Spatial compartmentalization: A nonlethal predator mechanism to reduce parasite transmission between prey species.

ABSTRACT: Predators can modulate disease transmission within prey populations by influencing prey demography and behavior. Predator-prey dynamics can involve multiple species in heterogeneous landscapes; however, studies of predation on disease transmission rarely consider the role of landscapes or the transmission among diverse prey species (i.e., spillover). We used high-resolution habitat and movement data to model spillover risk of the brainworm parasite (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) between two prey species [white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces)], accounting for predator [gray wolf (Canis lupus)] presence and landscape configuration. Results revealed that spring migratory movements of cervid hosts increased parasite spillover risk from dee

SUBMITTER: Oliveira-Santos LGR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8694586 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature