Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

In 1987 and 1988 there was a sharp rise in epizootics in the ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) population in the Arroyo Seco District of the Angeles National Forest. In response to these incidents, a proactive rather than a reactive approach was implemented in this area. This was the beginning of a ground squirrel management program in the Angeles National Forest. From 1988 to 1993 the program developed into a joint management program between the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS), Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (OHS), Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner's Office-Weights and Measures (CAC}, and the concessionaires in this area. The number of epizootics has been reduced from seven in 1987 to zero in 1992 and 1993. Cost of field activities related to plague surveillance has been reduced 160%. The program is now being expanded to cover every district in the Angeles National Forest.