Live-trapping and bovine tuberculosis testing of free-ranging white-tailed deer for targeted removal

摘要: Context Significant efforts have been made in Michigan, USA, to reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) over past 15 years. Since 2002, however, has changed little, prompting need for new control strategies. Aims In January–March 2007 and 2008, a trap–test–cull project was conducted on an 11 000-ha property north-eastern Lower Peninsula Michigan. The objectives were assess feasibility live-trapping testing TB as means targeted removal estimate cost this effort. Methods Live-trapped ear-tagged blood sample drawn use with CervidTB STAT-PAK (commonly called Rapid Test) diagnosis field. Deer negative released, whereas positive euthanised confirm blood-test results via bacterial culture. Key all, 762 (741 known sex age) individual captured tested TB. Adults comprised 59% (437 741) captures. Eight (1.8%) adults test; six eight (1.4% adults) confirmed Estimated present study 2.5% (adjusted Test sensitivity 56%), being lower than what would be expected basis routine hunter-harvest surveillance site which yielded rates from 3.4% 4.8%. Results demonstrated ability trap test substantial number given high densities (16–20 per km2), availability traps abundant workers. 2-year total ~US$228 000, or US$38 000 culture-positive animal. Conclusions Because effort involved, such one applied Michigan’s larger TB-management area (148 018 ha) is not feasible. Implications If efficiency effectiveness could improved by vaccinating test-negative animals, should vaccine approved deer, scale similar may prove beneficial possibly reducing disease transmission, addition removing TB-positive animals.