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#           Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska                    Active

      By Alaska Science Center      September 8, 2023    

                  -              Overview           
                  -              Science           
                  -              Data           
                  -              Publications           

Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife resources, Alaska is a critical area for future study of environmental health.

**Return to Ecosystems**

### Avian Influenza Research

Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms.

### Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria.  The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria.  Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and ecosystem health.

### Beak Deformities in Landbirds

Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.

### Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds

Seabird die-offs occur irregularly, but recent die-offs were unusual due to the large number and variety of species affected, the long die-off duration, and the large spatial extent. Coastal residents and scientists have been monitoring the size and scope of these die-offs, as well as investigating potential causes.

### Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska

The Molecular Ecology Laboratory at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic capabilities for the wide range of science needs of the Department of the Interior nationally as well as on trust species and resources in Alaska. 

### Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact Sheet

### Study Area

### Contacts

#### Andy Ramey, Ph.D.

##### Research Wildlife Geneticist

Alaska Science Center

aramey@usgs.gov

907-786-7174

#### Caroline R Van Hemert, Ph.D.

##### Research Wildlife Biologist

Alaska Science Center

cvanhemert@usgs.gov

907-786-7167

### Explore Search

                            - Wildlife Disease
                            - Disease
                            - Ecosystems
                            - Fish and Wildlife Disease
                            - Threats
                            - Wildlife and Terrestrial Species
                            - Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health
                            - Biology
                            - Ecosystems
                            - Wildlife & Terrestrial Species

View All **

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

link

April 9, 2024

####                 Avian Influenza Research              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

link

April 9, 2024

####   Avian Influenza Research

Learn More

link

January 3, 2024

####                 Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds              

Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Alaska Science Center

link

January 3, 2024

####   Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds

Learn More

link

August 21, 2018

####                 Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

link

August 21, 2018

####   Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Learn More

link

August 22, 2017

####                 Beak Deformities in Landbirds              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

link

August 22, 2017

####   Beak Deformities in Landbirds

Learn More

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

August 30, 2023

####                 Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017              

Alaska Science Center

July 11, 2022

####                 Tissue Concentrations and Congener Profiles of Harmful Algal Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Other Organisms              

Alaska Science Center

August 30, 2021

####                 Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions              

Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center

February 8, 2021

####                 Data Associated with Poecivirus Testing of Individual Birds with Beak Deformities              

Alaska Science Center

May 20, 2020

####                 Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013              

Alaska Science Center

April 28, 2020

####                 Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions              

Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center

January 14, 2020

####                 Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019              

Alaska Science Center

October 8, 2019

####                 Plasmodium Parasite Infection Data from Mosquitoes Collected in South-central Alaska, 2016              

Alaska Science Center

September 23, 2019

####                 Blood Parasite Infection Data from Northwestern Crows (Corvus caurinus), Alaska, 2007-2008              

Alaska Science Center

June 19, 2019

####                 Sampling, Antimicrobial Resistance Testing, and Genomic Typing of Carbapenemase Producing E. coli in Gulls (Larus spp.) in Alaska, 2016              

Alaska Science Center

May 21, 2019

####                 Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska              

Alaska Science Center

May 1, 2019

####                 Influenza A antibodies in Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Red-throated (G. stellata), and Yellow-billed Loons (G. adamsii) in Alaska, 2008-2017              

Alaska Science Center

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Below are publications associated with this project.

May 9, 2013

####                 Wildlife disease and environmental health in Alaska              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

September 5, 2023

####                 Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks              

Alaska Science Center

September 2, 2023

####                 Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska              

Alaska Science Center

February 17, 2023

####                 Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

February 10, 2023

####                 Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

October 27, 2022

####                 A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

September 7, 2021

####                 Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Alaska Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

January 18, 2021

####                 Poecivirus is present in individuals with beak deformities in seven species of North American birds              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

March 16, 2020

####                 Ecology of influenza A viruses in wild birds and wetlands of Alaska              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

March 14, 2020

####                 Validation of a screening method for the detection of colistin-resistant E. coli containing mcr-1 in feral swine feces              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

March 10, 2020

####                 Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

February 13, 2020

####                 Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian influenza in North American Poultry              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Alaska Science Center

November 25, 2019

####                 Antibiotic resistant bacteria in wildlife: Perspectives on trends, acquisitions and dissemination, data gaps, and future directions              

Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

#### Pagination

-                Current page            1 
-                Page            2 
-                Page            3 
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-  Last pageLast » 

                  - Overview  
Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife resources, Alaska is a critical area for future study of environmental health.

**Return to Ecosystems**
Avian Influenza Research
Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms.
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria.  The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria.  Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and ecosystem health.
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Seabird die-offs occur irregularly, but recent die-offs were unusual due to the large number and variety of species affected, the long die-off duration, and the large spatial extent. Coastal residents and scientists have been monitoring the size and scope of these die-offs, as well as investigating potential causes.
Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic capabilities for the wide range of science needs of the Department of the Interior nationally as well as on trust species and resources in Alaska. 
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact SheetStudy AreaContactsAndy Ramey, Ph.D.Research Wildlife GeneticistAlaska Science CenterEmailaramey@usgs.govPhone907-786-7174Caroline R Van Hemert, Ph.D.Research Wildlife BiologistAlaska Science CenterEmailcvanhemert@usgs.govPhone907-786-7167Explore Search- Wildlife Disease
- Disease
- Ecosystems
- Fish and Wildlife Disease
- Threats
- Wildlife and Terrestrial Species
- Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health
- Biology
- Ecosystems
- Wildlife & Terrestrial Species
View All ** 
                  - Science  
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
LabellinkApril 9, 2024                Avian Influenza Research                Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...ByEcosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science CenterlinkApril 9, 2024  Avian Influenza Research  Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...Learn More**linkJanuary 3, 2024                Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds                Elevated ocean temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxins from these blooms may pose health threats to marine organisms, including seabirds. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems...ByBiological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Alaska Science CenterlinkJanuary 3, 2024  Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds  Elevated ocean temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxins from these blooms may pose health threats to marine organisms, including seabirds. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems...Learn More**linkAugust 21, 2018                Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds                Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...ByEcosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science CenterlinkAugust 21, 2018  Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds  Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...Learn More**linkAugust 22, 2017                Beak Deformities in Landbirds                Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.ByEcosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science CenterlinkAugust 22, 2017  Beak Deformities in Landbirds  Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.Learn More** 
                  - Data  
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 15Data TypeTypeData ReleaseReal-time DataRelease Date (field_release_date)Year202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995LabelAugust 30, 2023                Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017              This dataset consists of one table with sample collection locations and results of screening resident wildlife for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Alaskan Arctic, 2012-2017. We analyzed feces collected from polar bear, Pacific walrus, Arctic fox, and caribou with MERIFLUOR direct immunofluorescence assay to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts.ByAlaska Science CenterJuly 11, 2022                Tissue Concentrations and Congener Profiles of Harmful Algal Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Other Organisms              These data are in four tables and contain results from screening tissues of marine organisms for the presence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins: saxitoxin and its related congeners (STX) and domoic acid (DA). Samples collected by USGS or submitted to our laboratory by partners or other stakeholders are screened using commercially-available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A subset ofByAlaska Science CenterAugust 30, 2021                Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions              Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA (3) water quality measurement from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA, (4) genetic sequence data for IAVs recovered from replicate samples of wildByEnvironmental Health Program, Alaska Science CenterFebruary 8, 2021                Data Associated with Poecivirus Testing of Individual Birds with Beak Deformities              This data set is comprised of two tables, one with results of poecivirus screening of tissues from six North American avian species using PCR followed by Sanger sequencing in addition to unbiased metagenomic sequencing, the second lists the names and sequences of primers used.ByAlaska Science CenterMay 20, 2020                Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013              This data set contains information (in two tables) on nesting habitat and nest survival for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers monitored at seven study sites across an elevational gradient (28-416 m) on the Seward Peninsula in northwestern Alaska during the summers of 2012 and 2013. We used principal components analysis to reduce habitat measurements into two compoByAlaska Science CenterApril 28, 2020                Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions              Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data for six North American wetlands, (3) water quality measurement from those wetlands, (4) laboratory-based study of viral viability using Minnesota wetland water, (5) naive mallards challenged experimentally with IAVs identified from the field experiment, and (6) gByEnvironmental Health Program, Alaska Science CenterJanuary 14, 2020                Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019              This dataset is three tables with details of samples and aliquots of waterfowl feces deposited in filtered surface water collected from an urban waterbody in Anchorage, Alaska in 2018-2019. Sample vials were submerged underwater in the same waterbody from which the samples were collected and the samples were tested for the presence and viability of influenza A virus. Temperature data and water cheByAlaska Science CenterOctober 8, 2019                Plasmodium Parasite Infection Data from Mosquitoes Collected in South-central Alaska, 2016              This data set includes two tables associated with a study of Plasmodium parasite infection in mosquitoes collected in south-central Alaska during the summer of 2016. The first table contains data regarding mosquito collection from three sites using CO2 baited CDC light traps. Mosquitoes were sorted and pooled according to collection date, genus, and location and subsequently screened for PlasmodiuByAlaska Science CenterSeptember 23, 2019                Blood Parasite Infection Data from Northwestern Crows (Corvus caurinus), Alaska, 2007-2008              This data set consists of two tables associated with a study of Haemosporidian parasite infection in Northwestern Crows (Corvus caurinus) sampled at six locations throughout southcentral and southeast Alaska in 2007-2008. The first table contains species, location, banding, and morphometric data for all samples. The second table contains results from heamosporidian parasite screening of crow bloodByAlaska Science CenterJune 19, 2019                Sampling, Antimicrobial Resistance Testing, and Genomic Typing of Carbapenemase Producing E. coli in Gulls (Larus spp.) in Alaska, 2016              This data set includes information on collections of fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at seven locations in Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for carbapenemase producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.ByAlaska Science CenterMay 21, 2019                Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska              Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor geese nearByAlaska Science CenterMay 1, 2019                Influenza A antibodies in Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Red-throated (G. stellata), and Yellow-billed Loons (G. adamsii) in Alaska, 2008-2017              This data set contains three spreadsheets with results of Influenza A Virus (IAV) screening in blood from Pacific, Red-throated, and Yellow-billed Loons at three locations in Alaska. Loons were captured along the Beaufort Sea Coast, Chukchi Sea Coast, and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 2008-2017. Three different tests were used and the results are presented in separate spreadsheets. All serum samplesByAlaska Science CenterPagination-                Current page            1 
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                  - Publications  
Below are publications associated with this project.
May 9, 2013                Wildlife disease and environmental health in Alaska              Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife resources,AuthorsCaroline R. Van Hemert, John M. Pearce, Karen Oakley, Mary E. WhalenByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterFilter Total Items: 44Publication Type (field_pub_type)TypeArticleBookBook ChapterConference PaperNewsletterOtherReportThesisRelease Date (field_release_date)Year202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995LabelSeptember 5, 2023                Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks              A Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the clade 2.3.4.4b (Goose/Guangdong lineage) was detected in migratory bird populations in North America in December 2021, and it, along with its reassortants, have since caused wild and domestic bird outbreaks across the continent. Relative to previous outbreaks, HPAIV cases among wild birds in 2022 exhibited wider geographic eAuthorsJennifer F. Provencher, Alana A. E. Wilcox, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, Lesley-Anne Howes, Mark L. Mallory, Margo J. Pybus, Andrew M. Ramey, Eric T. Reed, Chris Sharp, Catherine Soos, Iga Stasiak, Jim O. LeafloorByAlaska Science CenterSeptember 2, 2023                Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska              Giardia and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other taxa, including wildlife, often causing gastrointestinal illness. Both have been identified as One Health priorities in the Arctic, where climate change is expected to influence the distribution of many wildlife and zoonotic diseases, but little is known about their prevalence in local wildlife. To help fAuthorsCaroline R. Van Hemert, Lora Ballweber, David R. Sinnett, Todd C. Atwood, Anthony S. Fischbach, David Gustine, Kristy PabiloniaByAlaska Science CenterFebruary 17, 2023                Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration              Understanding relationships between infection and wildlife movement patterns is important for predicting pathogen spread, especially for multispecies pathogens and those that can spread to humans and domestic animals, such as avian influenza viruses (AIVs). Although infection with low pathogenic AIVs is generally considered asymptomatic in wild birds, prior work has shown that influenza-infected bAuthorsClaire S. Teitelbaum, Michael L. Casazza, Fiona McDuie, Susan E. W. De La Cruz, Cory T. Overton, Laurie Anne Hall, Elliott Matchett, Josh T. Ackerman, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Ramey, Diann ProsserByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)February 10, 2023                Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)              To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for gastrointestinalAuthorsEllen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael J. Yabsley, Kevin Niedrighaus, Andrew M. Ramey, Guilherme Verocai, Grant Hilderbrant, Kyle Joly, Dave Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William Leacock, Anthony P. Crupi, Christopher A. ClevelandByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterOctober 27, 2022                A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska              Tularemia is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by one of several subspecies of Francisella tularensis bacteria. Infections by F. tularensis are common throughout the northern hemisphere and have been detected in more than 250 wildlife species. In Alaska, US, where the pathogen was first identified in 1938, studies have identified F. tularensis antibodies in a diverse suite of taxa, including iAuthorsMatthew M. Smith, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Todd C. Atwood, David R. Sinnett, Jerry W. Hupp, Brandt W Meixell, David D. Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Andrew M. RameyByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterSeptember 7, 2021                Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands              Influenza A viruses (IAVs) deposited by wild birds into the environment may lead to sporadic mortality events and economically costly outbreaks among domestic birds. There is a paucity of information, however, regarding the persistence of infectious IAVs within the environment following deposition. In this investigation, we assessed the persistence of 12 IAVs that were present in the cloaca and/orAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Benjamin Joel Lagassé, Vijay P. Patil, Laura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Deborah A. Repert, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. PoulsonByEcosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Alaska Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science CenterJanuary 18, 2021                Poecivirus is present in individuals with beak deformities in seven species of North American birds              Avian keratin disorder (AKD), a disease of unknown etiology characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth, has increasingly affected wild bird populations since the 1990s. A novel picornavirus, poecivirus, is closely correlated with disease status in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in Alaska. However, our knowledge of the relationship between poecivirus and beak deformities in otherAuthorsMaxine Zylberberg, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Colleen M. Handel, Rachel Liu, Joseph L. DeRisiByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterMarch 16, 2020                Ecology of influenza A viruses in wild birds and wetlands of Alaska              Alaska represents a globally important region for the ecology of avian-origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) given expansive wetlands in this region which serve as habitat for numerous hosts of IAVs that disperse among four continents during the annual cycle.  Extensive sampling of wild birds for IAVs in Alaska since 1991 has greatly extended inference regarding intercontinental viral exchange betweenAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. ReevesByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterMarch 14, 2020                Validation of a screening method for the detection of colistin-resistant E. coli containing mcr-1 in feral swine feces              A method was developed and validated for the detection of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli containing mcr-1 in the feces of feral swine. Following optimization of an enrichment method using EC broth supplemented with colistin (1 μg/mL) and vancomycin (8 μg/mL), aliquots derived from 100 feral swine fecal samples were spiked with of one of five different mcr-1 positive E. coli strains (between 1AuthorsJeffrey C Chandler, Alan B. Franklin, Sarah N. Bevins, Kevin T Bentler, Jonas Bonnedahl, Christina Ahlstrom, Bledar Bisha, Susan A. ShrinerByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterMarch 10, 2020                Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria              In 2015, the mcr-1 gene was discovered in Escherichia coli in domestic swine in China that conferred resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort used in treating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections in humans. Since then, mcr-1 was found in other human and animal populations, including wild gulls. Because gulls could disseminate the mcr-1 gene, we conducted an experiment to assess whAuthorsAlan B. Franklin, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin T Bentler, Nicole L Barret, Loredana M McCurdy, Christina Ahlstrom, Jonas Bonnedahl, Susan A. Shriner, Jeffrey C ChandlerByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterFebruary 13, 2020                Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian influenza in North American Poultry              Avian influenza (AI) affects wild aquatic birds and poses hazards to human health, food security, and wildlife conservation globally. Accordingly, there is a recognized need for new methods and tools to help quantify the dynamic interaction between wild bird hosts and commercial poultry. Using satellite-marked waterfowl,  we applied Bayesian joint hierarchical modeling  to concurrently model specieAuthorsJohn M. Humphreys, Andy Ramey, David C. Douglas, Jennifer M. Mullinax, Catherine Soos, Paul T. Link, Patrick Walther, Diann J. ProsserByEcosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Alaska Science CenterNovember 25, 2019                Antibiotic resistant bacteria in wildlife: Perspectives on trends, acquisitions and dissemination, data gaps, and future directions              The proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the environment has potential negative economic and health consequences.  Thus, previous investigations have targeted wild animals to understand the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in diverse environmental sources.  In this critical review and synthesis, we summarize important concepts learned through the sampling of wildlife for antibioticAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Christina AhlstromByEcosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science CenterPagination-                Current page            1 
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