Question

PAGE NO.:
DATE:
B
a 2
B
ra
Btv
[w=p) 48-Y](%-a)
(apar?
rta
at up​

Answer 1

Answer:

Which questions is this...

Answer 2

Background: Understanding the contact rate—density relationship is fundamental for understanding disease transmission in wildlife populations and for determining the likely effectiveness of any culling-based disease control strategies. Badgers act as a host species for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the UK, and much control has been based on the assumption that reducing numbers of badgers will reduce contact rates and hence reduce disease transmission. However, field data suggest there is no simple relationship between bTB prevalence and badger density. Here we combine data from two field sites with contrasting population densities to determine the nature of the contact rate—density relationship for badgers. Methods: We fitted proximity data loggers to 26 badgers at a high-density site (Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire, UK) and 11 badgers at a medium-density site (Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, UK). We quantified the contact patterns in terms of contact rate and contact duration, and used social network analysis to investigate network connectivity and the constancy of associations over time. Results: Daily contact duration and frequency, adjusted for the number of badgers wearing collars, were highly correlated with one another. There were no significant differences in the levels and patterns of contact, or in contact networks, between the two study sites. Conclusions: Contrary to previous assumptions, the results are consistent with there being no positive relationship between contact rates and population density. This could have important implications for managing bTB in badgers, since alterations to population density, as caused (e.g. by culling or fertility control) may therefore be unlikely to reduce disease spread.