National Wildlife Health Center Newsletter - Winter 2023
White-nose syndrome diagnostic harmonization
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, in partnership with the White-nose Syndrome (WNS) National Response Team Diagnostic Working Group, has developed the White-Nose Syndrome Diagnostic Laboratory Network Handbook to harmonize WNS diagnostics.
Investigating coronaviruses and white-nose syndrome fungus in free-ranging North American bats
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, using samples collected by state, federal, and tribal partners as part of the white-nose syndrome/Pd fungus surveillance, assessed the genetic diversity of bat coronaviruses in North America.
Application of a systems approach for management of chronic wasting disease
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Ventana Systems, Inc., and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) are applying a systems approach to map and model the complex relationships among ecological, epidemiological, social, and political processes affecting CWD. Through a participatory modeling process, we gathered subject matter expertise on CWD epidemiology, social science, and deer and forest health and integrated it with empirical data collected by the WIDNR on processes influencing CWD dynamics and management.
Update on plans to modernize NWHC facilities
An introduction to lesions and histology of stony corals
USGS National Wildlife Health Center pathologists and partners have authored a new reference guide on the lesions and histology of scleractinian corals.
New resource on pathology and infectious agents of freshwater mussels
A new publication by USGS National Wildlife Health Center scientists and partners (Knowles et al. 2023) was published to synthesize current disease information and offer standardized methods for disease investigations that will improve our knowledge of disease in freshwater mussels and how it might be contributing to population declines.
WHISPers new features and usability updates
Development efforts are underway for the next phase of WHISPers (Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership – event reporting system).
Update on USGS National Wildlife Health Center Director
After 14 years as Center Director at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Dr. Jonathan Sleeman has assumed a new position with the USGS Midcontinent Region as Science Advisor for Wildlife Health and Ecology.
Pathology Case of the Month
Notable cases at the National Wildlife Health Center are highlighted here in the Pathology Case of the Month Series.
Publications
View citations of publications by National Wildlife Health Center scientists since our founding in 1975. Access to full-text is provided where possible.