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Biol Lett. 2009 June 23; 5(3): 387–390.
Published online 2009 March 25. doi:  10.1098/rsbl.2009.0094
PMCID: PMC2679935
Landscape modelling spatial bottlenecks: implications for raccoon rabies disease spread
Erin E. Rees,1* Bruce A. Pond,2 Catherine I. Cullingham,1 Rowland R. Tinline,3 David Ball,3 Christopher J. Kyle,1 and Bradley N. White1
1Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
2Wildlife Research and Development Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
3Department of Geography, Queen's GIS Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
*Author for correspondence (rees/at/ualberta.ca)
Received February 4, 2009; Accepted February 26, 2009.
Abstract
A landscape genetic simulation modelling approach is used to understand factors affecting raccoon rabies disease spread in southern Ontario, Canada. Using the Ontario Rabies Model, we test the hypothesis that landscape configuration (shape of available habitat) affects dispersal, as indicated by genetic structuring. We simulated range expansions of raccoons from New York into vacant landscapes in Ontario, in two areas that differed by the presence or absence of a landscape constriction. Our results provide theoretical evidence that landscape constriction acts as a vicariant bottleneck. We discuss implications for raccoon rabies spread.
Keywords: raccoon rabies, landscape genetics, infectious disease, modelling, Procyon lotor
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