Lessons Learned from Human Dimensions of Chronic Wasting Disease Research

Abstract

Although the human dimensions (HD) of chronic wasting disease (CWD) research is relatively new, at least 38 journal articles have been published in the last seven years. This article synthesizes seven lessons learned from HD of CWD research (e.g., hunters vary in their behavioral response to CWD and perceived human health risks; agency trust can influence behavior and acceptance of management actions; not all management actions are equally acceptable and/or effective). This body of work directly incorporates concepts found in social psychological, economics, communication and risk theories to better understand the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of multiple stakeholders (e.g., hunters, non-hunters, guide outfitters) across multiple states. The general approach utilized by human dimensions research on CWD can be applied to a variety of wildlife diseases. A systematic program of human dimensions inquiry is necessary to understand and prepare for the next wildlife disease crisis.