Impact of Prion Disease on Mule Deer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): Miller Michael W., Swanson Heather M., Wolfe Lisa L., Quartarone Fred G., Huwer Sherri L., Southwick Charles H., Lukacs Paul M.
Primary Institution: Colorado Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Research Center
Hypothesis
How does prion infection affect the survival of mule deer populations?
Conclusion
Prion infection significantly reduces the survival of mule deer and alters predator-prey dynamics.
Supporting Evidence
- Prion infection lowered survival of adult mule deer from an estimated 5.2 years to only 1.6 years.
- Nearly 75% of infected deer that died did so during winter months.
- About one fourth of the adult deer sampled were infected with prion disease.
- Prion infection increased the predation rate by mountain lions on deer.
Takeaway
When deer get sick from prion disease, they don't live as long, and more mountain lions start hunting them.
Methodology
A cohort study design was used to compare survival rates of prion-infected and uninfected mule deer.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in capturing and sampling deer may affect the results.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific area, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on free-ranging adult mule deer in Colorado, with a mix of male and female subjects.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0019
Confidence Interval
95% binomial CI 0.39–0.66 for infected deer; 95% binomial CI 0.70–0.91 for uninfected deer
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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