Evaluating the Impact of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Moose

Dramatic declines over the past couple decades in North American moose are thought to be driven in part by increasing tick burdens that reduce winter survival. Young calves are especially at risk, contributing to herd declines. The increase of tick-borne diseases is an emerging issue in humans, but little is known about how rising tick burden impacts wildlife. Researchers will evaluate the combined effects of winter ticks and other parasitic infections on moose survival in Maine and generate a model to predict its ongoing impact on moose populations. The team also will evaluate potential risk factors of infections, including sex, age, region, body weight, nutrition, stress, immune system function and genetics. A better understanding of the drivers and impacts of parasitic infections will help inform effective management strategies to maintain healthy moose populations across North America.