Molecular Ecology Lab
View video about how genetics helps answer questions about wildlife populations, health, and disease
View video about how genetics helps answer questions about wildlife populations, health, and disease
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Molecular ecology is the study of the earth and its ecosystems through genetic methods. The objectives of our research program are to: Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and the health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and provide molecular science applications and protocols for our partners.
Publications
Rapid expansion of genotype D1.1 A(H5N1) influenza viruses in wild birds across North America during the 2024 migratory season Rapid expansion of genotype D1.1 A(H5N1) influenza viruses in wild birds across North America during the 2024 migratory season
In late 2021, high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses entered North America and reassorted rapidly with local avian influenza viruses. In September 2024, we detected a new reassortant later classified as genotype D1.1. Using active and passive avian influenza surveillance across Canada and the USA, we tracked the emergence and rapid spread of D1.1 viruses in...
Validation and application of a standardized quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water Validation and application of a standardized quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water
Antimicrobial resistance can be an indicator of anthropogenic contamination in surface waters and is a potential public health threat. Methodological standardization for characterization of antimicrobial resistance in the environment is lacking. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is used for rapid assessment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from environmental sources, including surface water...
Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022 Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022
In 2021–22, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses were introduced by wild birds into North America, leading to geographically widespread disease. In response to HPAI outbreaks throughout late 2021 and early 2022, we recorded observations of sick and dead birds, estimated abundance of carcasses, collected swab and sera samples to detect viruses, and monitored...
Science
Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center
The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners. Hypothesis-driven research projects are designed to fill data gaps and inform decisions for Department of Interior and other management agencies. The Molecular Ecology Lab research portfolio currently includes...