Genetic natural resistance to brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park bison (Bison bison): a preliminary assessment
Date
2013
Authors
Herman, Julia Anne, author
Salman, Mo, advisor
Hill, Ashley, committee member
Huyvaert, Kathryn, committee member
Rhyan, Jack, committee member
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Abstract
As a nationally recognized symbol of perseverance and survival, the American bison (Bison bison) continues to be the focus of many conservation efforts. This is particularly true in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) where genetic diversity and population dynamics are threatened by the presence of Brucella abortus infection, the causative agent of brucellosis. To further complicate management efforts, the potential for transmission of B. abortus to livestock surrounding the park could have effects on human and animal health in addition to negative economic impacts. Genetic natural resistance to infectious diseases such as brucellosis has been examined in bison and other species. Consideration of using genetic natural resistance as a management tool within YNP relies on its applicability to the population and effectiveness in identifying susceptible or resistant animals. The aim of this study was to further investigate genetic natural resistance to brucellosis in bison using the prion protein gene (PRNP). This could provide a genetic management tool for future populations by identifying resistant and susceptible genotypes to brucellosis that governing agencies could screen when selecting animals for removal. Animals used in this study were part of the Bison Quarantine Feasibility Study (BQFS), which was conducted by state and federal government agencies to explore alternative options for bison that leave the protection of the park's perimeters as part of the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP). After completing the study, the bison involved will be released into areas of their historic range and managed as a conservation herd. In addition to investigating genetic natural resistance, other genetic aspects were analyzed in this quarantine herd. We evaluated genetic diversity at 42 microsatellite loci representing each of the nuclear chromosomes in the bison genome. These markers allowed us to determine parentage which helped quantify the genetic diversity contained in the conservation herd. It was also important to understand the genetic diversity of the herd and to determine if any genetic characteristics such as cattle DNA introgression or low genetic diversity may threaten the protected status of this herd. Previously developed mitochondrial and nuclear DNA microsatellite markers were applied to determine if any introgression of domestic cattle DNA is presen. PRNP examination provided conflicting results from previous bison PRNP studies, justifying further research into the importance of PRNP in genetic natural resistance. As a conservation herd, this group of bison demonstrates high retention of unique YNP genetic diversity, high percentage of adult animals contributing offspring, and no evidence of cattle DNA introgression. This study explains support for using YNP bison as stocking animals for future satellite herds under the condition that BQFS protocol is followed. Results of these genetic analyses provide a thorough description of a quarantined herd of YNP bison destined for release to brucellosis-free public lands.
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Subject
bison
Yellowstone National Park
brucellosis
genetic diversity
PRNP
satellite herd