Suburban acreage owners will appreciate this article as a resource, as will livestock producers. Veterinary teams, retailers, dealers and sales representatives can use this information to discuss European starlings, feral swine, brown trees snakes and other invasive species that pose potential risks.
Source: Beef Magazine, February 24, 2016.
According to the USDA blog, “It is estimated that 50,000 animal and plant species in the U.S. are non-native, meaning they are not naturally found here. Approximately 5,000 are considered invasive because of the ecological and economic damages they cause. That’s why the National Invasive Species Council and APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) are raising awareness about the negative impacts caused by invasive species in America.”
INSIGHTS: Animal health and agriculture pros are often the first lines of defense from invasive species. Our knowledge of the invasive species challenge and how species spread become part of our everyday discussions. Consider using this information within friends, in your volunteer activities and in your community.