Develop and/or application of predictive genetics for wild cervids

Activities to be performed include evaluate population structure of white-tailed deer in the region using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) genotyping for comparison to completed population structure using microsatellites. Develop method for genetic assignment tests to infer subpopulation of origin of wild white-tailed deer based using SNPS. Assess the possibility of differential susceptibility to CWD in wild deer based on SNP genotypes, identifying alleles associated with susceptibility in the wild. Understanding population structure of white-tailed deer and delineating management units accordingly will allow for coordinated management actions covering the extent of each deme federal, state, and tribal agencies would benefit from population-level genetic information, which can be used to delineate management units based on gene flow/genetic clusters. Historical management boundaries for white-tailed deer by management agencies are based on geopolitical boundaries or topography that are often not based on disease epidemiology or deer biology. Developing management units based on genetics or determining likely origin of a new foci for CWD will likely be useful across vast regions in the future to identify areas of high risk to CWD spread in the presence of an outbreak or at lower risk due to their isolation. There is no sub award.