Scientists’ study of white-tailed deer could help control chronic wasting disease

New research in Wildlife Monographs provides extensive details into the movement of white-tailed deer, with implications for deer management across North America.

For the study, investigators evaluated seasonal activity patterns, home ranges, and habitat selection for nearly 600 white-tailed deer in southwest Wisconsin, U.S.. The research revealed how an individual deer’s movement and use of space can affect chronic wasting disease transmission.

Chronic wasting disease—a deadly neurological prion disease transmitted both directly between individual animals and indirectly through the environment—has been increasing in range and prevalence throughout North America and has major economic impacts on deer hunting and wildlife management.

Findings indicated that deer habitat selection favors environmental transmission in the summer and early fall, and social interactions favor direct transmission in the fall breeding season. During the winter and early spring, however, combined social and habitat selection appeared to facilitate both direct and environmental transmission.

In addition, some habitats, like agricultural fields or pastures, were attractive to deer during the summer and winter, which could help chronic wasting disease transmit more easily between deer groups.

“This research was only possible through the collaborative efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Research Units, nearly 400 private landowners, and about 1,000 volunteers,” said corresponding author Marie Gilbertson, DVM, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“We are tremendously excited to share our findings—and what they mean for chronic wasting disease management—with the community.”