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Journal Publications
Nishi, J., T. Shury and B. Elkin. 2006.
Wildlife reservoirs for bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis)
in Canada: Strategies for management and research. Veterinary
Microbiology 112: 325-338
(PDF = 317 KB)
Abstract
In Canada, there are two known regional foci where wildlife
populations are infected with bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium
bovis) and considered to be disease reservoirs. Free-ranging
populations of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) in and around
Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and wapiti (Cervus elaphus
manitobensis) in and around Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) are
infected with bovine tuberculosis. In this paper, we provide an overview
of these diseased wild ungulate populations and the complexities of
attempting to manage issues relating to bovine tuberculosis in and
around protected
areas. We do not describe the quantitative science and epidemiological
data in detail from these case histories, but instead compare and
contrast these two cases from a broader perspective. This is achieved by
reviewing the context and process by which a diverse group of
stakeholders engage and develop strategies to address the controversial
problems that diseased wildlife populations often present. We suggest
that understanding the factors that drive the strategic-level management
processes is equally important for addressing a wildlife disease problem
as the tactical-level issues, such as design and implementation of
technically sound field research and management programs. Understanding
the experiences within the WBNP and RMNP areas, particularly the
strategies that have failed or succeeded, may prove useful to
understanding and improving management approaches when wildlife are
infected with M. bovis. Applying this understanding is consistent
with the principles of adaptive management in which we learn from
previous experiences to develop better strategies for the future. |
