Keywords:

Abstract:

The interaction between wildlife and domestic livestock has been a source of conflict for centuries. However, the transmission of pathogens from wildlife to domestic animals has recently gained prominence, including H5N1 avian influenza from wild ducks to poultry, bovine tuberculosis from badgers to cattle, and brucellosis from elk and bison to cattle. The risk of transmission of brucellosis from bison to cattle around Yellowstone National Park is a hotly debated topic and an important conservation issue. Here we integrate epidemiological, population dynamical, and ecological data to assess the spatio-temporal risk of transmission of brucellosis from bison to cattle outside Yellowstone National Park. We show that risk is spatially and temporally heterogenous, shows a highly skewed distribution with predominantly low risk, and is strongly dependent on climate and the abundance of bison. We outline two strategies for managing risk, and highlight the consequences of the current management plan. Our results suggest that risk could be effectively managed with minimal costs, but that land use issues and the larger question of bison population management and movement outside the park might hinder the prospect of solutions that will please all stakeholders.

Notes:

Found at Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National ParkNatureBib ID: 652282

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