Biosurveillance
Our early detection & rapid response are improving biological threat detection
Our early detection & rapid response are improving biological threat detection
Fish and Wildlife Disease
We are the lead Federal agency for wildlife disease research and surveillance
We are the lead Federal agency for wildlife disease research and surveillance
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program
The Biological Threats Research Program delivers science to protect public safety, property, and ecosystems from invasive plants and animals and infectious fish and wildlife diseases that pose significant ecologic and economic threats to the resources of the United States.
Links to Cool USGS Web Tools
Links to Cool USGS Web Tools
Explore powerful tools that provide immediate access to data and information on aquatic invasive species, wildlife diseases, and invasive plants.
News
Environmental DNA monitoring leads to early detection of invasive zebra mussel DNA in the Colorado River, Utah
Environmental DNA monitoring leads to early detection of invasive zebra mussel DNA in the Colorado River, Utah
A Celebration of Information for Recreation – National Hunting and Fishing Day
A Celebration of Information for Recreation – National Hunting and Fishing Day
Fall 2026 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group
Fall 2026 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group
Publications
Efficacy of increased visual and olfactory cues for luring and trapping invasive tegu lizards Efficacy of increased visual and olfactory cues for luring and trapping invasive tegu lizards
Controlling invasive wildlife species relies on the ability to efficiently remove individuals from the invaded environment. Thus, maximizing capture potential is of high interest, particularly for species that are difficult to capture. For invasive species such as the Argentine black and white tegu lizard (Salvator merianae), increasing attraction to traps could increase the probability...
Science
Understanding and Containing Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids (deer, elk, caribou, and moose) that is threatening the health and sustainability of cervid populations across North America. CWD is caused by misfolded proteins known as prions, which can be transmitted by direct contact or environmental exposure. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center conducts...
Tracking Chronic Wasting Disease Strains to Understand Transmission and Detect Emerging Threats
At least ten distinct chronic wasting disease (CWD) prion strains with unique biochemical properties affect disease transmission and host range, prompting development and validation of biochemical assays to surveil and track these strains in endemic regions like Wisconsin, with ongoing efforts to standardize these methods for epidemiological tracking and management of CWD variants .
Improving Deer Management Through Behavioral Science
Managing white-tailed deer populations is a major challenge for wildlife agencies across the Midwest, with implications for crop damage, vehicle collisions, and the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD). This six-year, multistate field experiment tests evidence-based behavioral strategies to increase hunter and landowner participation in deer management. The project will provide...