Health Protocol for Translocation of Free-Ranging Elk

Abstract

When considering an elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration program, wildlife managers must evaluate the positive and negative elements of translocation. We prepared this protocol to give an overview of health considerations associated with translocation of elk, with an emphasis on movement of free-ranging elk from western North America to the southeastern USA. We evaluated infectious agents and ectoparasites reported in elk from two perspectives. First, we made a qualitative estimate of the ability of the agent to be introduced and to become established. This was done using a selected set of epidemiologic factors. Second, if there was a good possibility that the organism could become established in the release area, the potential pathological consequences for elk and other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans were assessed via examination of the literature and consultation with other animal health specialists. The results of these evaluations were used to classify infectious agents and ectoparasites as low risk (n ϭ 174), unknown risk (n ϭ 10), and high risk (n ϭ 9). We classified Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Pasteurella multocida serotype 3, Elaphostrongylus cervi, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fascioloides magna, Echinococcus granulosus, Dermacentor albipictus, and Otobius megnini as unknown risks. High risk infectious agents and ectoparasites were the agent of chronic wasting disease, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium bovis, Dermacentor andersoni, Ixodes pacificus, and Psoroptes sp. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, Elaeophora schneideri, and a Babesia sp. are parasites endemic in the southeastern USA that may present a ''reverse risk'' and adversely affect elk if released in some parts of the region. We developed a five-component protocol to reduce the risk of introduction of high risk infectious agents and ectoparasites that included: (1) evaluation of the health status of source populations, (2) quarantines, (3) physical examination and diagnostic testing, (4) restrictions on translocation of animals from certain geographic areas or populations, and (5) prophylactic treatment.

Evaluating potential infectious disease threats for southern resident killer whales, Orcinus orca: a model for endangered species

“…In comparison, a health protocol for translocation of free ranging elk, Cervus elaphus, identified 190 infectious agents and ectoparasites reported in the species (Corn and Nettles, 2001). Complete and standardized postmortem examination of all dead animals from threatened or endangered populations serves as an excellent first step in gathering information about infectious diseases in the population.…”

ESTABLISHMENT OF A HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION OF THE EURASIAN BEAVER (CASTOR FIBER) INTO SCOTLAND

“…There have been a few detailed publications on health protocols for translocating wildlife, such as the article on health protocols for translocation of freeranging elk (Corn and Nettles, 2001). Mathews et al (2006) argue that baseline data on the health status of reintroduced animals and extant populations are rarely published.…”

Surveys for Disease Agents in Introduced Elk in Arkansas and Kentucky

“…Statistically, the theoretical upper limits of prevalence of these diseases based on our small sample size can be estimated as follows (assuming a 95% confidence level and 100% sensitivity and specificity for each test; Corn and Nettles, 1995): CWD #4% in Arkansas and #17% in Kentucky; B. abortus#1.7% Arkansas, #10% Kentucky; M. bovis#10% AR, #11% Kentucky. Limitations in the sensitivity and specificity of each assay curb the level of confidence of these prevalence estimates, but the extent of these limitations is difficult to quantify as most assays have not been validated in wildlife.…”

“…Organisms targeted were those thought to be of potential risk for introduction into the southeastern USA, and/or known to have pathologic consequences for free-ranging and captive wildlife and livestock (Corn and Nettles, 2001). …”