FORT Science in Action, Part 20: Chronic Wasting Disease research to inform wildlife management and support big game hunting
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease that affects white tail deer, mule deer, elk, and moose in the United States, and poses a direct threat to wild and farmed populations of these species with economic impacts on associated hunting and farming operations. FORT scientists investigate the spread and management of CWD to help managers mitigate its effects on wildlife populations.
Estimating CWD prevalence through time
In this project, FORT biologists are investigating the question of how the probability of CWD transmission correlates to specific habitat and environmental properties, using data from a mule deer herd in southern Wyoming. This work supports decision-making by identifying areas for targeted sampling and surveillance for CWD contaminants on the landscape.
An online repository for CWD samples
The Chronic Wasting Disease Strain and Genetic Online Tissue Repository is a web-based repository of tissue and reagents for CWD, accessible by researchers worldwide to request samples in furtherance of study objectives. Metadata collected by the repository may be used to better predict the potential spread of CWD, allowing for focused surveillance and mitigation resources, and assist in identification of novel emerging strains.
Understanding CWD management barriers and opportunities for intervention
Cervid managers have the challenging job of implementing management decisions at the intersection of both human and ecosystem needs while balancing the effects of spreading wildlife diseases like CWD. To assist in overcoming these challenges FORT scientists and collaborators are developing models and support tools that describe the complexity of CWD management at a national scale, identify decision barriers that state and tribal managers may experience, and highlight possible solutions for overcoming those barriers.
More FORT Science in Action
This September, FORT is highlighting how our science projects support sound decision-making. Each day, we will highlight a new project and its applications. To see more, follow the tabs below.
FORT Science in Action, Part 19
FORT Science in Action, Part 21
Related
Shrubland, Alpine and Grassland Ecology (SAGE) Wildlife Research Group
Modeling chronic wasting disease prevalence through time to investigate mechanisms of spread in deer and elk in Wyoming
Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention
Related
Shrubland, Alpine and Grassland Ecology (SAGE) Wildlife Research Group
Modeling chronic wasting disease prevalence through time to investigate mechanisms of spread in deer and elk in Wyoming