Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) contains a large proportion of the few remaining wood bison in the world. Survival of these bison is limited by disease, including bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, which can spread to livestock and people. These diseases and the state of the wood bison population have implications for human health, economics, lifestyle, and culture.
Indigenous communities consider bison particularly important to their cultural identity and connection with the land. Beef cattle and commercial bison producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan are concerned with the possibility of disease transmission to their herds and damage to their livelihoods. Ecologists are concerned with bioconservation of the wood bison and their habitat. Governments are interested in options for managing bison health that take into account the varied positions of stakeholders.
Sustainable management of wood bison in WBNP requires a cooperative approach addressing stakeholder beliefs, attitudes, and cultures. Past options include hunting, selective culling, the possibility of fencing, and vaccination, have all met with criticism due to cost or logistical and cultural barriers.
This research approaches the bison health problem from a One Health perspective and emphasizes the social and economic environment as much as the biological environment. We will examine stakeholder attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs, and how they lead to collaborative decision-making for managing bison health.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This research will contribute to the development of long-term sustainable options for managing the health of wood bison in Wood Buffalo National Park. This goal aligns with enhanced animal productivity, sustainable animal production, a One Health approach to pathogen reduction, and appropriate knowledge transfer.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Knowledge mobilization will begin early with community participation. Results will be provided to all interested parties through a variety of mediums such as workshops, media releases, and summary documents.