The development of clinical signs and the population significance of neurologic disease in a captive wapiti herd.

Clinical signs attributable to meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) were recorded in three male and three female wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) ranging in age from 5 - 29 months. The study was conducted from September, 1976 to May, 1977 in a 2104-ha preserve. Some differences were noted in occurrence, time schedule and sequence of signs but the basic pattern was similar. The mean time between initial sign observed and death was 100 days. The effect of neurologic disease on population socialization, harvest and recruitment is discussed. A comparison of projected potential population numbers with sighting data in 1959-1977 revealed a trend of lower than expected numbers since 1968 related to suspected neo-natal mortality as well as known natural mortality in the younger age classes due to meningeal worm infection.