Health protocol for translocation of free-ranging elk

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration programs often involve translocation, necessitating a thorough evaluation of potential health risks.
• Movement of free-ranging elk from western North America to the southeastern USA presents unique challenges regarding infectious agents and ectoparasites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a protocol for assessing health considerations associated with elk translocation.
• To evaluate infectious agents and ectoparasites for their potential to be introduced and established in new environments.
• To assess pathological consequences for elk, other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative risk assessment using selected epidemiologic factors to estimate agent introduction and establishment potential.
• Literature review and expert consultation to assess pathological consequences of high-risk agents.
• Classification of infectious agents and ectoparasites into low, unknown, and high-risk categories.

Main Results:

• 174 agents classified as low risk, 10 as unknown risk, and 9 as high risk.
• Specific agents like Anaplasma spp., Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, and Echinococcus granulosus were classified as unknown risk.
• High-risk agents included the agent of chronic wasting disease, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium bovis, and specific ticks and mites.
• Endemic parasites in the southeastern USA pose a "reverse risk" to translocated elk.

Conclusions:

• A five-component protocol was developed to mitigate the introduction of high-risk infectious agents and ectoparasites.
• Protocol components include source population health evaluation, quarantine, diagnostics, translocation restrictions, and prophylactic treatment.
• This risk-based approach is crucial for successful and safe elk restoration programs.