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.
Avian Influenza Research
Avian Influenza Research
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska
Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact Sheet
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact Sheet
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 16
No Result Found
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 47
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in migratory birds inhabiting remote Alaska Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in migratory birds inhabiting remote Alaska
We explored the abundance of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli among migratory birds at remote sites in Alaska and used a comparative approach to speculate on plausible explanations for differences in detection among species. At a remote island site, we detected antibiotic-resistant E. coli phenotypes in samples collected from glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens), a species...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Jorge Hernandez, Veronica Tyrlov, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joel A. Schmutz, Clara Atterby, Josef D. Jarhult, Jonas Bonnedahl
Increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in gulls sampled in southcentral Alaska is associated with urban environments Increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in gulls sampled in southcentral Alaska is associated with urban environments
Background Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose challenges to healthcare delivery systems globally; however, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and spread of such bacteria in the environment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in large-bodied gulls (Larus spp.) at urban and remote locations in Southcentral Alaska to...
Authors
Clara Atterby, Andrew M. Ramey, Gabriel Gustafsson Hall, Josef Jarhult, Stefan Borjesson, Jonas Bonnedahl
Bacterial genomics reveal the complex epidemiology of an emerging pathogen in arctic and boreal ungulates Bacterial genomics reveal the complex epidemiology of an emerging pathogen in arctic and boreal ungulates
Northern ecosystems are currently experiencing unprecedented ecological change, largely driven by a rapidly changing climate. Pathogen range expansion, and emergence and altered patterns of infectious disease, are increasingly reported in wildlife at high latitudes. Understanding the causes and consequences of shifting pathogen diversity and host-pathogen interactions in these ecosystems...
Authors
Taya L. Forde, Karin Orsel, Ruth N. Zadoks, Roman Biek, Layne G. Adams, Sylvia L. Checkley, Tracy Davison, Jeroen De Buck, Mathieu Dumond, Brett T. Elkin, Laura Finnegan, Bryan J. Macbeth, Cait Nelson, Amanda Niptanatiak, Shane Sather, Helen M. Schwantje, Frank van der Meer, Susan J. Kutz
Detection, prevalence, and transmission of avian hematozoa in waterfowl at the Arctic/sub-Arctic interface: co-infections, viral interactions, and sources of variation. Detection, prevalence, and transmission of avian hematozoa in waterfowl at the Arctic/sub-Arctic interface: co-infections, viral interactions, and sources of variation.
Background: The epidemiology of avian hematozoa at high latitudes is still not well understood, particularly in sub-Arctic and Arctic habitats, where information is limited regarding seasonality and range of transmission, co-infection dynamics with parasitic and viral agents, and possible fitness consequences of infection. Such information is important as climate warming may lead to...
Authors
Brandt W. Meixell, Todd W. Arnold, Mark S. Lindberg, Matthew M. Smith, Andrew M. Ramey, Jonathan A. Runstadler
Evidence for the exchange of blood parasites between North America and the Neotropics in blue-winged teal (Anas discors) Evidence for the exchange of blood parasites between North America and the Neotropics in blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
Blue-winged teal (Anas discors) are abundant, small-bodied dabbling ducks that breed throughout the prairies of the northcentral USA and central Canada and that winter in the southern USA and northern Neotropics. Given the migratory tendencies of this species, it is plausible that blue-winged teal may disperse avian pathogens, such as parasites causing avian malaria, between spatially...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John A. Reed, Patrick Walther, Paul Link, Joel A. Schmutz, David C. Douglas, David E. Stallknecht, Catherine Soos
Temporal, geographic, and host distribution of avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus) Temporal, geographic, and host distribution of avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus)
Newcastle disease is caused by virulent forms of avian paramyxovirus of serotype 1 (APMV-1) and has global economic importance. The disease reached panzootic proportions within two decades after first being identified in 1926 in the United Kingdom and Indonesia and still remains endemic in many countries across the world. Here we review information on the host, temporal, and geographic
Authors
Kiril M. Dimitrov, Andrew M. Ramey, Xueting Qiu, Justin Bahl, Claudio L. Afonso
Limited evidence of intercontinental dispersal of avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 by migratory birds Limited evidence of intercontinental dispersal of avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 by migratory birds
Avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 (APMV-4) is a single stranded RNA virus that has most often been isolated from waterfowl. Limited information has been reported regarding the prevalence, pathogenicity, and genetic diversity of AMPV-4. To assess the intercontinental dispersal of this viral agent, we sequenced the fusion gene of 58 APMV-4 isolates collected in the United States, Japan and...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Denys Muzyka, Haruko Ogawa, Kunitoshi Imai, Vuong Nghia Bui, Jeffrey S. Hall, Mary Pantin-Jackwood, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese. Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese.
To address the role of bacterial infection in hatching failure of wild geese, we monitored embryo development in a breeding population of Greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. During 2013, we observed mortality of normally developing embryos and collected 36 addled eggs for analysis. We also collected 17 infertile eggs for comparison. Using...
Authors
Cristina M. Hansen, Brandt W. Meixell, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Rebekah F. Hare, Karsten Hueffer
Prevalence and genetic diversity of haematozoa in South American waterfowl and evidence for intercontinental redistribution of parasites by migratory birds Prevalence and genetic diversity of haematozoa in South American waterfowl and evidence for intercontinental redistribution of parasites by migratory birds
To understand the role of migratory birds in the movement and transmission of haematozoa within and between continental regions, we examined 804 blood samples collected from eleven endemic species of South American waterfowl in Peru and Argentina for infection by Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and/or Leucocytozono blood parasites. Infections were detected in 25 individuals of six species for...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Andrew M. Ramey
A real-time, quantitative PCR protocol for assessing the relative parasitemia of Leucocytozoon in waterfowl A real-time, quantitative PCR protocol for assessing the relative parasitemia of Leucocytozoon in waterfowl
Microscopic examination of blood smears can be effective at diagnosing and quantifying hematozoa infections. However, this method requires highly trained observers, is time consuming, and may be inaccurate for detection of infections at low levels of parasitemia. To develop a molecular methodology for identifying and quantifying Leucocytozoon parasite infection in wild waterfowl...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Joel A. Schmutz, Chloe Apelgren, Andrew M. Ramey
Establishing a definition of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health: A guide to research and management activities Establishing a definition of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health: A guide to research and management activities
The meaning of health for wildlife and perspectives on how to assess and measure health, are not well characterized. For wildlife at risk, such as some polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations, establishing comprehensive monitoring programs that include health status is an emerging need. Environmental changes, especially loss of sea ice habitat, have raised concern about polar bear...
Authors
Kelly A. Patyk, Colleen G. Duncan, Pauline Nol, C. Sonne, Kristin L. Laidre, Martyn E. Obbard, Øystein Wiig, Jon Aars, Eric V. Regehr, L. Gustafson, Todd C. Atwood
Genetic diversity and host specificity varies across three genera of blood parasites in ducks of the Pacific Americas Flyway Genetic diversity and host specificity varies across three genera of blood parasites in ducks of the Pacific Americas Flyway
Birds of the order Anseriformes, commonly referred to as waterfowl, are frequently infected by Haemosporidia of the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon via dipteran vectors. We analyzed nucleotide sequences of the Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene from parasites of these genera detected in six species of ducks from Alaska and California, USA to characterize the genetic diversity of
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Matthew M. Smith, Brandt W. Meixell, Joseph P. Fleskes, Andrew M. Ramey
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.
Avian Influenza Research
Avian Influenza Research
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska
Molecular Ecology Laboratory in Alaska
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact Sheet
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health Fact Sheet
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 16
No Result Found
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 47
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in migratory birds inhabiting remote Alaska Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in migratory birds inhabiting remote Alaska
We explored the abundance of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli among migratory birds at remote sites in Alaska and used a comparative approach to speculate on plausible explanations for differences in detection among species. At a remote island site, we detected antibiotic-resistant E. coli phenotypes in samples collected from glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens), a species...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Jorge Hernandez, Veronica Tyrlov, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joel A. Schmutz, Clara Atterby, Josef D. Jarhult, Jonas Bonnedahl
Increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in gulls sampled in southcentral Alaska is associated with urban environments Increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in gulls sampled in southcentral Alaska is associated with urban environments
Background Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose challenges to healthcare delivery systems globally; however, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and spread of such bacteria in the environment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in large-bodied gulls (Larus spp.) at urban and remote locations in Southcentral Alaska to...
Authors
Clara Atterby, Andrew M. Ramey, Gabriel Gustafsson Hall, Josef Jarhult, Stefan Borjesson, Jonas Bonnedahl
Bacterial genomics reveal the complex epidemiology of an emerging pathogen in arctic and boreal ungulates Bacterial genomics reveal the complex epidemiology of an emerging pathogen in arctic and boreal ungulates
Northern ecosystems are currently experiencing unprecedented ecological change, largely driven by a rapidly changing climate. Pathogen range expansion, and emergence and altered patterns of infectious disease, are increasingly reported in wildlife at high latitudes. Understanding the causes and consequences of shifting pathogen diversity and host-pathogen interactions in these ecosystems...
Authors
Taya L. Forde, Karin Orsel, Ruth N. Zadoks, Roman Biek, Layne G. Adams, Sylvia L. Checkley, Tracy Davison, Jeroen De Buck, Mathieu Dumond, Brett T. Elkin, Laura Finnegan, Bryan J. Macbeth, Cait Nelson, Amanda Niptanatiak, Shane Sather, Helen M. Schwantje, Frank van der Meer, Susan J. Kutz
Detection, prevalence, and transmission of avian hematozoa in waterfowl at the Arctic/sub-Arctic interface: co-infections, viral interactions, and sources of variation. Detection, prevalence, and transmission of avian hematozoa in waterfowl at the Arctic/sub-Arctic interface: co-infections, viral interactions, and sources of variation.
Background: The epidemiology of avian hematozoa at high latitudes is still not well understood, particularly in sub-Arctic and Arctic habitats, where information is limited regarding seasonality and range of transmission, co-infection dynamics with parasitic and viral agents, and possible fitness consequences of infection. Such information is important as climate warming may lead to...
Authors
Brandt W. Meixell, Todd W. Arnold, Mark S. Lindberg, Matthew M. Smith, Andrew M. Ramey, Jonathan A. Runstadler
Evidence for the exchange of blood parasites between North America and the Neotropics in blue-winged teal (Anas discors) Evidence for the exchange of blood parasites between North America and the Neotropics in blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
Blue-winged teal (Anas discors) are abundant, small-bodied dabbling ducks that breed throughout the prairies of the northcentral USA and central Canada and that winter in the southern USA and northern Neotropics. Given the migratory tendencies of this species, it is plausible that blue-winged teal may disperse avian pathogens, such as parasites causing avian malaria, between spatially...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John A. Reed, Patrick Walther, Paul Link, Joel A. Schmutz, David C. Douglas, David E. Stallknecht, Catherine Soos
Temporal, geographic, and host distribution of avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus) Temporal, geographic, and host distribution of avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus)
Newcastle disease is caused by virulent forms of avian paramyxovirus of serotype 1 (APMV-1) and has global economic importance. The disease reached panzootic proportions within two decades after first being identified in 1926 in the United Kingdom and Indonesia and still remains endemic in many countries across the world. Here we review information on the host, temporal, and geographic
Authors
Kiril M. Dimitrov, Andrew M. Ramey, Xueting Qiu, Justin Bahl, Claudio L. Afonso
Limited evidence of intercontinental dispersal of avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 by migratory birds Limited evidence of intercontinental dispersal of avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 by migratory birds
Avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 (APMV-4) is a single stranded RNA virus that has most often been isolated from waterfowl. Limited information has been reported regarding the prevalence, pathogenicity, and genetic diversity of AMPV-4. To assess the intercontinental dispersal of this viral agent, we sequenced the fusion gene of 58 APMV-4 isolates collected in the United States, Japan and...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Denys Muzyka, Haruko Ogawa, Kunitoshi Imai, Vuong Nghia Bui, Jeffrey S. Hall, Mary Pantin-Jackwood, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese. Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese.
To address the role of bacterial infection in hatching failure of wild geese, we monitored embryo development in a breeding population of Greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. During 2013, we observed mortality of normally developing embryos and collected 36 addled eggs for analysis. We also collected 17 infertile eggs for comparison. Using...
Authors
Cristina M. Hansen, Brandt W. Meixell, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Rebekah F. Hare, Karsten Hueffer
Prevalence and genetic diversity of haematozoa in South American waterfowl and evidence for intercontinental redistribution of parasites by migratory birds Prevalence and genetic diversity of haematozoa in South American waterfowl and evidence for intercontinental redistribution of parasites by migratory birds
To understand the role of migratory birds in the movement and transmission of haematozoa within and between continental regions, we examined 804 blood samples collected from eleven endemic species of South American waterfowl in Peru and Argentina for infection by Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and/or Leucocytozono blood parasites. Infections were detected in 25 individuals of six species for...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Andrew M. Ramey
A real-time, quantitative PCR protocol for assessing the relative parasitemia of Leucocytozoon in waterfowl A real-time, quantitative PCR protocol for assessing the relative parasitemia of Leucocytozoon in waterfowl
Microscopic examination of blood smears can be effective at diagnosing and quantifying hematozoa infections. However, this method requires highly trained observers, is time consuming, and may be inaccurate for detection of infections at low levels of parasitemia. To develop a molecular methodology for identifying and quantifying Leucocytozoon parasite infection in wild waterfowl...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Joel A. Schmutz, Chloe Apelgren, Andrew M. Ramey
Establishing a definition of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health: A guide to research and management activities Establishing a definition of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health: A guide to research and management activities
The meaning of health for wildlife and perspectives on how to assess and measure health, are not well characterized. For wildlife at risk, such as some polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations, establishing comprehensive monitoring programs that include health status is an emerging need. Environmental changes, especially loss of sea ice habitat, have raised concern about polar bear...
Authors
Kelly A. Patyk, Colleen G. Duncan, Pauline Nol, C. Sonne, Kristin L. Laidre, Martyn E. Obbard, Øystein Wiig, Jon Aars, Eric V. Regehr, L. Gustafson, Todd C. Atwood
Genetic diversity and host specificity varies across three genera of blood parasites in ducks of the Pacific Americas Flyway Genetic diversity and host specificity varies across three genera of blood parasites in ducks of the Pacific Americas Flyway
Birds of the order Anseriformes, commonly referred to as waterfowl, are frequently infected by Haemosporidia of the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon via dipteran vectors. We analyzed nucleotide sequences of the Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene from parasites of these genera detected in six species of ducks from Alaska and California, USA to characterize the genetic diversity of
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Matthew M. Smith, Brandt W. Meixell, Joseph P. Fleskes, Andrew M. Ramey