Disease Quote by Gary Wobeser
““For some reason there is a tendency to assume that one wild animal is a suitable model for another related species, whereas similar evidence would not be acceptable in human or veterinary medicine. For example, Shulaw etal. (1986) developed a serologic test to detect antibodies to Mycobacterium aviumssp. paratuberculosisin white-tailed deer, but determined the validity of the test “in deer” by using samples from infected sika and fallow deer. It is doubtful that a test developed to detect disease in humans would be accepted for use in public health circles, if its validity had been established by using squirrel monkeys and baboons!””
About This Quote
Source Research paper: Comparative Serology in Deer, 1986
Assuming animal models are interchangeable can mislead disease testing, highlighting species‑specific validity.
In simple terms: Animal models aren’t interchangeable for all tests.
Key Takeaway
Validate tests for each species separately.
Themes
science
epidemiology
public health
veterinary
research
validity
Mood
cautious
analytical
critical
Type
Disease:1
Epidemiology:1
Public health:1
Wild animal:1
Wildlife:1
Veterinary Medicine:1
Test Deer:0
Developed Serologic:0
Serologic Test:1
Antibodies Mycobacterium:0
Deer Determined:0
When to use this quote
- wildlife monitoring
- public health policy
- veterinary diagnostics
- research design
- regulatory review
Key Concepts
methodology
species specificity
clinical translation
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria ensure a model’s relevance?
- How can we improve cross‑species test validation?
A Different Perspective
Cross‑species assumptions may ignore unique disease dynamics.
