Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:
- Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
- Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern
Waterfowl Research by Species
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 53
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska
This data package contains one table with nest initiation and end dates and clutch sizes from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) at two breeding colonies in Alaska. Data include nesting period determined by either nest visits or light-level data recorded by geolocators attached tarsal bands.
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia
This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021 Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021
This dataset consists of one table with a record (row) for each goose location and columns containing location information and covariates. The dataset was used in an analysis of altitude selection and flight propensity in an accompanying paper (Weiser et al. 2024) and is being provided here to allow replication of that analysis. Goose locations (latitude, longitude, and altitude) were...
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001 Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001
This data package is comprised of three tables with data from wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Maine, Greenland, and Iceland. The first table contains available allele sizes for 7 microsatellite loci (Sfiµ1, Sfiµ4, Sfiµ9, Sfiµ10, Bcaµ10, Hhiµ2, Hhiµ5) and mtDNA control region haplotypes. The second table contains the mtDNA...
Data from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico Data from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
This data package includes two child items with data from Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) during winter and migration periods. Child Item One: "Body mass, Morphological Measurements, Flock Counts, and Age-Ratios from Black Brant Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico". The data include: (1) body mass and morphological measurements from...
Data from Sampling for Small-Scale Geographic Variation in Salinity Along the Lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993 Data from Sampling for Small-Scale Geographic Variation in Salinity Along the Lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993
This dataset provides salinity measurements collected from water bodies along 17 east-west transects in along the lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta National Wildlife Refuge, 25 June - 30 July 1993.
Breeding Biology, Behavior, and Morphology of Emperor Geese and Other Waterfowl near Kokechik Bay, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska during 1982-1988 Breeding Biology, Behavior, and Morphology of Emperor Geese and Other Waterfowl near Kokechik Bay, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska during 1982-1988
This data package presents legacy data on Emperor Goose, Cackling Goose, Black Brant, and Greater White-fronted Goose, breeding biology, behavior, and morphology collected at study sites near Kokechik Bay on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (previously Clarence Rhodes National Wildlife Refuge), Alaska during the summers of 1982 through 1988. These data were collected to provide a...
Waterfowl Lead Exposure Data in Alaska and Russia, 1993-2022 Waterfowl Lead Exposure Data in Alaska and Russia, 1993-2022
This dataset identifies lead (Pb) concentration found in the blood of waterfowl sampled in western and northern Alaska and eastern Russia between 1993 and 2022. Data include age, sex, body measurement, capture location, presence or absence of lead shot on x-rays, and blood lead levels. Because the study took place over a number of years at the same study sites, many of the same birds...
Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus) Nest Survival Encounter History from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1994-2017 Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus) Nest Survival Encounter History from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1994-2017
These data are in four tables relating to nest visit data of Emperor Geese on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska, 1994-2017. The tables provide: (1) nest visit and hatch success, (2) visit history, (3) capture history, and (4) environmental covariates such as fox and vole abundance and weather data. The code used to conduct the analyses is also included as a text file.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 184
Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models
The nesting biology and demography of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) along the lower Kashunuk River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, were studied from 1993 to 2002. This previous work demonstrated that the breeding population on the study area was declining, and demographic modeling predicted that the population would continue to decline from 2002 forward. The predicted...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl
Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges...
Authors
Tuula E. Hollmen, Paul L. Flint, Sadie Ulman, H.M. Wilson, Courtney Amundson, Erik E. Osnas
Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska
Mass capture of flightless geese during the summer is a common trapping technique to obtain large numbers of individuals for research and marking, but few studies have assessed the impacts of this method on the survival of after-hatch-year geese. We evaluated the effects of holding time and captured flock size on the survival of >26,000 subadult (second yr) and adult (≥third yr) greater...
Authors
Josh Dooley, Joel Schmutz, Julian B. Fischer, Dennis Marks
Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021 Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021
In light of ongoing and geographically widespread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds throughout much of Eurasia during 2020–21, the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds disseminated an informational memorandum in January 2021 to highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened awareness in North...
Authors
M. Camille Hopkins, J. Russ Mason, Giavanna Haddock, Andrew M. Ramey
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Colleen M. Handel
Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America
Wild waterbirds, the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, undergo migratory movements each year, connecting breeding and wintering grounds within broad corridors known as flyways. In a continental or global view, the study of virus movements within and across flyways is important to understanding virus diversity, evolution, and movement. From 2015 to 2017, we sampled waterfowl...
Authors
Diann Prosser, Jiani Chen, Christina Ahlstrom, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Daniel McAuley, Carl R. Callahan, Peter C. McGowan, Justin Bahl, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an emerging disease threat to wild birds in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an emerging disease threat to wild birds in North America
Prior to the emergence of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) H5N1 influenza A virus, the long-held and well-supported paradigm was that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks were restricted to poultry, the result of cross-species transmission of precursor viruses from wild aquatic birds that subsequently gained pathogenicity in domestic birds. Therefore, management...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Nichola J. Hill, Thomas J. DeLiberto, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, M. Camille Hopkins, Andrew S. Lang, Rebecca L. Poulson, Diann Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, David E. Stallknecht, Xiu-Feng Wan
Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands 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...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Benjamin Joel Lagasse, Vijay P. Patil, Laura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Deborah A. Repert, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Growth of greater white-fronted goose goslings relates to population dynamics at multiple scales Growth of greater white-fronted goose goslings relates to population dynamics at multiple scales
The abundance of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) on the Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska, USA, has more than tripled since the late 1990s; however, recent rate of annual population growth has declined as population size increased, which may indicate white-fronted geese on the ACP are approaching carrying capacity. We examined rates of gosling growth...
Authors
Thomas F Fondell, Brandt W. Meixell, Paul L. Flint
Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) are iconic waterfowl endemic to Alaska and adjacent areas of northeastern Russia that are considered to be near threatened by the International Union for Conservation. This species has been identified as harboring diverse viruses and parasites which have, at times, been associated with disease in other avian taxa. To better assess if disease represents a
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Raymond Bucheit, Brian D. Uher-Koch, John Reed, M. Andreina Pacheco, Ananias Escalante, Joel Schmutz
The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host
1. Migratory waterfowl facilitate long distance dispersal of zoonotic pathogens and are increasingly recognized as contributing to the geographic spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). AIV are globally distributed and have the potential to produce highly contagious poultry disease, economically impact both large-scale and backyard poultry producers, and raise the specter of epidemics...
Authors
John M. Humphreys, David C. Douglas, Andrew M. Ramey, Jennifer M. Mullinax, Catherine Soos, Paul T. Link, Patrick Walther, Diann Prosser
Effects of midazolam on corticosterone and blood gases in spectacled eiders prior to transmitter implantation Effects of midazolam on corticosterone and blood gases in spectacled eiders prior to transmitter implantation
Stress and physical exertion may affect the physiology and behavior of wildlife during and after capture, and consequently, survival following release. Such effects may reduce the quality and quantity of the data obtained from captured wildlife. We captured spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri), a species listed as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act, in western...
Authors
Maria Spriggs, Daniel Rizzolo, Kate Martin, Gwen E. Myers, Matthew G. Sexson
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:
- Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
- Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern
Waterfowl Research by Species
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 53
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska
This data package contains one table with nest initiation and end dates and clutch sizes from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) at two breeding colonies in Alaska. Data include nesting period determined by either nest visits or light-level data recorded by geolocators attached tarsal bands.
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia
This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021 Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021
This dataset consists of one table with a record (row) for each goose location and columns containing location information and covariates. The dataset was used in an analysis of altitude selection and flight propensity in an accompanying paper (Weiser et al. 2024) and is being provided here to allow replication of that analysis. Goose locations (latitude, longitude, and altitude) were...
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001 Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001
This data package is comprised of three tables with data from wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Maine, Greenland, and Iceland. The first table contains available allele sizes for 7 microsatellite loci (Sfiµ1, Sfiµ4, Sfiµ9, Sfiµ10, Bcaµ10, Hhiµ2, Hhiµ5) and mtDNA control region haplotypes. The second table contains the mtDNA...
Data from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico Data from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
This data package includes two child items with data from Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) during winter and migration periods. Child Item One: "Body mass, Morphological Measurements, Flock Counts, and Age-Ratios from Black Brant Overwintering in Three Lagoons Along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico". The data include: (1) body mass and morphological measurements from...
Data from Sampling for Small-Scale Geographic Variation in Salinity Along the Lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993 Data from Sampling for Small-Scale Geographic Variation in Salinity Along the Lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993
This dataset provides salinity measurements collected from water bodies along 17 east-west transects in along the lower Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta National Wildlife Refuge, 25 June - 30 July 1993.
Breeding Biology, Behavior, and Morphology of Emperor Geese and Other Waterfowl near Kokechik Bay, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska during 1982-1988 Breeding Biology, Behavior, and Morphology of Emperor Geese and Other Waterfowl near Kokechik Bay, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska during 1982-1988
This data package presents legacy data on Emperor Goose, Cackling Goose, Black Brant, and Greater White-fronted Goose, breeding biology, behavior, and morphology collected at study sites near Kokechik Bay on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (previously Clarence Rhodes National Wildlife Refuge), Alaska during the summers of 1982 through 1988. These data were collected to provide a...
Waterfowl Lead Exposure Data in Alaska and Russia, 1993-2022 Waterfowl Lead Exposure Data in Alaska and Russia, 1993-2022
This dataset identifies lead (Pb) concentration found in the blood of waterfowl sampled in western and northern Alaska and eastern Russia between 1993 and 2022. Data include age, sex, body measurement, capture location, presence or absence of lead shot on x-rays, and blood lead levels. Because the study took place over a number of years at the same study sites, many of the same birds...
Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus) Nest Survival Encounter History from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1994-2017 Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus) Nest Survival Encounter History from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1994-2017
These data are in four tables relating to nest visit data of Emperor Geese on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska, 1994-2017. The tables provide: (1) nest visit and hatch success, (2) visit history, (3) capture history, and (4) environmental covariates such as fox and vole abundance and weather data. The code used to conduct the analyses is also included as a text file.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 184
Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models
The nesting biology and demography of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) along the lower Kashunuk River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, were studied from 1993 to 2002. This previous work demonstrated that the breeding population on the study area was declining, and demographic modeling predicted that the population would continue to decline from 2002 forward. The predicted...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl
Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges...
Authors
Tuula E. Hollmen, Paul L. Flint, Sadie Ulman, H.M. Wilson, Courtney Amundson, Erik E. Osnas
Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska
Mass capture of flightless geese during the summer is a common trapping technique to obtain large numbers of individuals for research and marking, but few studies have assessed the impacts of this method on the survival of after-hatch-year geese. We evaluated the effects of holding time and captured flock size on the survival of >26,000 subadult (second yr) and adult (≥third yr) greater...
Authors
Josh Dooley, Joel Schmutz, Julian B. Fischer, Dennis Marks
Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021 Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021
In light of ongoing and geographically widespread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds throughout much of Eurasia during 2020–21, the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds disseminated an informational memorandum in January 2021 to highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened awareness in North...
Authors
M. Camille Hopkins, J. Russ Mason, Giavanna Haddock, Andrew M. Ramey
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Colleen M. Handel
Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America
Wild waterbirds, the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, undergo migratory movements each year, connecting breeding and wintering grounds within broad corridors known as flyways. In a continental or global view, the study of virus movements within and across flyways is important to understanding virus diversity, evolution, and movement. From 2015 to 2017, we sampled waterfowl...
Authors
Diann Prosser, Jiani Chen, Christina Ahlstrom, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Daniel McAuley, Carl R. Callahan, Peter C. McGowan, Justin Bahl, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an emerging disease threat to wild birds in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an emerging disease threat to wild birds in North America
Prior to the emergence of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) H5N1 influenza A virus, the long-held and well-supported paradigm was that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks were restricted to poultry, the result of cross-species transmission of precursor viruses from wild aquatic birds that subsequently gained pathogenicity in domestic birds. Therefore, management...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Nichola J. Hill, Thomas J. DeLiberto, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, M. Camille Hopkins, Andrew S. Lang, Rebecca L. Poulson, Diann Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, David E. Stallknecht, Xiu-Feng Wan
Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands 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...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Benjamin Joel Lagasse, Vijay P. Patil, Laura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Deborah A. Repert, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Growth of greater white-fronted goose goslings relates to population dynamics at multiple scales Growth of greater white-fronted goose goslings relates to population dynamics at multiple scales
The abundance of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) on the Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska, USA, has more than tripled since the late 1990s; however, recent rate of annual population growth has declined as population size increased, which may indicate white-fronted geese on the ACP are approaching carrying capacity. We examined rates of gosling growth...
Authors
Thomas F Fondell, Brandt W. Meixell, Paul L. Flint
Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) are iconic waterfowl endemic to Alaska and adjacent areas of northeastern Russia that are considered to be near threatened by the International Union for Conservation. This species has been identified as harboring diverse viruses and parasites which have, at times, been associated with disease in other avian taxa. To better assess if disease represents a
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Raymond Bucheit, Brian D. Uher-Koch, John Reed, M. Andreina Pacheco, Ananias Escalante, Joel Schmutz
The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host
1. Migratory waterfowl facilitate long distance dispersal of zoonotic pathogens and are increasingly recognized as contributing to the geographic spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). AIV are globally distributed and have the potential to produce highly contagious poultry disease, economically impact both large-scale and backyard poultry producers, and raise the specter of epidemics...
Authors
John M. Humphreys, David C. Douglas, Andrew M. Ramey, Jennifer M. Mullinax, Catherine Soos, Paul T. Link, Patrick Walther, Diann Prosser
Effects of midazolam on corticosterone and blood gases in spectacled eiders prior to transmitter implantation Effects of midazolam on corticosterone and blood gases in spectacled eiders prior to transmitter implantation
Stress and physical exertion may affect the physiology and behavior of wildlife during and after capture, and consequently, survival following release. Such effects may reduce the quality and quantity of the data obtained from captured wildlife. We captured spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri), a species listed as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act, in western...
Authors
Maria Spriggs, Daniel Rizzolo, Kate Martin, Gwen E. Myers, Matthew G. Sexson
Below are news stories associated with this project.