Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Biology
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease in deer and elk, continues to expand within wild and captive cervid herds alike. Deer and elk play a critical role in CWD and many other zoonotic diseases, serving as both reservoirs and carriers. Some of these diseases have the capability to cause serious infections in humans and other animals such as Lyme disease (Caraco, 1998) and anthrax (Hugh-Jones, 2002). Current research models being used to explore cervid disease include white-tail deer and elk. These large animals are difficult to handle and may require specialized biosecure facilities to house them. In contrast, a small cervid research model would offer advantages of scale by reducing the housing restrictions, restraining effort and challenges associated with the daily care. The first aim of this study was to characterize Reeve's muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) as a small cervid which corresponds to these preferred research model traits. The muntjac acclimated well to a laboratory setting, adjusting well to captivity and human contact. The average weight of the muntjac included in this study was 9kg thus allowing for easy manipulation of the animals with limited need for anesthesia. The muntjac had higher body temperatures when compared to white-tail deer. In addition, they had higher respiration and heart rates then those of sheep. Hematological comparisons to white-tail deer showed the muntjac to have lower populations of CD4 T cells and yo T cells, but the muntjac had higher proportions of CD8 T cells and B cells. Our second aim was to determine the muntjac susceptibility to CWD. The muntjac were inoculated intracerebrally (n = 5) or orally (n = 5) with a control group (n = 2). As a result of this study the animals were found to be susceptible to CWD, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Physiological parameters, hematological values and peripheral blood lymphocytes were monitored over the course of this study to develop a valuable baseline for future studies. A panel of cross-reactive monoclonal anti-sheep antibodies was applied to identify the following cell markers: CD4, CD8, T19, CD72, CD21, CD14, and myeloid lineage. The ability of the muntjac to adapt to a research setting, along with their breeding characteristics and small stature makes the animals an advantageous research model. Utilizing muntjac as a small cervid research model provides a new avenue to explore CWD in addition to the importance deer play in other various zoonotic diseases.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Chronic wasting disease
Muntiacus reevesi -- Infections
Deer -- Infections
Communicable diseases in animals
Prion diseases in animals
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
56
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Westby, Mackenzie, "Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) as a Small Cervid Research Model and Their Susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1487.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1487
