Which specific diseases carried by introduced plains bison spread to wood bison herds in WBNP?
Answer
Tuberculosis and brucellosis.
The introduction of over 6,600 plains bison into Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) between 1925 and 1928 introduced two major liabilities: genetic hybridization and infectious diseases. The introduced plains bison carried several bovine diseases that were subsequently transmitted to the native wood bison population residing in WBNP. The primary pathogens cited as spreading were tuberculosis and brucellosis. The management and containment of these diseases within the remaining affected wood bison herds continue to present a significant challenge for both governmental agencies and Indigenous communities sharing that northern territory.
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