3 research outputs found
Circular 100
Factors influencing calf survival are predation,
insects, weather, diseases, and-ultimately-dam condition. In addition, reindeer calves on the
Seward Peninsula are also subjected to annual herding
and handling. The effects of any of these factors
were unknown in reindeer herds on the Seward Peninsula.
Our objectives were to determine the causes
of mortality, particularly through purportedly high grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) predation; and to determine
the survival rates of reindeer calves in one
herd and provide management recommendations,
based on a simple model, attempting to increase
the herd numbers
Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes : Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation
The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic
disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are
recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global
conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with
hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially
relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs,
including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and
trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We
reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife
(including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated
the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns,
and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological
systems. While multiple zoonotic pathogens circulate in these systems, risks to humans
are mostly limited to individual illness or local community outbreaks. These regions are
relatively remote, subject to very cold temperatures, have relatively low wildlife, domestic
animal, and pathogen diversity, and in many cases low density, including of humans.
Hence, favorable conditions for emergence of novel diseases or major amplification of
a spillover event are currently not present. The greatest risk to northern communities from pathogens of pandemic potential is via introduction with humans visiting from other
areas. However, Arctic and boreal ecosystems are undergoing rapid changes through
climate warming, habitat encroachment, and development; all of which can change host
and pathogen relationships, thereby affecting the probability of the emergence of new
(and re-emergence of old) zoonoses. Indigenous leadership and engagement in disease
monitoring, prevention and response, is vital from the outset, and would increase the
success of such efforts, as well as ensure the protection of Indigenous rights as outlined
in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Partnering with
northern communities and including Indigenous Knowledge Systems would improve the
timeliness, and likelihood, of detecting emerging zoonotic risks, and contextualize risk
assessments to the unique human-wildlife relationships present in northern biomes.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofReviewedFacultyResearche