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 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
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Wildlife disease and environmental health in Alaska
Bacterial genomics reveal the complex epidemiology of an emerging pathogen in arctic and boreal ungulates
Detection, prevalence, and transmission of avian hematozoa in waterfowl at the Arctic/sub-Arctic interface: co-infections, viral interactions, and sources of variation.
Evidence for the exchange of blood parasites between North America and the Neotropics in blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
Temporal, geographic, and host distribution of avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus)
Limited evidence of intercontinental dispersal of avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 by migratory birds
Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of haematozoa in South American waterfowl and evidence for intercontinental redistribution of parasites by migratory birds
A real-time, quantitative PCR protocol for assessing the relative parasitemia of Leucocytozoon in waterfowl
Establishing a definition of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health: A guide to research and management activities
Genetic diversity and host specificity varies across three genera of blood parasites in ducks of the Pacific Americas Flyway
Prevalence and spatio-temporal variation of an alopecia syndrome in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of the southern Beaufort Sea
Evidence for intercontinental parasite exchange through molecular detection and characterization of haematozoa in northern pintails (Anas acuta) sampled throughout the North Pacific Basin
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
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.