Project period: 9 1 23-8 31 25PROJECT title: dynamics of winter tick-parasite interactions in mooseproject description: moose populations are believed to be in decline along the southern edge of their…

Project period: 9 1 23-8 31 25PROJECT title: dynamics of winter tick-parasite interactions in mooseproject description: moose populations are believed to be in decline along the southern edge of their range in north america, with parasite infections being cited as playing a key role in these declines. In the northeastern united states, moose declines are largely attributed to the winter tick (dermacentor albipictus), with severe infestations causing calf mortality and decreasing COW productivity. Winter tick parasitism can cause anemia, reduced feeding, hair loss, excessive shivering and reduced FAT stores in moose. Beyond winter ticks, studies have shown moose are infected with multiple parasitic organisms, which may have compounding negative effects on moose health. This proposed project will examine the CO-distributions of multiple parasite infections, including winter ticks, in maine moose. In addition, IT will evaluate the combined effects of winter ticks and CO-infecting parasites on moose fitness. Activities to be performed: will apply molecular approaches to characterize parasite communities in moose, paired with data on survival, to examine the effects of infection on moose health. Biological samples (blood, feces, ticks) will be collected from live-captured moose calves in maine for parasite screening using both traditional parasitology and molecular approaches. During live-capture, moose will be collared and tracked to obtained associated overwintering survival, movement, and habitat use data. Blood samples will be examined to quantify blood cell parameters as indices of anemia and immune function. Parasites diagnostics will include targeting specific parasites (anaplasma, toxoplasma, p. Tenuis, echinococcus, dictyocaulus), high-throughput metagenomic sequencing (illumina, oxford nanopore minion adaptive sampling) applied to DNA extracted from fecal samples and winter ticks for molecular characterization of whole parasite communities in moose and winter ticks, respectively. Survival and statistical modelling will be performed, combining parasite infection data with individual data on SEX, condition, movement, and survival, to examine the effects of CO-infections (winter ticks and other parasites) on moose immune function and fitness.deliverables and expected outcomes: the results of the study are expected to provide insight into the drivers of moose population declines, data that will inform management actions to ensure the long-term viability of the species. Results of the project will be shared at regional, national, and international scientific conferences, and through regular communications with tribal and state wildlife managers as well as other stakeholder groups concerned with winter ticks and moose population health. Will also hold regular research group meetings, involving managers, collaborators, students, and researchers working on the moose-winter tick system to share progress and facilitate further research collaborations. Two scientific manuscripts are expected, including one focused on describing parasite communities in moose and ticks, and another focused on how parasite interactions affect calf survival and immune function. The project will also provide training opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students at the university of maine.intended beneficiary(IES): this project will support one graduate and two undergraduate student researchers involved with the project. IT will also provide valuable data to the state wildlife agency to inform the management of moose in maine. There are no intended subrecipients at this time.