|
|
Hotchkiss, CO --
Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists recently began monitoring mule deer
bucks in the North Fork Valley in an effort to better understand a disease
that causes antler deformities and the possible long-term effects on herd
health.
During the past 10 years, hunters and residents of the Hotchkiss and
Crawford areas have reported a high number of so-called "cactus bucks." In
these male animals the antlers grow in odd shapes, never develop fully and
do not lose their velvet. Biologists think that the antler deformities are
indicators of hemorrhagic disease which is caused by viruses transmitted by
bites from small insects called midges. But they don't understand why the
disease is particularly prevalent in this area of Colorado. Hemorrhagic
disease can also affect white-tailed deer and pronghorns.
In early January, biologists captured and put radio transmitter collars on
eight infected animals, said Brandon Diamond, Gunnison-area terrestrial
biologist for Parks and Wildlife. Bloods samples were taken and each deer's
physical condition was assessed.
"With the radio collars we'll be able to follow their movements, determine
if they lose their antlers, and whether they re-grow normal antlers,"
Diamond said. "At the same time we'll also be able to evaluate their annual
survival rates."
The viruses transmitted by the insect bite interrupt hormone production and
cause atrophy in the testicles. Infected deer may only suffer a transient
fever; however, some animals become lethargic, develop ulcers on their
mouths and tongues, show respiratory distress, lose their appetite and
suffer internal bleeding. Midges are most prevalent in wet areas, and
biologists believe that deer become infected when they are concentrated
around water holes.
Diamond explained that licensed hunters are allowed to harvest "cactus
bucks" during the annual deer seasons. The virus does not infect humans and
there is no risk from handling or eating venison from these deer.
While the disease can be fatal, biologists are trying to learn whether
infected animals return to normal health and breeding status.
"Right now, the focus is on bucks because their antlers allow us to
identify that they've been infected and to observe changes over time,"
Diamond said.
The radio collars can transmit for up to five years, providing biologists
the opportunity to make long-term observations. The collars also are
expandable so they accommodate the bucks' increased neck size during the
breeding season.
The deer were captured on private land.
"We really appreciate the cooperation from the landowners and the public
support for this project," Diamond said. "We hope to continue this project
for several years and we may continue to capture animals in the future to
boost our sample size."
|
| |
|
Resources & Related Links
● Indiana
Bat Tests Positive For White-nosed Fungus
•
CWD Hits Bucks Harder
•
USDA National Wildlife research Center
•
Wisconsin CWD
•
South Dakota
•
CWD Timeline
• |
| |
| |
|
|
|
