Clinton News-Record, 1977-10-13, Page 17•
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Program to control rabies nears completion in Huron
By Henry Hess
One phase of a research
program aimed at controlling
the spread of rabies through
wildlife populations is
nearing 'comp6ption in Huron
County this month.
A team headed by two
researchers from the fish and
wildlife branch of the Ontario
Ministry of Natural
Resources will soon be
dropping 12,000 baits 'over a
200 Square 'mile area bounded
by Clinton, Goderich and
Bayfield. The baits, • com-
posed of.a hamburger ball in
a marked plastic pouch, are
to tie spread by aircraft over
wooded areas.
fpSo far the baits contain only
tetracycline, a common
antibiotic, but eventually
they will carry an oral rabies
vaccine. The tetracycline is
deposited in the teeth and
bones of animals eating the
hamburger, where it can be
spotted during examination
under ultraviolet light.
Dave Johnston, a research
biologist, and Ian Watt, a
research technician have
been working on the baiting
system for the past five
years, trying tci develop an
effective and economical
system for getting the vac-
cine to wild animals. Mr.
Johnston has spent 15 years
working on the rabies
problem: what animals
transmit it, how and at what
times of year.
0They have tried about 40
different kinds of baits --
including limburger,
gorgonzola and roquefort
cheeses, hot dogs, sausages,
liver, eggs, fish oil and tripe --
and have also experimented
with distribution patterns and
times. They have found the
4 hamburger balls to be ef-
fective, cheap and easily
mass produced, using the
same type of equipment. as
McDonald's hamburger
stands.
Following' the baiting'" tsf.;an
area, the researchers appeal
to local trapers to bring in
fox, skunk, racoon and coyote
carcasses for testing. By
checking for the presence of
the tetracycline, they can tell
how effective the baiting has
been.
More than 5,000 animal
carcasses have been tested
during the course of the
program and last year, Mr.
Johnston reported, they
succeeded in reaching 74
percent of the foxes in a 64
square mile test area in the
county.
Huron County was chosen
for this phase of the research,
he said, because it has the
highest -density of fox trap-
pers in Ontario. He noted the
trappers' association has'
worked along with them in
the program, doing
everything from taking blood
samples to, check. natural
immunity Jo rabies --found to
be -relatively low --to helping
0 hand distribute baits during
the early stages.
Foxes are th,e '• species
hardest hit by rabies, with
about 50 percent of all cases,
Mr. Johnston noted, versus
about 15 percent for skunks
and one percent, for raccoons.
Ii
is
Right now the fox
population,,in the area is high
and a rabies outbreak is
starting, he warned, urging
people to make sure their
dogs are vaccinated against
the disease. He said rabies
seems to follow a three year
cycle: the.fox population is
knocked way down by the
disease, then grows during
the number of relatively
rabies -free years before
another outbreak hits.
:Even at its peak, he added,
the population of foxes now is
only 20-25 percent of its level
before rabies was introduced
into the area, apparently
frompthe Arctic, in 1958-59.
The disease has been present
in the Arctic for more than
100 years and it is speculated
it may have been . carried
there by early explorers, he
said.
In addition 'to testing bait
effectiveness, the resear-
chers have been investigating
how the disease is spread
from one area to another by
monitoring the movement of
foxes through n rnclia•tngging
program. About 25 animals in
Simcoe County, near the
unit's headquarters in Maple
(north of Toronto), have been
equipped with collars con-
taining transmitters.
The monitoring has
revealed that while most
young foxes remain within a
five mile radius after leaving
the den, five to 10 percent will
move up to 50 miles. One fox
tagged near Barrie was found
in this area, Mr. Johnston
noted. He said a $75 reward is
offered for any of these
animals captured alive and
also asked hunters- to report'
any seen or shot.
A hunter shooting any fox
or wolf this winter can help
the program by turning the
carcass over to the MNR
district office he . added.
There is a token payment of
one dollar for carcasses
turned in.
The baiting this fall will be
the final. test prior to in-
troducing the vaccine, he
said. "We're pretty well
along in the research; almost
ready for a field trial of the
vaccine".
An effective oral vaccine
has been developed at Con-
naught Laboratories,
Totonro, but still has to pass
safety tests on all animals
which might conceivably
have access to•the bait.
The first field trials of the
vaccine will probably be
carried out on islands •and
then move to a test area such
as Huron. Researchers will
continue to monitor animals
with „ the chemical tracer
during the first period of use.
Eventually the vaccine
baits will be used in selected
areas '• across ' southern
Ontario where rabies out-
breaks are expected. A
buildup in the fox population
usually signals the beginning
of a new disease cycle, Mr.
Johnston reported. One of the
ways the group monitors
population levels is by doing
track counts from aircraft
during the winter.
The idea of oral vaccine
baiting originated with the
World Health Organization of
the United Nations, he said.
..meq
444 >. x 4F740
After a competitive day of soccer the Holmesville boys'team came out as the winners in a
tournament held for area schools at B•rucefield's Huron Centennial Public School. Playing
for the Holmesville team were: back row, left to right, Terry Johnston, John Fangrad,
David Mahood, Scott Bell, Ron Beacon, David' Lobb, Jim MacDonald. Front. row, Jean
Van Dongen, Del Bedard, Brad Forbes, Dave Elliott, Greg Kirkconnell and Jim Mathers.
(News -Record photo) - _
Aub.urn personal notes
Miss Anne MacInnes, Mr.
Murray Youngblut, Mr.
Stewart Youngblut, Mr. Lynn
Youngblut and, Miss Betty
Youngblut, all of Toronto
visited on the week -end with
Mr: and Mrs, Major
Youngblut.
Mrs. Stanley Strasser of
Ontario, California is visiting
with her father, Mr. William
J. Craig for a couple of weeks.
They entertained Mrs. Bell
Allen and Mr. Ted Mills last
Sunday evening to a
Thanksgiving dinner.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Daer and
Mr. Gordon Daer we're guests
on Sunday of Mr. and Mrs.
Donald Dewar, Keith, Carol
and Karen at Atwood.
Mr., and Mrs. Robert Cook
of Glencoe spent the weekend
.Opening
new doors
ir--ito srnaiI'
1 Ibusiness
Financial assistance
Management counselling
Management training
Information on government -
programs for business
DENNIS TOFFLEMIRE
one of our representatives
..-.T.
will be at
The Parker House Motel, CLINTON
on the 3rd Thursday of each onth. �
(OCTOBER 20)
with her parents Mr. and
Mrs. William Moss.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Ferguson' of Champion,
Alberta are visiting with their
cousins Mr. and Mrs. Oliver
Anderson.
CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1977 ----PAGE 17
If you require financing to start, modernize or
expand your business and are unable to
obtain it elsewhere on reasonable terms and
conditions or if you are interested in the
FBDB management services of counselling
and training or wish information on
government programs available for your
business, talk to our representative.
FEDERAL
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT BANK
i+Or priot636 t�ntarion Street, 5t astfoor trd.wr•lte •• t
ll2y
•
V•
*;m
CUSTOM-MADE
PICTURE FRAMES
INDIVIDUALLY
STYLED BY
EXPERT
CRAFTSMEN
The Raintree offers the largest selection of
custom frames and fine art reproductions in
Huron County.
Collectors, interior •designers and artists,
seek the many professional, services of the
Raintree whenever the ultimate in
'individuality and expert craftsmanship is
called for.
The Raintree employs authentic classical.
and modern techniques of framing and art
preservation including hand cut mats, delicate
French matting, and reguilding of antique
frames, with meticulous attention to detail.
Your order ishandled professionally with
special attention to delivery dates.
Visit our new expanded showroom at one
hundred and twenty-eight Albert Street, in
Clinton, and aquaint yourself with our design
oriented services, with the accent or good
taste.
TIDE QAINTQFE
"Whim your 1(1511' goes beyond r oneenSII5"
Onr' Hundred mid 'I'wr'n1v Hight Alhrrt SIrript 4tH -0l171
SERVE
BEAVERS
—for boys
5-8 years old
-Beavers is an exciting new programme
recently introduced to meet the needs of
Scouting's youngest members. The Beaver
Programme stresses creative expression and
introduces the youngster to the group ex-
perience. It seeks to create an awareness
within the boy of himself, his peers and the
wider world. The motto is "Sharing" .aid the
promise reads,'"I promise to love God and to
help take care of the world." ' Activities in-
clude games, crafts, songs and fun ,activities
geared to the youthful age involved..
SCOUTS
—for boys
11-14 years old
Scouts; the original section of the Boy Scout
Movement originally developed 'by Lord
Baden-Powell of Gilwell back in 1907. The
Scouting programme seeks to develop
physical and social skills and to develop a
spiritual • and social awareness in boys. The
Scouting programme stresses activity, living
and playing both in and out of doors, in har-
mony with nature and our environment.
Hiking, exploring and camping are basic to
Scouts along 'with leadership skills in the
small group, the patrol.
for young me
ROVERS a women — ma;ens
18-23'
Rovering has been an integral part of the
Scouting Brotherhood for 45 years. Recently
changed so that it is now a co-ed programme,
Rovers provides an outlet for young men and
women between the ages of 17 and 23. Rovers
provides a social outlet but also, much more;
it encourages young men and women to set
life goals, to strive to achieve a plan for the
future. Rovering provides fun, fellowship and
the chance for fulfillment in life. Most Rovers
work as leaders with the younger sections.
A
C S -.for boys
gm Years old
A vital part of the Scouting Movement "for
over 50 years, with a programme recently
revised to satisfy the desires and needs of 8-10
year-olds in today's environment. Cubbing is
a fun game which allows young boys to work
together, to share adventure and to develop
hobbies and skills., Cubbing develops an
awareness in boys, of themselves and others,
of their family and of their community. It
features games, crafts, stories and music and
hobbies in both the indoors and out of doors.
—for young men
14-17 years old
YOU
VENTURERS
A relatively new programme for young men,
ages 14-17, stressing fun and fellowship
through' challenging activity. 1t features,
.small groups establishing goals for activities
.and then setting out to establish these goals in
.an adult -like manner under the guidance of an
advisor. Venturing stresses challenge in the
out-of-dbors and additionally, encourages
-,young men to establish life-long interests and
hobbies. Venturers are young men seeking
maturity, establishing goals, ideals and skills
for use in adulthood.
PARTICIPATION
Me? Yes YOU! Scouting needs men and
- women just like you, to serve as leaders,
assistant leaders or resource personnel, if it is
to continue as the largest volunteer youth
movement in the world. Or as Group Com-
mittee persons or on a Ladies Auxiliary, to
assist the leaders in their work with today's
youth. Our most precious natural resource,
today's youth, needs you to share in his ex-
periences, to help him grow and develop into,
the well rounded, capable citizen of
tomorrow.
BOY SCOUTS OF CANADA
HURON DISTRICT
SCOUTS CANADA
AIM
The Aim of Boy Scouts of Canada is to help
boys to develop their character as resour-
ceful and responsible members of the
community by providing opportunitites
and guidance for their mental, physical,
social and spiritual development."
PRINCIPLES
Scouting is founded on, the principles that
man mustrto the best of his ability:
• Love and serve God,
• Respect and act in accordance with the
human dignity and rightsof individuals,
• Recognize the obligations on himself to
develop and maintain his potential.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
650 boys—young men and women
meeting weekly with 95 adult leaders in
34 groups throughout the District. There's
ra spot for both you and your son in
,Scouting now!
OCTOBER 14 & 15
IN
AILSA CRAIG
EXETER
BAYFIELD
VANASTRA
LONDESBORO
LUCAN
HURON PARK
CREDITON
CLINTON
GODERICH
Your generous donation on Boy Scout Apple Day goes
to support camping and outdoor' _activities by all sec-
tions within the District, and is sincerely appreciated
by the members of the Scouting Movement throughout
the year.
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER
ASST. DIST. COM.
ASST. DIST. COM.
GARY MEDDLE 232-4707
JA Y CAMPBELL 235-1013
'HALTER THOMAS 524-2419
PLEASE THINK KINDLY TOWARDS THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS OF SCOUTING
ALEXANDER & CHAPMAN
REALTY LIMITED
8 The Square, Goderich
Phone 524-6542 or..524-9662
Kinsmen Club
Of Clinton
SPONSORING SCOUTING IN CLINTON
114111Arl
EXETER
(519) 235.1115
BLYTH
(519)523.4244
tn/[ A 11 A D I Ai1 TIRE
TIRE AiIIII ESIO CIMIV ';LS&ILA.5
O.R. TAYLOR LIMITED
GODERICH 524-2121
Lakeport
Steel Industries
205 Nelson St., Goderich 524-9514
•
EARL A
SHOP FOR MEN
CORNER MONTREAL STREET
AND THE, SQUARE, GODERICH
G.
T TUCKEY
Guenther
TRANSPORTS
A division of Laidlaw Transportation Ltd.
GODERICH 524-9583 EXETER 235.2500
Maurice Gardiner
REAL ESTATE LIMITED
38 St. David Street, Goderich
524-2966
DA$HWQOD
c iwi/u.i. 9,
A
Dashwood Windows
D"ASHWOOD INDUSTRIES LTD.
Centralia
MW Motors Ltd.
SALES & SERVICE
184 East St., Goderich 524-7212
1I � 1•IY:1
NliGEE
Hamilton St., Godorlch
Pontiac.Buick
Cadillac.
GMC Trucks .
524.8391
auk Tuckey
PEPSI Beverages
EXETER
235.1505
4