[h=1]'Unusual' bacteria could be key to Northern muskox population's decline[/h]
[h=3]Researchers figure bacteria, climate change among main factors causing decline in N.W.T., Nunavut population[/h]
CBC News Posted: Aug 10, 2015 5:28 PM CT Last Updated: Aug 10, 2015 5:28 PM CT
A bacteria may be the culprit for the sharp decline of the muskox population in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, according to a team of researchers.
The bacteria, erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, has been observed in deceased muskoxen on Banks Island, in the Northwest Territories, as well as Nunavut's Victoria Island, since 2010. Researchers are now studying other animals in the northern ecosystem to observe the spread of the disease.
The bacteria is "normally found in pigs and poultry," said Susan Kutz, an associate professor at the University of Calgary. "This has never been found in the Arctic or in muskox before. It's very unusual to find such a thing."..
