The comment period for the proposed changes to the baiting regulations is now open and I encourage all members to respond during this 60­day period. We applaud the Service for its decision to resist changes in the application of strict liability to the migratory game bird baiting regulations in this proposal. However, it is our understanding that this issue is still on the table.
The Association remains opposed to the liberalization of the current baiting regulations.We wonder why these changes are necessary after decades of waterfowling under the current regulation, a time tested cornerstone of hunter ethics and fair chase.
It is important that all members submit comments.We must make our voices heard.

Send comments to:

Some important guidelines for members who are employees of the Federal Government and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Employees may submit comments on Service letterhead as Service officials.The Service, however, is not obligated to address such comments in the final rule because employees are considered part of the ``agency''. Comments submitted by employees as private individuals expressing their`` personal views'' will be acknowledged in the final rule. These comments must be on plain paper using plain envelopes.Employees expressing their personal views must prepare their comments on personal time using personally owned equipment. The Association encourages all members
to submit personal comments.
All members need to be aware that the terms of the Association's national officers will expire at the end of this year. Regional reps will be accepting nominations and/or names of candidates interested in the positions of president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer.
Submitted by Kevin O'Brien, Portsmouth, NH

FROM YOUR SECRETARY­TREASURER...

These are interesting times. In this issue, read the exchange of letters between Chief KEVIN ADAMS of the FWS Office of Law Enforcement and our Association President, KEVIN O'BRIEN. As I read and reread Chief Adams' letter, I was reminded of a tenet of ethics in government---appearance and perception are nearly as important as actual deeds. It seems the Service Directorate overlooked this when delivering its sermon. Service management has created the appearance it is subject to manipulation by special interests. Special interests who seek to weaken migratory bird protection and, along the way, stifle the voice of the Federal Wildlife Officers' Association.
The First Amendment applies equally to badge­carriers, violators and others who do not agree with us. We who safeguard citizens' rights while enforcing the Nation's wildlife conservation laws, have an equal right to the exercise of our freedom of speech. Remember this fact, and do not be intimidated into silence on this, or any other, important issue.
At least one Congressman is in a snit because the FWOA dared to slow the juggernaut. We spread the word about proposed ``reform'' of migratory bird baiting regulations, on the internet and in print. The nerve of the FWOA! Using our freedom of speech to expose bald­faced attempts to steamroll unneeded regulatory changes.
Do not be deterred by insulting, official ``reminders'' and ``guidelines'' on the exercise of your freedom of speech. Express your opinion about these proposals. Take the time to understand and analyze what effect these proposed regulatory changes will have on migratory bird protection, then make your feelings known. Then, go back out and do good things for the resource.

Submitted by Ed Spoon, Madison, WI

THANKS TO EVERYONE FROM THE MOULTON FAMILY
SA RICHARD MOULTON and family wish to thank all of the FWS Special Agents and Wildlife Inspectors that extended condolences and support concerning the death of his grandson.
For those of you that are unaware, on November 7, 1997, ZACHARY MOULTON, an 18­month old infant died after a tragic accident. On November 6, while at a licensed daycare facility, a screw came loose on a portacrib and ZACHARY'S neck became lodged between the sides of the crib. He was not breathing and had no pulse when discovered. ZACHARY was rushed to the CT Children's Medical Center where his heart was restarted.However, he passed away early the next morning.
The family requested memorial donations be sent to:

Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Gift Records Unit
181 Cedar Street
Newington, CT 06111
or
Saint Bridget Church
74 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06040
Submitted by Kevin O'Brien, Portsmouth, NH

ZOONATIC TRAINING NEEDED FOR AGENTS

My doctor diagnosed me with chronic Brucellosis and at this point, it is most likely ``incurable''. Within the first year it had an eighty percent chance of being ``cured'' with proper treatment (several courses of antibiotics).
Unfortunately, I did not receive the diagnosis and treatment for almost three years after becoming sick. Four years after becoming ill, I have been diagnosed as permanently disabled.
There are approximately 75 cases a year in the U.S.; worldwide, there are 500,000 (Spain, South America, and the Middle East being the primary countries).Thus, the U.S.doctors considered it all but eradicated and simply don't know what symptoms to look for. Here in the U.S., concerns with wildlife include mainly bison in Yellowstone National Park and elk in Western Wyoming.Additionally, feral swine in Arizona have transmitted Brucellosis to hunters and caribou have transmitted the disease to Eskimos in Canada. Elk in Montana have also reportedly transmitted Brucellosis to hunters. Other carriers of the disease are coyotes, fox, pigs, cattle, goats, dogs and sheep; however, Brucellosis in sheep is not considered to be transmittable to humans. Transmission routes mainly involve coming in contact with reproduction fluids. However, blood contact through open abrasions and through the air are other documented routes of exposure. Brucellosis is called Undulant Fever in humans and was primarily transmitted by drinking unpasteurized milk. With the advent of pasteurization, Brucellosis in the U.S. had to a large extent been considered eradicated.
As agents, there are a host of zoonatic diseases we are potentially exposed to on a daily basis from mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.Veterinarians routinely hold conferences and are routinely tested for exposure to these zoonatic diseases. As agents, we all need to become more aware of the dangers of these sometimes fatal diseases. After seeing one slide program, I have since vowed to touch nothing but the computer and that is with neoprene gloves. Seriously, I suggest that at the next in-service, all agents be given a course in zoonatic
diseases. We can still do our jobs, but hopefully with added awareness, future exposures can be avoided.
Take care of yourselves and thank you for all the telephone calls, email messages and donations of leave. I truly appreciate all the support I have received from the agents!
Submitted by Diane Fries, Former SA, SD

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