Genealogical Assessment of Relatedness of Free-Ranging White-tailed Deer Related to Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease in WI

GLNF CESU Project #: MSU-USGS-01
Partners: Michigan State University and U.S. Geological Survey
Project Contact: Kim Scribner (scribne3@msu.edu)
Agency Contact: Christopher Brand (christopher_brand@usgs.gov)
Project Funding: $193,798
Project Dates: 10/01/2003 - 09/30/2005 - PROJECT IS COMPLETE
Project Abstract: The general objectives of this study are to characterize the spatial genetic structuring and degree of genetic relatedness among adult female white-tailed deer and to determine breeding interactions among male and female white-tailed deer based on parentage relationships from fawns. Relatedness of adult female deer will be used to determine prevalence of CWD and transmission dynamics within and among maternally related groups of does. Parentage relationships will be used to determine breeding interactions among bucks and does and investigate the likelihood that CWD infection and transmission occurs during breeding interactions.
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