Abstract for: Lessons from Supporting US State Wildlife Agencies in Managing Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease of white-tailed deer (and other cervids) which has continued to expand in intensity and spatial extent across North America despite extensive disease control efforts. CWD has a long latency period and spreads both indirectly and directly between animals, making it especially challenging to control. We are presenting our work here with multiple state agencies to inform their management of CWD with a system dynamics model that has been fit to local data. In building the model we have incorporated both expert knowledge and best available data from literature. We have found that the model is adaptable between States, with deer and the disease being similar across similar geographies. However, while we have gained a better understanding of the disease and management options, there remains significant challenges in managing the public social complexity. While it’s one thing to have a good model, it’s another thing to be able to communicate about that model and to be able to engage with stakeholders. We will share some things we’ve learned and are learning through this process.