning or using braille and print simultaneously (dual media). It explores the demographic characteristics of teachers and students, aspects of the decision-making process for providing instruction in dual media, and attitudes of students and parents toward learning dual media.

West Nile virus (WNV) exposure has not yet been reported in feral swine (Sus scrofa) despite the broad geographic range and population density of this species. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of antibodies to WNV in feral pigs, and to evaluate serologic diagnostics as applied to this species. Feral pig serum from three states was evaluated for antibodies to WNV. The overall WNV seroprevalence rate for 222 samples collected in 2001-2004 was 22.5%. Seroprevalence rates in Florida, Georgia, and Texas were 17.2%, 26.3%, and 20.5%, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that feral pigs could represent useful mammalian sentinels of WNV.

A panel of 20 experts in orientation and mobility (O&M) reached consensus on concepts and skills that O&M specialists should teach to students who are blind or have low vision. Panelists also agreed on visual, environmental, and behavioral conditions that would require a formal O&M assessment.

This study investigated practices in the production and distribution of braille and large-print textbooks, highlighting changes in production and delivery systems from 2000 to 2004. The findings indicate that fewer states use production models for the statewide acquisition and distribution of special materials and that there is a greater reliance on materials from the American Printing House for the Blind and a greater use of publishers’ electronic files for production.

This article profiles the program delivery models, funding sources, and faculty demographics of 43 personnel preparation programs in 2002–03. It shows that there was an increase in the number of programs and full-time faculty and a greater diversity of delivery models, although the number of tenure-track positions declined.

This article presents an overview of driving for adolescents and adults who meet their states’ visual requirements for low vision driving using bioptic lenses. It also discusses the outcomes of two studies of bioptic driver education.

This study found that between 2000 and 2002, the percentage of students with visual impairments in the general student population of Texas was close to a previously quoted figure of 0.15%. In addition, the percentage of students with visual impairments who were identified as totally blind was found to be 4%–5% higher than the previous estimate of 20%. There was some indication that the prevalence or reporting of visual impairment in school-age children was different across different ethnic groups.

This investigation compared fantasy-proneness levels and IQ scores in gifted adolescents with primary talent areas in 1 of 4 domains: mathematics, computer science, creative writing, and chemistry. The Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings: Children’s Form (ICMIC; Myers, 1983) was used to assess fantasy-proneness. IQ scores were generated through the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT; Kaufman & Kaufman, 1990). The mean ICMIC score of the creative writing group was found to be statistically significantly higher than that of any of the other 3 groups. Across all groups, those ranking highest in fantasy-prone characteristics also scored highest in measured IQ.

Serologic surveys for evidence of exposure to pseudorabies virus (PRV) in feral swine were conducted from November 2001 to April 2002 at 10 sites in the southeastern United States, where evidence of previous PRV exposure had been documented during 1979-89. Sera were tested in the field on the day of collection by latex agglutination. Maximum sample size per site was to be 30 animals, but sampling was discontinued before reaching this number when positive results were obtained. Positive results were obtained at all of the study sites, demonstrating long-term persistence of PRV in feral swine populations. Overall, 38 of 100 (38%) animals were positive for antibodies. Consistent results from latex agglutination tests conducted in the field and laboratory demonstrated that this test was useful as a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool when used in the field.

Acceptance of oral baits by dogs was evaluated in Guatemala. Eight bait matrix/attractant combinations were produced using commercial materials available in the United States. Two baits were produced using local materials in Guatemala. All baits included a plastic sachet that contained a placebo vaccine (water). Bait trials were conducted February-April, 2002, at five sites using 261 dogs. Bait acceptance ranged from 50.0% to 87.1%, and the combined proportion of sachets either swallowed or punctured ranged from 23.1% to 83.9%. The four bait types with the highest acceptance by dogs were the wax-coated sachet coated with poultry oil and poultry meal (87.1%), the dog meal polymer coated with poultry oil and poultry meal (82.8%), the fish meal polymer coated with poultry oil and poultry meal (77.4%), and the chicken head bait (77.8%). These four bait types were accepted most often as determined both by consumption and combined proportion of sachets swallowed or punctured (P = 0.0001). Future trials should demonstrate efficacy of oral rabies vaccination in Guatemala based on the use of selected bait matrices and the poultry oil/poultry meal attractant.

Providing Access to the Visual Environment (Project PAVE) is a statewide multidisciplinary project that provides low vision services to children aged 3–21 in Tennessee. This article describes the project's administrative, direct service, and research components and the philosophy on which it is based.

Teachers of students with visual impairments who were visually impaired themselves were interviewed and observed to determine the strategies they have developed to address issues of transportation, access to information, assessment, and instructional responsibilities. They reported that while barriers to assessment could be overcome, transportation and planning presented the greatest challenges.

This is the third in a series that describes the experiences of 162 adults, age 60 and older, who stopped driving due to a visual impairment. The participants responded to open-ended questions concerning the advantages and disadvantages of stopping driving, strategies they used in obtaining rides, and advice they would offer to adults who are about to stop driving. Participants spoke about the need to be proactive nondrivers.

This article is the second in a three-part series that provides data from interviews of 162 adult subjects aged 60 and older who stopped driving due to a visual impairment. Part Two describes the availability and use of different forms of transportation, ways subjects access transportation to carry out daily activities, subjects’ experiences with drivers, and how nondriving has affected subjects on a personal level. Of special interest is how emotions change over time.

The experiences of 162 adults over the age of 60 who had to stop driving due to a visual impairment are explored in this article. The participants, 50% of whom had macular degeneration, primarily stopped driving on their own and most had not driven in more than five years. Two-thirds of the participants had at least one form of public transportation in their communities, but only one-third used such methods of transportation.