Pathology Case of the Month
Science Center Objects
Notable cases at the National Wildlife Health Center are highlighted here in the Pathology Case of the Month Series.
Wildlife pathologists at the National Wildlife Health Center routinely investigate the causes of wildlife mortality events in the United States as part of our diagnostic services. The pathologists examine carcasses to verify species and condition, collect and process photographic and radiographic images, conduct detailed necropsies, collect appropriate samples for histological preparation, and collect and submit appropriate tissue samples for diagnostic laboratory evaluation. Necropsy findings, histopathology, and laboratory test results are interpreted by pathologists to infer cause of death.
Learn more about NWHC necropsy and pathology capabilities.
For additional data and information on wildlife mortality events, visit WHISPers.
Pathology Case of the Month
August 2019: Avian cholera in a Ross’s Goose
September 2019: Strychnine poisoning in a Mourning Dove
October 2019: White-nose syndrome in Little brown and Northern long-eared bats
November 2019: Snake fungal disease in a Black Racer snake
December 2019: Electrocution of a Great-Horned Owl and a Eurasian Collared-Dove
January 2020: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Gyrfalcon
February 2020: Tyzzer’s Disease in Muskrats
March 2020: Ranavirus in Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs
April 2020: Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in a Zebra Finch with thyroid hyperplasia
May 2020: Lead poisoning in a Canada Goose and two Bald Eagles
June 2020: Wellfleet Bay Virus Disease in a Common Eider
July 2020: Sarcoptic Mange in a Timber Wolf
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Date published: March 29, 2018Status: ActiveDiagnostic Services
The Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Laboratories Branch of the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) conducts laboratory investigations to determine the causes of wildlife mortality events, especially large-scale die-offs or those that are otherwise unusual.
Contacts: David S Blehert -
Date published: March 29, 2018Status: ActiveNecropsy & Pathology
The Necropsy and Pathology capabilities are performed by diagnostic veterinary pathologists and necropsy technical staff whose principal role is to determine the cause of death for animals submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC). These scientists examine carcasses to verify species and condition, collect and process photographic and radiographic images, conduct detailed...