Lec 11: investigating and Managing diseases

Relation between wildlife biologists and disease

often looked to for recommendations

cyclical nature of infectious agents

pathogens vary in lifecycle; infections can be seasonal

management through targeting control of specific agents

target organisms that spread diseases; Tsetse flies in Africa, Kissing bugs in U.S. to Mexico borderlands, Mosquitos

diseases caused by poisons/pollutants

diseases caused by poisons/pollutants can be eliminated from the environment (led poisoning)

host management

host behavior, spatial or temporal abundance, or other life history characteristics that can be managed influence epidemiology

examples of host management

- exclusion of avian species from infected areas

- exclusion of contact between domestic and bighorn sheep

- density reduction

Immunization

development and use of vaccines to boost immune systems of wildlife species; has been highly successful in the past (Rabies, canine distemper vaccines, rinderpest immunization)

issues with immunization

some disease organisms do not stimulate sufficient immune response for effective vaccination

environmental management

controlling environmental variables favorable to disease transmission

environmental management examples

- overgrazing of elk in California lead to spread of poison hemlock

- avian conjunctivitis

- animals translocation

- fire can restore natural/semi-natural distributional patterns for animals

One Health Initiative

concept that we need to seek and implement optimal solutions to health problems that maximize benefits to human health, animals health, environmental heath, and sustainability