Effects of canine parvovirus on gray wolves in Minnesota

L. D. Mech, S. M. Goyal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

A gray wolf Canis lupus population was studied in a 2060km2 area of Minnesota for 15 yr to determine its response to canine parvovirus (CPV). The CPV had little effect on wolf population size while epizootic during 1979-1983. The CPV antibody prevalence in adult wolves increased to 87% in 1993. However, because population level remained stable, CPV-induced mortality appeared to compensate for other mortality factors such as starvation. It is predicted that the winter wolf population will decline when CPV prevalence in adults consistently exceeds 76%. The CPV may become important in limiting world populations. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)565-570
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Wildlife Management
Volume59
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1995

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