Future Brucellosis Research Needs for the Greater Yellowstone Area

Submitted by bsiadmin on Mon, 04/07/2008 - 16:59.

Publication Type:

Conference Paper

Authors:

Cheville, Norman F.; Mary Meagher; Thomas J. Roffe; Fred Enright; Mark S. Boyce

Source:

Brucellosis, Bison, Elk, and Cattle in the Greater Yellowstone Area: Defining the Problem, Exploring Solutions, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee, Jackson, WY, p.133-146 (1994)

Call Number:

636.089 B886 1997

Keywords:

animal studies; bison (Bison bison); brucellosis; cattle; disease; ecosystems; elk (Cervus elaphus); research; studies; wildlife health; brucella; brucella abortus; bacteria

Abstract:

A vast literature exists on bovine brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus. Brucellosis, caused apparently by the same organism, occurs in bison (Bison bison) and elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) of the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) and is a focal point of concern and controversy regarding potential transmission to cattle. Clearly, the bison B. abortus and elk B. abortus relationships are similar to the bovine disease, but there are also major differences (Meyer and Meagher 1994, Thorne and Herriges 1992)An increased biological understanding founded on scientific data is a prerequisite for sound management decisions regarding protection of livestock as an immediate goal. Here, we bring together approaches by veterinarians and field and theoretical ecologists to stimulate thinking and suggest directions for research. Primary short-term objectives of research are to provide data on which sound judgments can be made for the protection of livestock from contracting brucellosis from wild ruminants in the GYA. The long-term goal is to eliminate brucellosis, if biologically possible, from the GYA without altering wildlife populations in their natural state. Perhaps brucellosis in bison and elk can be eliminated by blocking the transmission of B. abortus. By identifying weak links in the cycle of infection (Fig. 1), it may be possible to develop methods to prevent transmission among bison. Many of the hypothetical pathways of transmission might occur but are not significant in nature. For example, the facefly (Musca autumnalis), which has a strong tropism for bovine tears and placental fluids, takes up B. abortus and can mechanically transmit bacteria from cow to cow (Cheville et al. 1989). Yet this pathway is insufficient for maintaining bovine brucellosis in the field.We address several levels of research effort. What can be done to protect livestock (short- and long-term) pending an increased data base? What constitutes data building blocks necessary for controlled or field studies? What is fundamental to the goal of livestock protection? And finally, in these days of budget realities, what is cost-effective in addressing the above?

Notes:

Found at Yellowstone Research LibraryNatureBib ID: 51383