Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU

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The Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) is offering a funding opportunity in which the goal is to use epidemiological models to investigate disease dynamics of brucellosis in the bison populations of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and Yellowstone National Park (YNP). The intent is to develop a model to evaluate various scenarios that could potentially be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of vaccinations. A stochastic individual-based SEIR model will allow for more detailed representation of transmission than the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) modeling framework. After preliminary analyses of the epidemiological model, communication of these results to natural resource managers within the GYE will need to take place. Ultimately, the objectives are to 1) develop and run epidemiological modeling to assess the potential effectiveness of management programs that would combine vaccination with management removals and/or contraception to control/eliminate brucellosis from bison; 2) communicate results to natural resource managers; 3) and to publish the research results. NOROCK conducts research in support of natural resources management in the mountains and plains of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. The Center produces and disseminates scientific information needed for decision-making in collaboration with Federal and State land management agencies, Native American tribes, academic institutions and organizations. Since 2001, NOROCK has funded projects that advance the Center in producing strong and unbiased scientific information necessary for decision making. The Center will continue to support such projects.

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