Elk Resource Selection and Implications for Anthrax Management in Montana

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Infectious Disease Dynamics

Background:

• Anthrax, caused by *Bacillus anthracis*, is a global zoonotic disease affecting wildlife and livestock.
• Effective management in North America relies on surveillance and carcass decontamination, as vaccination is impractical for wildlife.
• Untreated carcasses create infectious zones, increasing disease transmission risk to susceptible hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate *Bacillus anthracis* presence and habitat selection by elk in a re-emerging anthrax zone in Montana.
• To identify spatial overlap between preferred elk habitats and potential *B. anthracis* presence for improved anthrax management.
• To inform surveillance strategies by mapping high-risk areas for future outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• A telemetry study tracked male elk resource selection in southwest Montana following a 2008 anthrax epizootic.
• A mixed-effects generalized linear model (GLM) estimated elk habitat preferences.
• Habitat suitability models for *B. anthracis* were overlaid with elk selection maps.

Main Results:

• Significant overlap was detected between areas of high male elk habitat selection and predicted *Bacillus anthracis* presence.
• These high-risk overlap zones were extensive, spanning both public and private lands.
• The analysis identified the spatial extent of potential risk areas for future anthrax outbreaks.

Conclusions:

• Male elk utilize habitats that overlap with potential *Bacillus anthracis* presence, indicating a risk of disease transmission.
• Mapping these overlaps provides crucial information for prioritizing anthrax surveillance efforts in the region.
• Proactive identification of high-risk areas is essential for mitigating future anthrax epizootics in wildlife populations.