The Population Genetics Lab includes two separate labs for analyzing low-quality (e.g., hair, scat) and high-quality (e.g., tissue, blood) genetic samples. The purpose of the Population Genetics Laboratory is for assessing, managing and analyzing datasets on the genetics of various species at the regional/national level to make informed management decisions. The wide-scale employment of non-invasive sampling methods (fecal collection, hair snares) along with tissue samples available from captured/harvested animals has changed our ability to monitor population size, movement patterns, or success/failure of reintroduction programs. The laboratory provides a facility for DNA sample preparation, extraction, amplification, and genotyping for university, state, and federal collaborators and employs a full-time laboratory manager to assist in assuring laboratory protocols and procedures are maintained to prevent cross-contamination among concurrent studies. Reliable and detailed results from population genetic studies provide collaborators with the ability to make informed resource management decisions for sustaining wildlife populations, managing disease transmission and spread, and success of reintroduced or supplemented populations of wildlife.
The CWDPRNP package provides a unified framework for analyzing prion gene variability and spatial structure.
