International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 233-243 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 239 environmental pollution. Secondly, it demonstrates the role of wildlife as reservoirs and vectors for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which can have far-reaching consequences for both animal and human health. This case study emphasizes the need for integrated public and ecosystem health policies, improved surveillance, and control strategies to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The findings also suggest that conservation efforts must consider the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors to effectively protect vulnerable wildlife populations (Palmeira et al., 2021; Laborda et al., 2022). 7 Implications for Conservation and Disease Management 7.1 Integrating susceptibility research into conservation Understanding the mechanisms behind differential susceptibility and resistance to diseases in wildlife is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Research has shown that genetic variation plays a significant role in how different species and even individuals within a species respond to pathogens. For instance, studies on white-tailed deer have demonstrated that genetic differences in the prion protein gene (PRNP) significantly impact susceptibility to chronic wasting disease (CWD), with resistant genotypes showing lower infection rates and higher survival (Robinson et al., 2012). Similarly, research on amphibians has identified species-level characteristics, such as body size and reproductive behaviors, that influence susceptibility to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) (Bancroft et al., 2011). By integrating these findings into conservation plans, we can prioritize efforts on the most vulnerable species and develop targeted interventions to mitigate disease impacts. 7.2 Strategies for enhancing resistance in vulnerable species Enhancing resistance in vulnerable wildlife populations can be achieved through several strategies. One approach is selective breeding programs that focus on increasing the prevalence of resistant genotypes within a population. For example, the identification of genetic markers associated with disease resistance in elephants has opened up possibilities for breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to diseases like tuberculosis and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) (Tollis et al., 2021). Another strategy involves habitat management to reduce disease transmission. Studies have shown that environmental factors, such as the availability of refugia and changes in community composition, can influence host persistence following disease outbreaks (Brannelly et al., 2020). By creating environments that support the survival of resistant individuals and reduce pathogen load, we can enhance the overall resilience of wildlife populations. 7.3 Policy and management recommendations Wildlife monitoring is a critical component of conservation biology, ecology, and environmental management (Zhu, 2024). Effective disease management in wildlife requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates both scientific research and practical interventions. Policymakers should prioritize funding for research that explores the genetic and environmental factors influencing disease susceptibility and resistance. This includes supporting studies that use advanced molecular techniques to understand host-pathogen interactions and identify key genetic markers of resistance (Eskew et al., 2021; Morris et al., 2023). Additionally, management practices should be informed by social network models that consider the demographic and behavioral aspects of disease transmission (Silk et al., 2019). For instance, understanding the social structure of host populations can help in designing interventions that minimize contact between infected and susceptible individuals. Finally, policies should promote the conservation of genetic diversity within wildlife populations, as this diversity is crucial for the long-term adaptability and resilience of species to emerging infectious diseases (Duxbury et al., 2018). By integrating susceptibility research into conservation efforts, enhancing resistance through targeted strategies, and implementing informed policy and management practices, we can better protect wildlife populations from the devastating impacts of infectious diseases. 8 Concluding Remarks Differential infection in wildlife is influenced by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic variability, pathogen-host interactions, and environmental factors. Genetic differences among individuals and species can significantly impact susceptibility to diseases, as seen in the case of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer,
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