Pilobolus and lungworm disease affecting elk in Yellowstone National Park

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

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Foos, K. Michael

Source:

Mycological Research, Cambridge University Press, Volume 101, Number 12, p.1535-1536 (1997)

Keywords:

animal studies; bacteria; Dictyocaulus viviparus; disease; elk; Cervus elaphus; fecal bacteria; fungi; larvae; lungworm; mammals; pellets (fecal); Pilobolus spp.; population; wildlife health

Abstract:

Dictyocaulus viviparus and Pilobolus coexist in individual elk of the Yellowstone National Park's northern herd. It is suggested that Pilobolus transfers infective larvae to forage grasses, so spreading the lungworm disease.The sporangial discharge mechanism of Pilobolus serves to transfer Dictyocaulus viviparus infective larvae from faecal pats to fresh herbage where they may be ingested by susceptible animals causing lungworm disease in cattle (Robinson, 1962). It has been hypothesized that the same mechanism is responsible for spreading this disease among elk. For example, we have known for many years that lungworm disease is endemic in Yellowstone National Park's northern elk herd, but the possibility of this interaction between Pilobolus and D. viviparus in this elk herd has not been closely examined.

Notes:

Found at Yellowstone Research LibraryNatureBib ID: 92660