Resources » CWD & Other Diseases
Resources ≀ CWD & Other Diseases

Dogs are resistant to prion infection, due to the presence of aspartic or glutamic acid at position 163 of their prion protein
December 30, 2021
Unlike other species, prion disease has never been described in dogs even though they were similarly exposed to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent. This resistance prompted a thorough analysis of the canine PRNP gene and the presence of a … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases | Tagged canids, canine, dog, interspecies transmission, prion infection, prion susceptibility, scrapie, transgenic mouse models, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, transmission barrier

Sarcoptic mange severity is associated with reduced genomic variation and evidence of selection in Yellowstone National Park wolves (Canis lupus)
January 30, 2021
Population genetic theory posits that molecular variation buffers against disease risk. Although this “monoculture effect” is well supported in agricultural settings, its applicability to wildlife populations remains in question. In the present study, we examined the genomics underlying individual-level disease … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases | Tagged ectoparasite, genetics, infection severity, mite infestations, natural selection, RAD- sequencing, sarcoptic mange, wildlife disease

Wolves contribute to disease control in a multi-host system
September 1, 2020
We combine model results with field data for a system of wolves (Canis lupus) that prey on wild boar (Sus scrofa), a wildlife reservoir of tuberculosis, to examine how predation may contribute to disease control in multi-host systems. Results show … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases, Resources | Tagged disease, infectious, Multi-Host, species, wildlife, wolves

Unraveling the key to the resistance of canids to prion diseases
March 6, 2020
One of the characteristics of prions is their ability to infect some species but not others and prion resistant species have been of special interest because of their potential in deciphering the determinants for susceptibility. Previously, we developed different in … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases | Tagged canids, disease, PLOS, Prion, Wolf, wolves

Parasitic Tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus)
June 30, 2019
What is Echinococcus granulosus? Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. Ungulates (deer, domestic cattle, domestic sheep, elk, and moose) are intermediate hosts for larval tapeworms, which form hydatid cysts in their … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases | Tagged echinococcus, granulosus, parasitic, tapeworm

Hidden Cost Of Disease In A Free-ranging Ungulate: Brucellosis Reduces Mid-winter Pregnancy In Elk
June 30, 2019
Demonstrating disease impacts on the vital rates of free-ranging mammalian hosts typically requires intensive, long-term study. Evidence for chronic pathogens affecting reproduction but not survival is rare, but has the potential for wide-ranging effects. Accurately quantifying disease-associated reductions in fecundity … read more
Posted in CWD & Other Diseases | Tagged brucellosis, disease, hidden, ranging, reduces, ungulate, winter