Mapping brucellosis increases relative to elk density using hierarchical Bayesian models
PLoS ONE
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Abstract
The relationship between host density and parasite transmission is central to the effectiveness of many disease management strategies. Few studies, however, have empirically estimated this relationship particularly in large mammals. We applied hierarchical Bayesian methods to a 19-year dataset of over 6400 brucellosis tests of adult female elk (Cervus elaphus) in northwestern Wyoming. Management captures that occurred from January to March were over two times more likely to be seropositive than hunted elk that were killed in September to December, while accounting for site and year effects. Areas with supplemental feeding grounds for elk had higher seroprevalence in 1991 than other regions, but by 2009 many areas distant from the feeding grounds were of comparable seroprevalence. The increases in brucellosis seroprevalence were correlated with elk densities at the elk management unit, or hunt area, scale (mean 2070 km2; range = [95–10237]). The data, however, could not differentiate among linear and non-linear effects of host density. Therefore, control efforts that focus on reducing elk densities at a broad spatial scale were only weakly supported. Additional research on how a few, large groups within a region may be driving disease dynamics is needed for more targeted and effective management interventions. Brucellosis appears to be expanding its range into new regions and elk populations, which is likely to further complicate the United States brucellosis eradication program. This study is an example of how the dynamics of host populations can affect their ability to serve as disease reservoirs.
Suggested Citation
Cross, P.C., Heisey, D.M., Scurlock, B.M., Edwards, W.H., Brennan, A., and Ebinger, M.R., 2010, Mapping brucellosis increases relative to elk density using hierarchical Bayesian models: PLoS ONE, v. 5, no. 4, p. 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010322.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mapping brucellosis increases relative to elk density using hierarchical Bayesian models |
| Series title | PLoS ONE |
| DOI | 10.1371/journal.pone.0010322 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Publication Date | April 23, 2010 |
| Year Published | 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Public Library of Science |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Contaminant Biology Program |
| Description | e10322; 9 p. |
| First page | 1 |
| Last page | 9 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |