09-04-2004, 07:47 PM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has confirmed that a single greater sage-grouse contracted West Nile virus earlier this month, the first time the mosquito-borne disease has been found in the species in Colorado.
“Although it is unfortunate that this bird apparently died from West Nile, it is not surprising,” said Tony Apa, the DOW’s lead sage-grouse researcher. “We know the virus is out there, and other kinds of birds have contracted it.
“Because of positive West Nile tests in sage-grouse in Wyoming and Montana, the DOW has been closely monitoring birds here throughout the summer," Apa said.
“Fortunately, it is very isolated at this time,” Apa continued. "We have more than 100 collared sage-grouse statewide, and none are showing signs of trouble. We will continue to monitor this year and will continue monitoring in 2005 as part of our research and management of sage-grouse."
Monitoring efforts have turned up no evidence of West Nile in greater sage-grouse populations in Moffat County, where the bird is also found. No sign of the virus has been found in west-central Colorado, where extensive monitoring of mosquitoes and Gunnison sage-grouse is ongoing.
The female sage-grouse that tested positive for West Nile was found on Five Pines Mesa, southwest of Yampa, after its radio transmitter emitted a mortality signal. DOW technicians traced the radio signal and collected partial remains of the bird. The remains were sent to the DOW's laboratory in Fort Collins where the positive test was confirmed on Aug. 31. Apa said the discovery demonstrates the need for continued monitoring efforts.
Recent DOW data show an increase in the number of active greater sage-grouse mating areas (leks) and populations in Colorado, based on calculations using the high numbers of 1978-1980 as a benchmark.
“Our reports show that the greater sage-grouse is doing well in the state,” said Tom Remington, the DOW's terrestrial wildlife manager. “The numbers are holding steady and even increasing in some areas.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the sage-grouse working group in north Eagle and south Routt counties will gather to sign a conservation plan for the area. The group, made up of federal, state, and local governments, in addition to private landowners and business entities, has developed the conservation plan to help guide land use decisions and address threats to existing sage-grouse populations and habitat.
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: [url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/"]http://wildlife.state.co.us[/url].
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“Although it is unfortunate that this bird apparently died from West Nile, it is not surprising,” said Tony Apa, the DOW’s lead sage-grouse researcher. “We know the virus is out there, and other kinds of birds have contracted it.
“Because of positive West Nile tests in sage-grouse in Wyoming and Montana, the DOW has been closely monitoring birds here throughout the summer," Apa said.
“Fortunately, it is very isolated at this time,” Apa continued. "We have more than 100 collared sage-grouse statewide, and none are showing signs of trouble. We will continue to monitor this year and will continue monitoring in 2005 as part of our research and management of sage-grouse."
Monitoring efforts have turned up no evidence of West Nile in greater sage-grouse populations in Moffat County, where the bird is also found. No sign of the virus has been found in west-central Colorado, where extensive monitoring of mosquitoes and Gunnison sage-grouse is ongoing.
The female sage-grouse that tested positive for West Nile was found on Five Pines Mesa, southwest of Yampa, after its radio transmitter emitted a mortality signal. DOW technicians traced the radio signal and collected partial remains of the bird. The remains were sent to the DOW's laboratory in Fort Collins where the positive test was confirmed on Aug. 31. Apa said the discovery demonstrates the need for continued monitoring efforts.
Recent DOW data show an increase in the number of active greater sage-grouse mating areas (leks) and populations in Colorado, based on calculations using the high numbers of 1978-1980 as a benchmark.
“Our reports show that the greater sage-grouse is doing well in the state,” said Tom Remington, the DOW's terrestrial wildlife manager. “The numbers are holding steady and even increasing in some areas.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the sage-grouse working group in north Eagle and south Routt counties will gather to sign a conservation plan for the area. The group, made up of federal, state, and local governments, in addition to private landowners and business entities, has developed the conservation plan to help guide land use decisions and address threats to existing sage-grouse populations and habitat.
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: [url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/"]http://wildlife.state.co.us[/url].
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