Moose are an essential part of Maine鈥檚 ecosystems, cultural identity and outdoor economy. As ecosystems rapidly change, moose face an increased risk of infection by parasites and disease.
Researchers at the University of Maine are researching new ways to study and monitor the parasites that plague Maine鈥檚 moose in order to best help and manage the population.
University of Maine third-year Alden Falardeau of Saco, Maine, is leading the team in testing new methods of monitoring for parasites in moose. Advised by associate professor of animal health Pauline Kamath, Falardeau is focusing on lungworm (Dictyocaulus spp.) and gastrointestinal parasites. Lungworms weaken a moose’s immune system and hamper its ability to fight off external stressors like winter ticks. Gastrointestinal parasites also can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to other parasites, some of which may cause emaciation.
Falardeau, an animal science major, is investigating whether lungworm infections can be detected through DNA analysis of moose lung tissue, while identifying the gastrointestinal parasites present in their fecal pellets. Her team is testing these methods using samples from live captures and hunter harvests. Better detection can improve monitoring and understanding of parasite prevalence among moose.
For the lungworm, the team extracted DNA from lung tissue samples. Researchers then evaluated them for traces of lungworm using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies a unique section of lungworm鈥檚 DNA where signs of this parasite can be found.
鈥淚f we can verify lung tissue as a sample to detect lungworm, that could help with future research,鈥 said Falardeau. 鈥淚t can also help get the community more involved in research if we are able to use hunter harvested samples for identifying infections like lungworm.鈥
Current research on lungworm in moose relies on visually examining moose lungs or waste, the efficacy of which can be dependent on a range of factors. Genetic data, in contrast, may allow scientists to identify traces of lungworm faster and with greater accuracy.
Understanding what gastrointestinal parasites they should be looking for will allow for better detection and management in future. 鈥淓ssentially, we are looking to identify and quantify the parasite eggs and larvae that are present in fecal samples,鈥 said Falardeau. Crucially, this approach is not invasive, which is great for the moose.
This project was made possible by funding from 91福利鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research and has provided Falardeau valuable hands-on experience.
“I’ve learned so much, from lab techniques to experimental design, and I鈥檝e had the opportunity to be involved in meaningful conservation research,鈥 he said.
This research is rooted in the One Health approach, which recognises that people, animals and the environment are interconnected. It also highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife disease for broader ecological well-being.
As Maine鈥檚 moose remain a vital part of the state鈥檚 identity, efforts to better understand parasite impacts are critical to ensuring the long-term health of this iconic species and the ecosystems of which they are a part.
Story by Sophie Knox, research media internContact: Daniel Timmermann, daniel.timmermann@maine.edu
