Inferring Chronic Wasting Disease Incidence from Prevalence Data

Incidence of chronic wasting disease infection showed strong, positive correlation (r >= 0.944) with apparent prevalence among female and male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in seven herds previously studied in Colorado and Wyoming, US. With attention to monitoring method consistency and context, inferring that observed prevalence trends reflect underlying epidemic dynamics in mule deer herds appears justifiable.

Automated summary

The incidence of chronic wasting disease infection is strongly correlated with the apparent prevalence among female and male mule deer in seven herds studied in Colorado and Wyoming. Monitoring method consistency and context are important factors to consider when inferring prevalence trends reflect underlying epidemic dynamics in the deer herds.