Assessment of Mammalian Scavenger and Wild White-Tailed Deer Activity at White-Tailed Deer Farms
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Mammalian scavengers frequently visited cervid farms, suggesting indirect transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) via excreta is a significant risk. Farm management practices appear more critical than farm location for controlling wildlife interactions.
Area Of Science
- Wildlife ecology
- Disease transmission
- Animal health
Background
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a concern for wild and farmed cervids across North America.
- Regulations aim to limit direct contact between wild and farmed cervids.
- Indirect transmission via scavengers is a potential CWD pathway.
Purpose Of The Study
- Characterize mammalian scavenger and wild deer activities at cervid farms.
- Link wildlife activities to spatial covariates.
- Assess potential for CWD transmission through indirect contact.
Main Methods
- Utilized a network of camera traps on 14 cervid farm perimeter fences.
- Monitored farms across summer, winter, and fall seasons.
- Analyzed wildlife observations and fitted mixed-effects regression models.
Main Results
- Captured 749 wildlife observations across nine species.
- Wild white-tailed deer comprised over 75% of observations.
- Mammalian scavengers were frequently observed both inside and outside farm fences, with higher rates near feeders.
- Direct contact between wild and farmed deer was infrequent.
- Landscape context showed minimal impact on wildlife visitation.
Conclusions
- Mammalian scavengers pose a potential risk for CWD transmission through indirect contact.
- Cervid farm management practices are likely more influential than farm location in managing wildlife interactions.
- Further research into farming practices' impact on wildlife visitation is warranted.
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