About This Project

Our research question centers about the prevalence and diversity of hemoparasites that infect ungulate poplulations in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We hypothesize that ungulate populations in the Northern Shenandoah Valley harbor a high prevalence and diversity of hemoparasites which would reflect an endemic parasite assemblage associated with the ecology of the region.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

White-tailed deer are highly prevalent in the northeastern part of the USA. There, they play a crucial role in healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, they can also be harmful as an overabundant species threatening the environmental balance of the region (Ripa et al.,2023). Due to their prevalence, white-tailed deer are readily accessible for ecological studies which can be conducted as collaborative projects with local wildlife agencies. Recent regional surveys in the northeast of the USA have documented a significant presence of harmful organisms amongst the white-tailed deer population. Babesia, Plasmodium, and other blood parasites could be detected (Rochlin et al., 2025). These parasites have demonstrated to negatively affect host health and lifespan and further potential to transmit to livestock (Guggisberg et al., 2018). We expect a high prevalence and diversity of hemoparasites in ungulate blood due to roaming behavior in vegetation, where exposure to vectors is common.

What is the significance of this project?

Research on wildlife diseases usually focuses on broader regions, such as states or multi-state areas, rather than single protected areas with free-ranging species such as white-tailed deer. Multi-pathogen surveillance is important to monitor the health of the white-tailed deer populations in a specific region such as the Shenandoah Valley. This study aims to collect blood samples from individual white-tailed deer in that area in order to evaluate and categorize the presence and prevalence of various hemoparasitic infections.

What are the goals of the project?

The aim of our study is to conduct a systematic and comprehensive survey of all blood parasites that infect white-tailed deer in the Shenandoah Valley. We intend to provide a broad ecological profile of each detected hemoparasite species by tracking their prevalence in selected locations. The number of deer can vary. We aim for at least 50 deer but we take what we can get and are happy to sample more if given the opportunity. We have 2 official sampling sites in Front Royal Virginia, but hunters bring their deer from various locations in the Shenandoah Valley. The data generated in this study will help us map the regional concentration of each discovered blood parasite. Future sampling trips will help us to expand our generated map. Investigating the blood of livestock in the same area will further allow us to assess the presence of blood parasites in domesticated ungulates and compare the identified species to the species we have identified in wild ungulates.