Application of a systems approach for management of chronic wasting disease
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Ventana Systems, Inc., and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) are applying a systems approach to map and model the complex relationships among ecological, epidemiological, social, and political processes affecting CWD. Through a participatory modeling process, we gathered subject matter expertise on CWD epidemiology, social science, and deer and forest health and integrated it with empirical data collected by the WIDNR on processes influencing CWD dynamics and management.
Why this matters: Historic and current CWD intervention efforts have often been hampered by social, economic, and political complexities. Using a systems-based approach, an innovative model is being developed (which includes these factors in addition to deer biology, CWD epidemiology, and ecosystem health) that will allow managers to predict in real-time how these factors interact and identify management actions that will have the largest impact on CWD.
Preliminary findings from the study suggest continued spread under a status quo management scenario and that a suite of intensive and prolonged management actions is likely needed to achieve stabilization or disease reduction in Wisconsin. However, some of the actions identified as potentially effective are currently unavailable due to jurisdiction and resource constraints in Wisconsin.
To make this model more accessible, we have developed and refined a prototype management flight simulator (Figure 2) that will allow natural resource managers and stakeholders to visualize, in real time, both short- and long-term impacts of management decisions on deer population dynamics, disease processes, and stakeholders’ response to management.
The model was presented and demonstrated at the 4th International Chronic Wasting Disease Symposium in Denver, CO in June 2023, drawing considerable interest from attendees. During the current project segment, in addition to continuing work with the WDNR, we are focused on incorporating additional social, economic, political, and forest health dynamics into the model. We are also currently evaluating opportunities to apply the systems model on a regional basis, initially with Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) states, and with individual additional jurisdictions, including the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Expanding Distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease
Assessing the Ability of Incineration to Inactivate CWD Prions from Carcasses
Advancing the Use of RT-QuIC for Applications in CWD Management
Chronic Wasting Disease
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Ventana Systems, Inc., and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) are applying a systems approach to map and model the complex relationships among ecological, epidemiological, social, and political processes affecting CWD. Through a participatory modeling process, we gathered subject matter expertise on CWD epidemiology, social science, and deer and forest health and integrated it with empirical data collected by the WIDNR on processes influencing CWD dynamics and management.
Why this matters: Historic and current CWD intervention efforts have often been hampered by social, economic, and political complexities. Using a systems-based approach, an innovative model is being developed (which includes these factors in addition to deer biology, CWD epidemiology, and ecosystem health) that will allow managers to predict in real-time how these factors interact and identify management actions that will have the largest impact on CWD.
Preliminary findings from the study suggest continued spread under a status quo management scenario and that a suite of intensive and prolonged management actions is likely needed to achieve stabilization or disease reduction in Wisconsin. However, some of the actions identified as potentially effective are currently unavailable due to jurisdiction and resource constraints in Wisconsin.
To make this model more accessible, we have developed and refined a prototype management flight simulator (Figure 2) that will allow natural resource managers and stakeholders to visualize, in real time, both short- and long-term impacts of management decisions on deer population dynamics, disease processes, and stakeholders’ response to management.
The model was presented and demonstrated at the 4th International Chronic Wasting Disease Symposium in Denver, CO in June 2023, drawing considerable interest from attendees. During the current project segment, in addition to continuing work with the WDNR, we are focused on incorporating additional social, economic, political, and forest health dynamics into the model. We are also currently evaluating opportunities to apply the systems model on a regional basis, initially with Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) states, and with individual additional jurisdictions, including the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.