MANAGING PROBLEM WILDLIFE IN THE OLD-WORLD - A VETERINARY PERSPECTIVE

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Afri ca and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife manag ement and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presen ted: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domesti c species, The control of these and other infections and the limitatio n of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves leth al or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control meas ures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in manag ing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility co ntrol, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice o f the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control , especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to con traception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.