In 2008, two deer hunters in Virginia and Connecticut were infected with a unique strain of pseudocowpox virus, a parapoxvirus. To estimate the prevalence of this virus, and in an attempt to define the reservoir, Parapoxvirus surveillance was undertaken between November 2009 and January 2010. 125 samples from four ruminant species (cows, goat, sheep and white-tailed deer) were collected in Virginia, and nine samples from white-tailed deer were collected in Connecticut. We found no evidence that the parapoxvirus species that infected the deer hunters is circulating among domesticated ruminants or white-tailed deer. However, parapoxvirus DNA of a different parapoxvirus species, bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV), was detected in 31 samples obtained from asymptomatic cattle in Virginia. Parapoxvirus DNA-positive cattle originated from the same counties indicating probable transmission among animals. Molecular analysis identified BPSV as the parapoxvirus affecting animals. Asymptomatic parapoxvirus infections in livestock, particularly young animals, may be common, and further investigation will inform our knowledge of virus transmission.

The increase in animal–vehicle collisions (AVCs) on U.S. roadways raises significant concerns for human safety, property damage and injury costs, and viability of wildlife populations. Valuable AVC data can be obtained from documentation of instances and locations of animal carcasses on the roadway, but most transportation organizations do not systematically record these data. In 2006, accidents reported by police in Virginia represented less than 14% of the 45,000 deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) estimated from insurance industry claims. A project was carried out to test a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for the collection and analyses of animal carcass removals from the roadway and to initiate the integration of this data collection method into regular practice by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOT maintenance personnel collected 8 months of spatially accurate carcass removal data by using GPS-enabled PDAs. DVC estimates from this procedure were more than nine times greater than the number reported by police. Given the findings and efforts from the study, VDOT plans to integrate collection of carcass removal data with PDAs into regular practice. The procedures described in the report can guide other states interested in implementing a systematic and spatially accurate method for collecting AVC data. Implementing mitigation in high-density AVC areas can ultimately lead to fewer AVCs and associated reductions in human deaths, injuries, and financial losses; improved traffic operations; a reduction in maintenance costs related to carcass removal and disposal; and wildlife conservation.

Laboratory rearing of Phormia regina Meigen larvae on pork and venison was conducted as part of a study to determine whether forensic entomology approaches can be used in wildlife poaching investigations. Larvae were reared at 30 degrees C, 75% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h on pork or venison diets, and samples were collected every 8 h until >90% of the maggots reached the third-instar wandering or prepupal stage. Significant differences were found in the distribution of lengths of the third instar and combined instars for maggots reared on the two different meat sources. Maggots reared on venison reached the prepupal wandering stage significantly faster (approximately 6 h) compared with maggots on the pork diet. Mean adult weight and wing length of venison-reared flies were significantly greater than for flies reared on pork. The lower crude fat content of venison appears to make this meat source a more suitable medium than pork for larvae of P. regina. The difference in growth rate could introduce error into PMImin estimations from third-instar maggots in deer poaching cases if estimates are based on data from studies in which maggots were reared on pork.

The parcelization of exurban landscapes creates a matrix of intermediately sized and privately managed land parcels, presenting a unique challenge to wildlife managers. During 2010-2011, we studied the correlates between land parcelization, deer density, and hunting patterns in exurban northwestern Virginia, USA. We estimated October deer densities (no. deer/km 2 ) and conducted landowner surveys of deer harvest in 13 study blocks of mean size 34.8 km 2 . The extent of parcelization varied between study blocks; mean parcel size ranged from 2.00 ha to 26.12 ha. We used distance-sampling techniques to survey pre-harvest deer densities in each section, with estimated densities ranging from 9.4 deer/km 2 to 30.1 deer/km 2 . We quantified deer harvest through calculations of harvest density and the percentage of land hunted. As parcel size increased, the percentage of land hunted increased. Harvest densities reported by landowners, however, remained constant with the exception of 2.0-4.0-ha parcels, which had higher harvest densities than 60.8-161.8-ha parcels. We used linear regression analysis to model the response of deer density (natural log) to landscape metrics, and the best-fit model predicted deer density from mean parcel size with equivalent models including habitat with mean parcel size. Our results suggest that development processes that subdivide rural lands can significantly increase deer populations. The mechanism for this increase may be restricted hunter access to smaller property parcels and-or increased probability of deer refuges nearby. ß 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Public participation affects stakeholder knowledge and opinions concerning other stakeholders, managers, and resources as well as management decisions. We analyzed participants' knowledge and opinions at the beginning and at the conclusion of a collaborative process to develop a management plan for black bears (Ursus americanus) in Virginia during 1999–2001. We administered identical surveys pre‐ and post‐planning to stakeholders involved in the process: members of a stakeholder advisory committee (active participants, n = 15), members of 3 stakeholder organizations with representatives on the committee (passive participants, total n = 647), and agency staff (n = 21). Both active and passive participation influenced stakeholders' knowledge and opinions concerning black bears and their management. Stakeholders' knowledge of black bears and bear management, and their image of bear managers, improved during the planning process. Stakeholder support for controversial management strategies (e.g., use of lethal methods to address bear problems) increased. Active participation apparently influenced opinions more than passive participation. Extensive interaction among advisory committee members resulted in greater tolerance for views of other stakeholder groups. Opinions of agency staff regarding bear management and stakeholder involvement in decision‐making apparently were reinforced. This study demonstrates the utility of active participation, indirect involvement through interaction with active participants, and direct mailings in educating and improving relationships with and among various stakeholders.