Filter-Paper Blood Sampling for Detection of Pathogen Exposure and Pregnancy in Caribou
 
The main goal of this research was to assess the efficacy of filter-paper (FP) blood sampling for detecting pathogen exposure in caribou (Rangifer tarandus ssp.). FP sampling is a practical method that is well-suited to harsh environments and can be done by laypeople. FPs can be collected by hunters, biologists and others in the field, and this initial validation step sets the foundation for future widespread serosurveillance of infectious disease in caribou herds. Throughout International Polar Year (2007-2009), the CARMA network collected FP samples from circumpolar caribou herds for this ultimate purpose. FP samples will also be validated for progesterone (pregnancy) detection in caribou as this tool offers advantages in capture settings and other circumstances. 

Validation

- Pathogens: From July 2007 through August 2008, pairs of FP and serum samples were collected from individuals in three sample groups: 1) captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus ssp.) vaccinated for five viral agents of domestic livestock to achieve known antibody-positive (seropositive) status for these agents; 2) an Alberta reindeer herd with known seropositive status for West Nile virus (WNV) and the parasite Neospora caninum; 3) a selected subset of wild caribou herd on Southampton Island, NU with known brucellosis prevalence. All these pathogens are potentially relevant to caribou in the context of climate change.

(Click here for the data summary record from ArcticNet.) 

- Progesterone: In March 2009, pairs of FP and serum samples were collected from 3 male reindeer and 7 female reindeer (some bred naturally in fall). Duplicate testing will be done at multiple time points up to 1 year, and with FPs subjected to different collection/storage regimes (freezing, room temp).

 
Collection of blood on filter paper from the jugular vein of a hunter-killed caribou.


Filter paper blood samples from the Southampton Island herd. The samples were dried in racks overnight. (PCurry)