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The first objective is to compare and contrast the native pathogenesis of TSEs, in order to better understand the progression and potential transmission of disease at the individual level.<BR>
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The second objective is to extend existing and develop novel diagnostic tools in live and postmortem animals which can provide better epidemiological information on individual TSEs.<BR>
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The third objective is to investigate both the role of environmental contamination in population-level transmission of TSEs, as well as novel means to inactivate prions in the environment.<BR>
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The fourth objective is to develop an epidemiological model of individual TSEs which can be used to develop evidence and population -based animal management plans for TSE control. <BR>
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The next objective is to investigate the nature and effect of prion strains on the pathogenesis, progression, and transmissibility of TSEs in both individual and population based approaches. <BR>
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The last objective is to use pathogenomics to determine the role of genetic material in the pathogenesis of prion diseases, and identify surrogate genetic markers for the diagnosis of prion diseases.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: We will utilize a landscape genetics approach to develop epidemiological models that predict the spread of chronic wasting disease in midwestern white-tailed deer. The purpose of this project is to predict the spread of chronic wasting disease in Wisconsin and Illinois.
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APPROACH: This research will be conducted throughout the Herd Reduction Zones (>7,000 mi2) in southern Wisconsin. The total study area will encompass > 10 counties in Wisconsin, counties currently affected by CWD and a number of adjacent counties. Tissues will be genotyped (7 microsatellite and the MtDNA markers) from approximately 30-50 adult female deer from each sampling area for genetic analysis. We will use a systematic sampling scheme by collecting tissues for approximately 50% of the townships within our study area for the estimation of gene flow. Approximately 4,000 deer will be tested across the Herd Reduction Zones. Tissues for genotyping will also be collected for 500-1,000 deer to supplement our systematic samples and evaluate gene flow along riparian corridors and for landscape features (highways, rivers, agricultural areas) that result in reduced gene flow. Extraction and processing of DNA for microsatellite and MtDNA markers to identify genetic relationships among deer will be completed at the Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. DNA will be analyzed at the UW-Biotechnology Gene Expression Center. Classification of genetic relationships will utilize a variety of software tools available for this purpose. Our pilot studies using genetic relatedness in female white-tailed deer in Wisconsin have already identified 7 polymorphic microsatellite markers that may be used to determine landscape gene flow patterns. Models of gene flow using isolation by distance, conductance, or Markov Chain Monte Carlo models will be used to evaluate and predict landscape patterns of genetic flow and associated animal movement. We will also use matrix regression and spatial autocorrelation analysis to evaluate these patterns. These models will be further linked with landscape connectivity models to integrate landscape structure in predicting gene flow patterns and potential disease transmission across the study area in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
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PROGRESS: 2007/01 TO 2007/12<BR>
OUTPUTS: A PhD student (Stacie Robinson) began work on this study in October, 2007. A general sampling plan for genotyping deer in Wisconsin was developed and DNA samples have been extracted from approximatley 1,000 deer.<BR>PARTICIPANTS: Partners include the Wisconsin Department of Natual Resources and Michigan State University (Dr. Kim Scribner). Stacie Robinson (PhD student) was able to visit genetics laboratories at Michigan State University and at the University of Alberta to observe genetics work on cervid species and to discuss project goals, objectives, and collaboration. <BR>TARGET AUDIENCES: The goal of this research is to provide information on potential spread of chronic wasting disease in southern Wisconsin. The resutls of this research will be shared with wildlife management agencies, especially the Wisconsin and Illinois DNRs, and other public groups interested in chronic wasting disease management.
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IMPACT: 2007/01 TO 2007/12<BR>
The project was just initiated and has not yet progressed to the stage that outputs have been produced.