Chronic Wasting Disease Research at
the USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit
Use of genetic markers to investigate the role of breeding interactions on CWD
transmission in free-ranging white-tailed deer
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The influences of
white-tailed deer behavior and social structure on CWD transmission are not
well understood. Close, frequent contact among males and females during
breeding may facilitate the transmission of CWD. The objective of this
study is to evaluate the importance of CWD transmission between deer during
breeding interactions. Specifically, the aims of
the study are to: 1) use genetic markers to
determine parental relationships among adult males, females, and fawns
harvested in southwest 2) determine if CWD
infection is related to male-female interactions during the breeding season,
and 3) determine
the probability of CWD transmission between male and female deer during
breeding interactions. |
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Muscle tissue samples from adult females, males and fawns collected within a 210 square-mile region of highest CWD prevalence (6-7%) will be genotyped at several microsatellite loci. Genotypes will be used to assign maternity and paternity to fawns allowing us to infer breeding interactions among adult males and females. Parentage reconstructions along with information on the infection status, stage of disease and spatial location of individuals will be used to evaluate the potential for CWD transmission between males and females during breeding interactions. Identification of the role that male-female breeding interactions play in the transmission of CWD can be used along with other CWD studies to understand rates and spread of CWD in white-tailed deer populations as well as to assist in the development of management strategies aimed at eliminating the disease.
Co-Investigator: Dr. Kim T. Scribner, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife,
Former Research Associate: Dr. Julie A. Blanchong