Brucellosis, caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus <i>Brucella</i>, is a zoonotic disease with global impacts on human, livestock, and wildlife health. Around 500,000 cases of human brucellosis are reported by the World Health Organization annually. Even though brucellosis has been eradicated from domestic livestock in the United States of America, the causative bacterial pathogen is still present in elk, bison, and feral swine. With the growth of free-range farming, domestic livestock and wildlife populations come into close contact, spreading the disease. Feral swine interactions are of particular concern. They carry a number of zoonotic diseases including brucellosis. As there is no commercial vaccination protocol to prevent brucellosis in wildlife and swine, interactions with these populations are especially dangerous for public health. Feral swine population is increasing nationwide even with the current population control practices. There is an urgent need for efficient control of feral swine and preventing the spread of brucellosis. To aid in the prevention of the spread of feral swine across the USA, immunocontraceptives have been employed. Over the years several candidates have been tested, but the search for the perfect vaccine is still ongoing. The monumental task includes reversibly preventing one of life’s most basic necessities, reproduction, through an oral route with no effect on non-target species. One way that science is tackling both of these threats at once is through dual-purpose vaccines. Dual-purpose vaccines produce an immune response that targets two different pathogens, or in this case a pathogen and reproductive hormones. In the effort to produce this vaccine, more knowledge was needed in regards to <i>B. neotomae</i>. This dissertation showed that it has the ability to survive in a variety of cells from different species, in a similar manner to known virulent <i>Brucella</i> species. This is of concern when using <i>B. neotomae</i> as a vaccine, but it has also been shown that attenuated <i>B. neotomae</i> can provide protection against virulent <i>B. suis, B. abortus</i>, and <i>B. melitensis</i> challenge. This is a major finding in the effort towards a universal brucellosis vaccine. After genetic manipulation, cell culture assays, and mouse trials, several leucine auxotrophic <i>B. neotomae</i> and <i>B. abortus</i> strains show promise in the effort towards a dual-purpose vaccine. Strains of <i>B. neotomae</i> <i>ΔwboA ΔleuB</i> pNS4-trcD-fliC-Gonadotropins were discontinued in this effort towards a brucellosis immunocontraceptive dual-purpose vaccine due to lethality issues in mice. These stability and lethality issues are still under investigation. Instead, a proven stable strain of <i>B. abortus</i> RB51 (a USDA approved cattle vaccine) was used to investigate its effects on fertility in mice when expressing fliC-Gonadotropins. Strains <i>B. abortus</i> RB51 ΔleuB pNS4-trcD-fliC-porcineFSHβ (RB51LFSHβ) and <i>B. abortus</i> RB51 ΔleuB pNS4-trcD-fliC-GnRH (RB51LGnRH) confer reduced fertility characteristics in both male and female purpose bred mice. Strain RB51 ΔleuB has also been shown to protect against virulent <i>B. abortus</i> challenge in the literature. These findings warrant further investigation to determine the efficacy of these vaccine strains in swine as an oral vaccine. Ultimately, their ability to prevent brucellosis, while causing immunocontraception needs to be determined in feral swine. / Ph.D. / While brucellosis has been eradicated from domestic livestock in the United States, the causative agent is still present in wildlife like elk, bison, and feral swine. The interactions between these infected wildlife populations with domestic livestock and human populations pose a great health risk. Many tools are employed to mitigate these interactions including vaccination programs and population management. In particular, the feral swine population has proven difficult to control. It has quadrupled in the past ten years and continues to expand nationwide, making their population control an important national objective. Furthermore, feral swine are known carriers of zoonotic diseases, including hemorraghic colitis, leptospirosis, trichinosis, swine influenza, and brucellosis. Many cases of these diseases in humans have been traced back to interactions with feral swine. The current population control practices have failed to minimize the $1.5 billion of damage they cause to the agricultural industry per year. Thus, there is a need to effectively control the feral swine population and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases like brucellosis. Rough leucine auxotrophic strains of <i>Brucella</i> expressing gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or porcine follicle stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSH) conjugated to <i>Salmonella</i> fliC show promise. They have been shown to provide protection from virulent Brucella strain challenge and reduce fertility characteristics in mice. Their effectiveness as an immunocontraceptive for feral swine management, while reducing the spread of brucellosis needs to be tested in swine. These vaccine strains [<i>B. abortus</i> RB51 ΔleuB pNS4-trcD-fliC-porcineFSHβ (RB51LFSHβ), <i>B. abortus</i> RB51 ΔleuB pNS4-trcD-fliC-GnRH (RB51LGnRH) and <i>B. neotomae ΔwboA ΔleuB</i> pNS4-trcD-fliC-GnRH (BNWLGnRH)] could pave the way for effective novel immunocontraceptive tools to be used in wildlife management.

For the second study, a web-based survey was developed and distributed to all members of four major health education organizations. A total of 1,925 HEs’ completed the survey and 1,607 responses were utilized in the final analysis. This study indicated that participants had deficient knowledge and unfavorable attitudes toward the CDCproposed genomic competencies. In the third study, a theoretical model was developed to predict HEs’ likelihood to incorporate genomic competencies into their practice. Using techniques from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the model was tested with the same data of the second study. Findings supported the proposed theoretical model. While genomic knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy were significantly associated with HEs’ likelihood to incorporate genomic competencies into their practice, attitudes was the strongest predictor of likelihood. In summary, these studies indicated that participating HEs had deficient genomic knowledge, unfavorable attitudes toward a set of CDC-proposed genomic competencies, and low likelihood to adopt genomic competencies into health promotion. Relevant training should be developed and advocated. As the SEM analysis results indicated the survey findings supported the proposed theoretical model, which can be utilized to steer future training for HEs. statistics, 2) unadjusted inferential statistics, 3) stratified analysis, and 4) multivariable models. My investigation produced results in accord with generally accepted notions in addition to significant findings that interestingly counter current preconceptions. Intraspecies contact was more common than inter-species, with indirect contact occurring more frequently than direct. Direct contact between species occurred extremely rarely. The most important factors that influenced the rate of contact for both species were water, winter, and cultivated fields. Information regarding probability of infectious agent survival and transfer will be used in the future to advance current epidemiological models, including geographicautomata (Ward et al. 2007: In Press) and cellular automata models (Doran and Laffan 2005) to better understand and manage integrated domestic cattle and free-ranging wildlife populations. Such modeling provides essential and necessary knowledge for developing prevention, detection, response, and recovery strategies – employed in advance, during, and after a disease outbreak, respectively.

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV). They cause millions in damage annually to agriculture, and likely negatively affect native wildlife species. Using camera traps, I monitored 36 forest patches within the MAV to assess the effects of swine invasions on native wildlife species richness. I also modified the double-observer point count technique into a new method for estimating swine abundance with camera traps. Feral swine suppressed native vertebrate richness by 26% when compared to uninvaded patches. I validated the new double-observer technique by determining if it could detect an abundance-area relationship in wildlife populations and estimate a known decrease in abundance following swine removal. This technique was sensitive enough to detect the increase and decrease in abundance and estimated the number of individuals removed from the population relatively accurately. This technique may be useful in the future to manage feral swine populations.

O Javali (Sus scrofa scrofa) é uma espécie com ampla distribuição mundial e presente no Brasil. No Rio Grande do Sul, nos últimos anos, aumentaram os relatos de ataques e prejuízos causados pela presença de javalis asselvajados, sendo seus impactos negativos observados na degradação da vegetação nativa e água de superfície, na predação sobre a fauna e pecuária, e na possibilidade de transmissão de doenças para humanos e animais. A localização destes animais de vida livre e os possíveis fatores associados à sua presença são de extrema importância para a Gestão Ambiental e de Saúde Animal, uma vez que estes animais podem assumir um importante papel na introdução e disseminação de doenças para a pecuária gaúcha. Um estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2012 e 2014 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul visando identificar possíveis fatores associados à presença destes animais de vida livre junto às propriedades de suínos de subsistência e apresentar uma análise espacial para identificar possíveis aglomerados da presença destes animais no Estado. As propriedades amostradas no estudo foram propriedades de suínos de subsistência, que apresentam uma menor tecnificação e biosseguridade quando comparada com as propriedades comerciais, o que pode facilitar essa interação. Foi utilizada uma amostragem proposital, onde foram selecionadas 640 propriedades em cada ano, primeiramente destinada para comprovar a ausência de atividade do vírus da Peste Suína Clássica nos criatórios do Rio Grande do Sul. Um questionário epidemiológico foi aplicado nas propriedades amostradas a fim de caracterizar e identificar as que apresentam relatos da presença de javalis asselvajados e elencar os possíveis fatores associados a sua presença. De todas as 640 propriedades amostradas, em 63 (9,8%) os proprietários relataram a possível presença de suínos asselvajados. Para análise dos fatores associados, foi utilizado um modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. No modelo final, os fatores associados à presença de javalis asselvajados foram: ter suínos criados próximos a reservas naturais (RP=2,29; IC 95% 1,10- 4,75), criação extensiva de suínos (RP=2,63; IC 95% 1,59- 4,34), ter criação de híbridos de javalis e suínos (RP=2,37; IC 95%1,09-5,19), criações de javalis na propriedade (RP=3,22; IC 95% 1,21- 8,58) e tamanho da propriedade em Km²(RP=0,54; IC 95% 0,26-1,11). Através da análise espacial foi possível identificar aglomerados de relatos da presença destes animais nas regiões sul e nordeste do Estado. Com esse estudo, espera-se dar auxilio do ponto de vista teórico a gestores públicos na implantação de políticas de saúde animal e de conservação que visem mitigar os possíveis riscos da interface animais de produção e vida selvagem. / The wild boar is a species from Eurasia which is widely distributed, being introduced in several countries, including Brazil, where it is considered an exotic invasive species. Considering the fact that pigs and wild boar belong to the same species and share the same pathogens, they have been regarded a reservoir for various harmful diseases for livestock. It is essential scientific knowledge about these free-living populations interactions with commercial pig farming. There are increasing reports numbers regarding attacks and damage caused by feral pig presence in Rio Grande do Sul. It has been causing negative impacts on native vegetation, wildlife predation, and the likelihood of transmitting diseases to humans and animals. This study aims to identify where feral pigs are in the state and assess factors associated with domestic pigs contact. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2014 using a purposive sampling, intended primarily to demonstrate and document the absence of classical swine fever virus in the farms within a free zone. A total of 640 subsistence farms were sampled throughout the state. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in these farms to identify attack and/or wild boar existence in the vicinities of the property (response variable). A Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with wild boar presence in these farms through the estimates of prevalence ratio (PR) and a scan statistic was used to find possible cluster of the wild boars presence in Rio Grande do Sul state. The variables associated with wild boar presence were farms located near forest reserves (PR=2.29; CI 95% 1,10-4,45), Total farm Area (PR=0.54; CI 95% 0.26-1.11), Farms raising outdoors pigs (PR=2.63; CI 95% 1.59-4.34) and farms raising wild boars (PR=3.22; CI 95%1.21- .8.58) and farms raising hybrid with wild boar and swine (PR=2,37; CI 95% 1,09-5,19). In the Northeast region and the Southern state two clusters were identified and overlapped in each year of study. Factors associated with feral pig presence in backyard pig farms were primarily linked with environmental variables. Properties near forest reserves, indigenous reserves and rural settlements had higher prevalence ratio (PR). This can be explained due to feral animals necessity to find refuge areas for its maintenance and stabilization, which increases contact probability with domestic pigs raised round these areas. It is proposed to support decision makers on animal health implementation policies in order to mitigate contact´s risk between domestic species and wild animals, minimizing pathogens transmission probabilities among them.

O Javali (Sus scrofa scrofa) é uma espécie com ampla distribuição mundial e presente no Brasil. No Rio Grande do Sul, nos últimos anos, aumentaram os relatos de ataques e prejuízos causados pela presença de javalis asselvajados, sendo seus impactos negativos observados na degradação da vegetação nativa e água de superfície, na predação sobre a fauna e pecuária, e na possibilidade de transmissão de doenças para humanos e animais. A localização destes animais de vida livre e os possíveis fatores associados à sua presença são de extrema importância para a Gestão Ambiental e de Saúde Animal, uma vez que estes animais podem assumir um importante papel na introdução e disseminação de doenças para a pecuária gaúcha. Um estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2012 e 2014 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul visando identificar possíveis fatores associados à presença destes animais de vida livre junto às propriedades de suínos de subsistência e apresentar uma análise espacial para identificar possíveis aglomerados da presença destes animais no Estado. As propriedades amostradas no estudo foram propriedades de suínos de subsistência, que apresentam uma menor tecnificação e biosseguridade quando comparada com as propriedades comerciais, o que pode facilitar essa interação. Foi utilizada uma amostragem proposital, onde foram selecionadas 640 propriedades em cada ano, primeiramente destinada para comprovar a ausência de atividade do vírus da Peste Suína Clássica nos criatórios do Rio Grande do Sul. Um questionário epidemiológico foi aplicado nas propriedades amostradas a fim de caracterizar e identificar as que apresentam relatos da presença de javalis asselvajados e elencar os possíveis fatores associados a sua presença. De todas as 640 propriedades amostradas, em 63 (9,8%) os proprietários relataram a possível presença de suínos asselvajados. Para análise dos fatores associados, foi utilizado um modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. No modelo final, os fatores associados à presença de javalis asselvajados foram: ter suínos criados próximos a reservas naturais (RP=2,29; IC 95% 1,10- 4,75), criação extensiva de suínos (RP=2,63; IC 95% 1,59- 4,34), ter criação de híbridos de javalis e suínos (RP=2,37; IC 95%1,09-5,19), criações de javalis na propriedade (RP=3,22; IC 95% 1,21- 8,58) e tamanho da propriedade em Km²(RP=0,54; IC 95% 0,26-1,11). Através da análise espacial foi possível identificar aglomerados de relatos da presença destes animais nas regiões sul e nordeste do Estado. Com esse estudo, espera-se dar auxilio do ponto de vista teórico a gestores públicos na implantação de políticas de saúde animal e de conservação que visem mitigar os possíveis riscos da interface animais de produção e vida selvagem. / The wild boar is a species from Eurasia which is widely distributed, being introduced in several countries, including Brazil, where it is considered an exotic invasive species. Considering the fact that pigs and wild boar belong to the same species and share the same pathogens, they have been regarded a reservoir for various harmful diseases for livestock. It is essential scientific knowledge about these free-living populations interactions with commercial pig farming. There are increasing reports numbers regarding attacks and damage caused by feral pig presence in Rio Grande do Sul. It has been causing negative impacts on native vegetation, wildlife predation, and the likelihood of transmitting diseases to humans and animals. This study aims to identify where feral pigs are in the state and assess factors associated with domestic pigs contact. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2014 using a purposive sampling, intended primarily to demonstrate and document the absence of classical swine fever virus in the farms within a free zone. A total of 640 subsistence farms were sampled throughout the state. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in these farms to identify attack and/or wild boar existence in the vicinities of the property (response variable). A Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with wild boar presence in these farms through the estimates of prevalence ratio (PR) and a scan statistic was used to find possible cluster of the wild boars presence in Rio Grande do Sul state. The variables associated with wild boar presence were farms located near forest reserves (PR=2.29; CI 95% 1,10-4,45), Total farm Area (PR=0.54; CI 95% 0.26-1.11), Farms raising outdoors pigs (PR=2.63; CI 95% 1.59-4.34) and farms raising wild boars (PR=3.22; CI 95%1.21- .8.58) and farms raising hybrid with wild boar and swine (PR=2,37; CI 95% 1,09-5,19). In the Northeast region and the Southern state two clusters were identified and overlapped in each year of study. Factors associated with feral pig presence in backyard pig farms were primarily linked with environmental variables. Properties near forest reserves, indigenous reserves and rural settlements had higher prevalence ratio (PR). This can be explained due to feral animals necessity to find refuge areas for its maintenance and stabilization, which increases contact probability with domestic pigs raised round these areas. It is proposed to support decision makers on animal health implementation policies in order to mitigate contact´s risk between domestic species and wild animals, minimizing pathogens transmission probabilities among them.

O Javali (Sus scrofa scrofa) é uma espécie com ampla distribuição mundial e presente no Brasil. No Rio Grande do Sul, nos últimos anos, aumentaram os relatos de ataques e prejuízos causados pela presença de javalis asselvajados, sendo seus impactos negativos observados na degradação da vegetação nativa e água de superfície, na predação sobre a fauna e pecuária, e na possibilidade de transmissão de doenças para humanos e animais. A localização destes animais de vida livre e os possíveis fatores associados à sua presença são de extrema importância para a Gestão Ambiental e de Saúde Animal, uma vez que estes animais podem assumir um importante papel na introdução e disseminação de doenças para a pecuária gaúcha. Um estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2012 e 2014 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul visando identificar possíveis fatores associados à presença destes animais de vida livre junto às propriedades de suínos de subsistência e apresentar uma análise espacial para identificar possíveis aglomerados da presença destes animais no Estado. As propriedades amostradas no estudo foram propriedades de suínos de subsistência, que apresentam uma menor tecnificação e biosseguridade quando comparada com as propriedades comerciais, o que pode facilitar essa interação. Foi utilizada uma amostragem proposital, onde foram selecionadas 640 propriedades em cada ano, primeiramente destinada para comprovar a ausência de atividade do vírus da Peste Suína Clássica nos criatórios do Rio Grande do Sul. Um questionário epidemiológico foi aplicado nas propriedades amostradas a fim de caracterizar e identificar as que apresentam relatos da presença de javalis asselvajados e elencar os possíveis fatores associados a sua presença. De todas as 640 propriedades amostradas, em 63 (9,8%) os proprietários relataram a possível presença de suínos asselvajados. Para análise dos fatores associados, foi utilizado um modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. No modelo final, os fatores associados à presença de javalis asselvajados foram: ter suínos criados próximos a reservas naturais (RP=2,29; IC 95% 1,10- 4,75), criação extensiva de suínos (RP=2,63; IC 95% 1,59- 4,34), ter criação de híbridos de javalis e suínos (RP=2,37; IC 95%1,09-5,19), criações de javalis na propriedade (RP=3,22; IC 95% 1,21- 8,58) e tamanho da propriedade em Km²(RP=0,54; IC 95% 0,26-1,11). Através da análise espacial foi possível identificar aglomerados de relatos da presença destes animais nas regiões sul e nordeste do Estado. Com esse estudo, espera-se dar auxilio do ponto de vista teórico a gestores públicos na implantação de políticas de saúde animal e de conservação que visem mitigar os possíveis riscos da interface animais de produção e vida selvagem. / The wild boar is a species from Eurasia which is widely distributed, being introduced in several countries, including Brazil, where it is considered an exotic invasive species. Considering the fact that pigs and wild boar belong to the same species and share the same pathogens, they have been regarded a reservoir for various harmful diseases for livestock. It is essential scientific knowledge about these free-living populations interactions with commercial pig farming. There are increasing reports numbers regarding attacks and damage caused by feral pig presence in Rio Grande do Sul. It has been causing negative impacts on native vegetation, wildlife predation, and the likelihood of transmitting diseases to humans and animals. This study aims to identify where feral pigs are in the state and assess factors associated with domestic pigs contact. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2014 using a purposive sampling, intended primarily to demonstrate and document the absence of classical swine fever virus in the farms within a free zone. A total of 640 subsistence farms were sampled throughout the state. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in these farms to identify attack and/or wild boar existence in the vicinities of the property (response variable). A Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with wild boar presence in these farms through the estimates of prevalence ratio (PR) and a scan statistic was used to find possible cluster of the wild boars presence in Rio Grande do Sul state. The variables associated with wild boar presence were farms located near forest reserves (PR=2.29; CI 95% 1,10-4,45), Total farm Area (PR=0.54; CI 95% 0.26-1.11), Farms raising outdoors pigs (PR=2.63; CI 95% 1.59-4.34) and farms raising wild boars (PR=3.22; CI 95%1.21- .8.58) and farms raising hybrid with wild boar and swine (PR=2,37; CI 95% 1,09-5,19). In the Northeast region and the Southern state two clusters were identified and overlapped in each year of study. Factors associated with feral pig presence in backyard pig farms were primarily linked with environmental variables. Properties near forest reserves, indigenous reserves and rural settlements had higher prevalence ratio (PR). This can be explained due to feral animals necessity to find refuge areas for its maintenance and stabilization, which increases contact probability with domestic pigs raised round these areas. It is proposed to support decision makers on animal health implementation policies in order to mitigate contact´s risk between domestic species and wild animals, minimizing pathogens transmission probabilities among them.