Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program:
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Disease prevalence in small mammals is largely unknown in Alaska, with little monitoring occurring throughout the state. The potential for disease transmission between small mammals and domestic animals is high, and the subsequent potential for transmission to humans poses a legitimate health concern in Alaska. We are surveying small mammal populations near concentrations of domestic animals (sled dogs and livestock) to determine if disease prevalence in small mammals is affected by proximity and exposure to domestic animals. This will be the first coordinate survey effort for small mammal disease exposure in Alaska.