Bovine Tuberculosis in Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer From Michigan

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126

112

A retrospective study was conducted to test the hypothesis that supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 1995 to 1997 was associated with the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging deer in northeastern Michigan. Bovine TB prevalence data were obtained from an ongoing surveillance program, while data relating to supplemental feeding and other risk factors were collected via in-person interviews. A multivariable Poisson regression modeling approach was used to test the stated hypothesis while controlling for other risk factors. Of the 389 potential participants, 59% agreed to participate in the study. Results showed that supplemental feeding of deer was associated with bovine TB in whitetailed deer. Specific risk factors associated with increasing risk for bovine TB were locating feed sites in areas with high levels of hardwood forests (O.R.ϭ1.8, 95% C.I.ϭ1.3-2.4), other largescale feeding sites in the area (O.R.ϭ1.1, 95% C.I.ϭ1.0-1.2), the number of deer fed per year (O.R.ϭ3.9, 95% C.I.ϭ1.4-11.4), the numbers of feed sites spreading grain (O.R.ϭ14.7, 95% C.I.ϭ2.2-98.9), the quantity of grains provided at the site (O.R.ϭ1.4, 95% C. I.ϭ1.1-1.7), and the quantity of fruits and vegetables provided (O.R.ϭ1.4, 95% C.I.ϭ1.2-1.7). Conversely, factors associated with decreasing risk of bovine TB were locating feed sites in areas with high levels of hardwood forests (O.R.ϭ0.1, 95% C.I.ϭ0.02-0.4), locating feed sites in forests (O.R.ϭ0.05, 95% C.I.ϭ0.01-0.4), and the level of sites providing grain (O.R.ϭ0.1, 95% C.I.ϭ0.01-0.3). The results of this study suggest that banning the practice of supplemental feeding is a valid policy for control of bovine tuberculosis in free-ranging white-tailed deer.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING OF WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) ON THE PREVALENCE OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN THE MICHIGAN WILD DEER POPULATION

Miller

Kaneene

Fitzgerald

et al. 2003

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112

“…In 1994 a free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Michigan (USA) was diagnosed with tuberculosis due to M. bovis (Schmitt et al, 1997). Subsequent surveys conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (Lansing, Michigan) identified a focus of M. bovis infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer in northeast Michigan (Schmitt et al, 1997;O'Brien et al, 2001). Tuberculosis in both captive and free-ranging Cervidae represents a serious challenge to eradication of M. bovis infection from the USA.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aerosol Exposure of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) to Mycobacterium Bovis

Palmer

Waters

Whipple

2003

Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis affects both captive and free-ranging Cervidae in the United States. Various animal models have been developed to study tuberculosis of both humans and animals. Generally, tuberculosis is transmitted by aerosol and oral routes. Models of aerosol exposure of large animals to M. bovis are uncommon. In order to develop a reliable method of aerosol exposure of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to M. bovis, 12 healthy white-tailed deer, aged 8-10 mo, were infected by aerosol exposure to 2ϫ10 5 to 1ϫ10 6 colony forming units (CFU) (high dose, nϭ4) of M. bovis or 6ϫ10 2 to 1.6ϫ10 3 CFU (low dose, nϭ8) of M. bovis. Tuberculous lesions were more widely disseminated in deer receiving the high dose, while lesions in deer receiving the low dose were more focused on the lungs and associated lymph nodes (tracheobronchial and mediastinal). Aerosol delivery of M. bovis to white-tailed deer results in a reliable manner of experimental infection that may be useful for studies of disease pathogenesis, immune response, mycobacterial shedding, and vaccine efficacy.

“…In general, native cervids in the USA have remained free of TB; however, in 1993 TB was found in a mule deer collected on property adjacent to an infected game ranch in Montana (Rhyan et al, 1995). Furthermore, TB was discovered in a white-tailed deer population in Michigan (USA) in 1994 (Nettles and Petty, 1996;Schmitt et al, 1997). As of 24 February 1998, subsequent surveillance had disclosed 149 infected deer and three infected coyotes in a 5-county area (S. Schmitt, pers.…”

Section: High Risk Infectious Agents and Ectoparasitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Protocol for Translocation of Free-Ranging Elk

Corn

Nettles

2001

When considering an elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration program, wildlife managers must evaluate the positive and negative elements of translocation. We prepared this protocol to give an overview of health considerations associated with translocation of elk, with an emphasis on movement of free-ranging elk from western North America to the southeastern USA. We evaluated infectious agents and ectoparasites reported in elk from two perspectives. First, we made a qualitative estimate of the ability of the agent to be introduced and to become established. This was done using a selected set of epidemiologic factors. Second, if there was a good possibility that the organism could become established in the release area, the potential pathological consequences for elk and other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans were assessed via examination of the literature and consultation with other animal health specialists. The results of these evaluations were used to classify infectious agents and ectoparasites as low risk (n ϭ 174), unknown risk (n ϭ 10), and high risk (n ϭ 9). We classified Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Pasteurella multocida serotype 3, Elaphostrongylus cervi, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fascioloides magna, Echinococcus granulosus, Dermacentor albipictus, and Otobius megnini as unknown risks. High risk infectious agents and ectoparasites were the agent of chronic wasting disease, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium bovis, Dermacentor andersoni, Ixodes pacificus, and Psoroptes sp. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, Elaeophora schneideri, and a Babesia sp. are parasites endemic in the southeastern USA that may present a ''reverse risk'' and adversely affect elk if released in some parts of the region. We developed a five-component protocol to reduce the risk of introduction of high risk infectious agents and ectoparasites that included: (1) evaluation of the health status of source populations, (2) quarantines, (3) physical examination and diagnostic testing, (4) restrictions on translocation of animals from certain geographic areas or populations, and (5) prophylactic treatment.