I have been saying that the decrease in grouse was probably due to a viral disease for over 10 years. The various DNR's and Ruffed Grouse Society have been preaching that it was all about the habitat, and nothing more. I have always argued that it was a disease process. Before I went to optometry school, I had a masters in microbiology/virolgy, and was well into my PhD, so I have the background to voice those kind of opinions. The problem of course is now that we know the problem is viral disease, what the heck can we do about it. We cant go vacinating grouse, but hopefully the survivors can pass on resistance to their offsprings.
I have been very interested in this study.
__________________
"How kind it is that most of us will never know when we have fired our last shot"--Nash Buckingham
|