In response to a possible "duck kill" from pesticide misapplication, who should a county Ag Biologist notify first?

In the event of a potential "duck kill" due to pesticide misapplication, the appropriate first notification should be to the regional office of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CA DFW). This agency is specifically tasked with the protection and management of wildlife resources within the state, including the monitoring of wildlife populations and incidents that could impact them, such as those caused by pesticide exposure.

The CA DFW has the expertise and jurisdiction to assess wildlife health and can mobilize investigations into the incident quickly. They are equipped to handle situations involving fish and wildlife law enforcement and can work with other agencies, such as environmental protection authorities and health departments, if needed. By reaching out to the CA DFW first, the response can be coordinated effectively, ensuring that the situation is handled with the necessary ecological and regulatory oversight.

While other agencies play essential roles in environmental and public health issues, the immediate need in cases of wildlife harm would primarily fall under the purview of the CA DFW, making it the most appropriate first contact. The US Wildlife Service, the county health department, and the FAA, although relevant in broader contexts of wildlife protection, public health, and aviation, respectively, are not the first points of contact in this specific scenario involving immediate wildlife effects