Role of Veterinarians in Wildlife Management in the United States

We have presented a brief review of a selected number of wildlife disease investigations that have been carried out by the staff of the National Wildlife Health Center. Investigations into the causes of bald eagle mortality have resulted in significant legal changes to better protect the eagle. In contrast, the isolation of the new virus from the woodcock (which may be pathogenic) is currently awaiting funding to conduct experimental studies. Other investigations, such as those involving avian cholera and Newcastle disease, are designed to obtain a better understanding of the role of these diseases in the wildlife populations we are attempting to manage.