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ViewAttendees 1

Section Symposium

Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology

Healthy People, Places, and Animals: One Health at the Arthropod Vector-Animal-Landscape Interface

A One Health approach to managing parasite infections in Moose

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
9:53 AM – 10:07 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Potomac D
In-Person

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Alaina Woods (she/her/hers)

    PhD Candidate
    University of Maine
    Orono, Maine

    • Co-Author(s)

  • PK

    Pauline Kamath

    University of Maine
    Orono, Maine

    • Co-author(s)

  • LK

    Lee Kantar

    Moose Biologist
    Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
    Bangor, Maine

  • SD

    Sandra De-Urioste-Stone

    Associate ProfessorAssociate Professor of Nature-based Tourism; Assistant Vice President for Research
    University of Maine
    Orono, Maine

Parasite infections may play a role in the declines of some moose (Alces alces) populations in the Northeastern United States. In Maine, winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) are suspected to cause occasional widespread mortality of calves. In addition, approximately 54% of the moose population is infected with bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, which are an obligate vector-borne bacteria infecting host blood cells. Little is known, however, about the epidemiology and effects of co-infections in moose. Using data collected from moose at captures and during the hunter harvest, we have been investigating the drivers and fitness effects of co-infecting parasite infections in moose. In addition, social science data have been collected to evaluate public perceptions regarding the effects of parasites (particularly winter ticks) on moose health as well as management practices aimed at reducing parasite infections in the Maine moose population. Furthermore, we highlight ongoing and future work, including the investigation of genomic risk factors for parasite infections. Though a multi-disciplinary One Health approach, this study will provide valuable data for understanding the potential effects of parasites on moose health and long-term viability.