Investigating Parasitic Diseases in Northern Wildlife
Author Information
Author(s): Hoberg Eric P., Polley Lydden, Jenkins Emily J., Kutz Susan J., Veitch Alasdair M., Elkin Brett T.
Primary Institution: US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
Hypothesis
How do climate change and other factors influence the emergence of parasitic diseases in northern wildlife?
Conclusion
A decade of research has led to a better understanding of how climate change affects the emergence of parasitic diseases in northern wildlife.
Supporting Evidence
- The North serves as a sentinel for assessing the effects of climate change on host-parasite relationships.
- Emerging infectious diseases in northern wildlife are linked to climate change and host switching.
- Integrated approaches are essential for understanding the dynamics of parasitic diseases in wildlife.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how warmer temperatures can change the way parasites affect animals in the North, which could be bad for both wildlife and people.
Methodology
The study involved geographic surveys, archival collections, and laboratory and field studies to explore host-parasite systems.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in defining pathogen diversity due to assumptions about northern wildlife parasites and the lack of preserved specimens.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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