Health protocol for translocation of free-ranging elk

When considering an elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration program, wildlife mana gers must evaluate the positive and negative elements of translocation. We prepared this protocol to give an overview of health considerations associa ted with translocation of elk, with an emphasis on movement of free-ranging elk from western North America to the southeastern USA. We evaluated infec tious agents and ectoparasites reported in elk from two perspectives. First , we made a qualitative estimate of the ability of the agent to be introduc ed and to become established. This was done using a selected set of epidemi ologic factors. Second, if there was a good possibility that the organism c ould become established in the release area, the potential pathological con sequences for elk and other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans were ass essed via examination of the literature and consultation with other animal health specialists. The results of these evaluations were used to classify infectious agents and ectoparasites as low risk (n = 174), unknown risk (n = 10), and high risk (n = 9). We classified Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Pasteurella multocida serotype 3, Ela phostrongylus cervi, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fascioloides magna, Echinoco ccus granulosus, Dermacentor albipictus, and Otobius megnini as unknown ris ks. High risk infectious agents and ectoparasites were the agent of chronic wasting disease, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium bovis, Dermacentor anders oni, Ixodes pacificus, and Psoroptes sp. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, Elaeop hora schneideri, and a Babesia sp. are parasites endemic in the southeaster n USA that may present a "reverse risk" and adversely affect elk if release d in some parts of the region. We developed a five-component protocol to re duce the risk of introduction of high risk infectious agents and ectoparasi tes that included: (1) evaluation of the health status of source population s, (2) quarantines, (3) physical examination and diagnostic testing, (4), r estrictions on translocation of animals from certain geographic areas or po pulations, and (5) prophylactic treatment.