UMaine Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory: WILDLIFE
The health of Maine’s wildlife is a top priority for University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Collaborations with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Marine Resources, and Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry seek to further Maine’s commitment to conservation.
- University of Maine researchers are working to assess the health of Maine’s iconic moose herd through the tracking of emerging pathogens and parasites.
- Infestations of lungworms and winter ticks can have serious health consequences for moose and may contribute to increased mortality of moose calves.
- Researchers recently documented the presence of Echinococcus granulosis, a tapeworm that can significantly impact moose health, in portions of Maine’s moose population.
- The new lab will allow University of Maine researchers to perform diagnostic services on large wildlife to aid in the detection, diagnosis, and management of emerging wildlife diseases.