Researchers tackle brainworm epidemic in northern Minnesota moose population
ST. PAUL Funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund will enable researchers from the University of Minnesota, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Virginia Tech University to improve moose survival by mapping the spread of brainworm in northern Minnesota.
Five years of data (collected from 20132018) revealed that brainworm is responsible for 25-33 percent of moose mortality in the declining Minnesota population.
Historically, moose were the primary subsistence species to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, said Seth Moore, director of biology and environment at the Grand Portage Band.
But harvest has declined in recent years following declines in Minnesota moose populations, he added. Researching moose health and sustainability with the intent to improve management is critical to reversing the declining trend.
Read more: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/outdoors/2722868-Researchers-tackle-brainworm-epidemic-in-northern-Minnesota-moose-population