Migratory movements and alteration of host communities through livestock production are examples of ecological processes that may have consequences on wildlife pathogens. We studied the effect of co-grazing of cattle and wild elk, and of elk migratory behaviour on the occurrence of the giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, in elk. Migratory elk and elk herds with a higher proportion of migratory individuals were significantly less likely to be infected with F. magna. This may indicate a decreased risk of infection for migratory individuals, known as the “migratory escape” hypothesis. Elk herds overlapping with higher cattle densities also had a lower prevalence of this parasite, even after adjustment for landscape and climate variables known to influence its life cycle. Serological evidence suggests that even in low-prevalence areas, F. magna is circulating in both elk and cattle. Cattle are “dead-end” hosts for F. magna, and this may, therefore, indicate a dilution effect where cattle and elk are co-grazing. Migratory behaviour and host community composition have significant effects on the dynamics of this wildlife parasite; emphasizing the potential impacts of decisions regarding the management of migratory corridors and livestock-wildlife interface.
Wildlife Health and Health Policy Program, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia;Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC), Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC), Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Calgary (UCVM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Calgary (UCVM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Calgary (UCVM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada;Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Calgary (UCVM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Recommended Citation:
Mathieu Pruvot,Manigandan Lejeune,Susan Kutz,et al. Better Alone or in Ill Company? The Effect of Migration and Inter-Species Comingling on Fascioloides magna Infection in Elk[J]. PLOS ONE,2016-01-01,11(7)