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At the USGS, we are a leader in wildlife health research and disease surveillance, prioritizing the health and safety of American communities, lands and waters, and fish and wildlife populations.
On April 25, 2025, we are celebrating the first-ever USGS Wildlife Health Awareness Day by highlighting the actionable wildlife health science we provide to the Nation.
Wildlife population health is primarily based on a balance of three things: wildlife fitness, quality habitat, and low levels of parasites and pathogens that allow wildlife to co-exist with them or recover after periodic disease outbreaks. When there is an imbalance in those three factors, a significant disease outbreak may occur, affecting the health of the population and potentially the species.
The health of ecosystems, including wildlife populations, is interconnected to our health. Our food, our water, our environment, and our economy are reliant on healthy fish and wildlife. USGS science helps ensure healthy wildlife populations thrive, in spite of disease, and helps maintain productive lands and water for future generations.
Through the Ecosystems Mission Area, the USGS is the lead federal agency for wildlife disease research and surveillance. USGS wildlife health science focuses largely on disease prevention, detection, and management actions that reduce the impact of outbreaks on wild game species, including deer, elk, and waterfowl; fishes, both freshwater and marine; and other wildlife species that are important to the nation.
USGS’s National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), established in 1975, is our flagship center for wildlife disease, and includes wildlife veterinary diagnostic and research facilities. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, NWHC is the only federal select agency program-registered federal entity that focuses entirely on wildlife health.
USGS also conducts fish and aquatic animal disease research and cause-of-death investigations at two facilities: USGS Western Fisheries Research Center in Washington and USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in West Virginia and Maryland. Western Fisheries Research Center includes the Marrowstone Marine Field Station off Puget Sound, which is one of only a few saltwater pathogen-free research facilities in the U.S. that allows for marine disease ecology research.
Wildlife disease ecology research also occurs in other USGS science centers and cooperative research units across America.
The USGS is dedicated to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention across America and the globe and contributes to public safety and natural resource management by studying diseases that threaten our public health, agriculture, and economy.
One online tool, WHISPers, the Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership - event reporting system, houses basic information on current and historic wildlife mortality and/or illness events reported by partners across the U.S. Search WHISPers to find out what the most recent wildlife disease outbreak was in your county or state.
The Aquatic Disease and Pathogen Repository, or AquaDePTH, is a publicly accessible database currently being developed that can support the biosurveillance of aquatic animal diseases and pathogens, allowing natural resource managers to monitor fish kills and aquatic pathogen trends over space and time in both freshwater and marine environments.
USGS wildlife health science is critical for disease management in wild game species, including deer, elk, and waterfowl, to support the Department of the Interior's decision-making related to hunting regulations. Similarly, USGS aquatic animal health science contributes to state, tribal, and federal management of sport fish rearing and stocking for recreational fishing as well as those species of conservation concern. USGS wildlife health scientists also collaborate with communities, state and federal agencies, and Tribes to support the health and vitality of marine and coastal species, such as sea otters, manatees, sea turtles, and many fisheries species, including Chinook salmon.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to check out USGS podcasts, presentations, and other materials below to dive deeper into USGS wildlife health science.
Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the presence of hyperpigmentation (melanosis) on the external surface of black basses. This condition has received increased attention from anglers and resource managers in recent years and is a popular topic of discussion and reporting on angling websites and blogging platforms.
Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the presence of hyperpigmentation (melanosis) on the external surface of black basses. This condition has received increased attention from anglers and resource managers in recent years and is a popular topic of discussion and reporting on angling websites and blogging platforms.
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.
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.
This video captures a moment when USGS scientist Elizabeth Gallegos released 8 zoo-raised froglets into a stream, just one of several such reintroductions last summer. The long-term goal is to create 25 populations of a few hundred to a thousand frogs each. This summer, the team will revisit the sites to see how the frogs are doing.
This video captures a moment when USGS scientist Elizabeth Gallegos released 8 zoo-raised froglets into a stream, just one of several such reintroductions last summer. The long-term goal is to create 25 populations of a few hundred to a thousand frogs each. This summer, the team will revisit the sites to see how the frogs are doing.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
Imagery from temperature-sensing cameras showing bats in hibernation. This new footage suggests that bats who warm up from hibernation together throughout the winter may be better at surviving white nose syndrome, a disease caused by a cold-loving fungus ravaging insect-eating bat populations in the United States and Canada.
Imagery from temperature-sensing cameras showing bats in hibernation. This new footage suggests that bats who warm up from hibernation together throughout the winter may be better at surviving white nose syndrome, a disease caused by a cold-loving fungus ravaging insect-eating bat populations in the United States and Canada.
Permanent Site: E2 West Transect; Depth: 14.6 Meters (48 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 3 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002, -123.56197605; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with scattered boulders. Seaweed is absent.
Permanent Site: E2 West Transect; Depth: 14.6 Meters (48 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 3 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002, -123.56197605; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with scattered boulders. Seaweed is absent.
A cluster of sick or dead animals in an area might indicate a wildlife disease of concern. If you find sick or dead wildlife, contact your closest state or federal wildlife agency; they can decide whether to investigate. You might also contact your local health department to report this occurrence.
Since the late 1990s, Alaskans have reported large numbers of beak deformities in Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and can suffer high rates of mortality. The USGS has...
Thousands of people have visited affected caves and mines since White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first observed, and there have been no reported human illnesses attributable to WNS. We are still learning about WNS, but we know of no risk to humans from contact with WNS-affected bats. However, we urge taking precautions and not exposing yourself to WNS. Biologists and researchers use protective...
White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
In response to White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and individual states request that cavers observe all cave closures and advisories, and avoid caves, mines or passages containing hibernating bats to minimize disturbance to them. The Service asks that cavers and cave visitors stay out of all caves in the affected states and adjoining states to help slow the potential...
If you find a dead or dying bat: Contact your state wildlife agency, file an electronic report in those states that offer this service, e-mail U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in your area or contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Service field office to report your potential White-nose Syndrome (WNS) observations. It is important to determine the species of bat in case it is a federally...
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six...
Research suggests that even though amphibians are severely declining worldwide, there is no smoking gun—and thus no simple solution—to halting or reversing these declines. Though every region in the United States has suffered amphibian declines, threats differ among regions. They include: Human influence from the Mississippi River east, including the metropolitan areas of the Northeast and the...
All healthy bats try to avoid humans by taking flight and are not purposely aggressive. Most bats are about the size of a mouse and use their small teeth and weak jaws to grind up insects. You should avoid handling bats because several species, such as the hoary and big brown bats, have large teeth that can puncture skin if they are handled improperly. Less than one percent of the bat population...
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. Since its discovery in 1967, CWD has spread geographically and increased in prevalence locally. CWD is contagious; it can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. No treatments or vaccines are...
Chronic wasting disease is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. All mammals produce normal prions that are used by cells, then degraded and eliminated, or recycled, within the body. When disease-associated prions contact normal prions, they cause them to refold into their own abnormal shape. These disease-associated prions are not readily broken down and tend to accumulate in--and damage-...
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs. During this time frame animals look and act normal. The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss. Numerous behavioral changes also have been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Diseased...
Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the presence of hyperpigmentation (melanosis) on the external surface of black basses. This condition has received increased attention from anglers and resource managers in recent years and is a popular topic of discussion and reporting on angling websites and blogging platforms.
Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the presence of hyperpigmentation (melanosis) on the external surface of black basses. This condition has received increased attention from anglers and resource managers in recent years and is a popular topic of discussion and reporting on angling websites and blogging platforms.
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.
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.
This video captures a moment when USGS scientist Elizabeth Gallegos released 8 zoo-raised froglets into a stream, just one of several such reintroductions last summer. The long-term goal is to create 25 populations of a few hundred to a thousand frogs each. This summer, the team will revisit the sites to see how the frogs are doing.
This video captures a moment when USGS scientist Elizabeth Gallegos released 8 zoo-raised froglets into a stream, just one of several such reintroductions last summer. The long-term goal is to create 25 populations of a few hundred to a thousand frogs each. This summer, the team will revisit the sites to see how the frogs are doing.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
Imagery from temperature-sensing cameras showing bats in hibernation. This new footage suggests that bats who warm up from hibernation together throughout the winter may be better at surviving white nose syndrome, a disease caused by a cold-loving fungus ravaging insect-eating bat populations in the United States and Canada.
Imagery from temperature-sensing cameras showing bats in hibernation. This new footage suggests that bats who warm up from hibernation together throughout the winter may be better at surviving white nose syndrome, a disease caused by a cold-loving fungus ravaging insect-eating bat populations in the United States and Canada.
Permanent Site: E2 West Transect; Depth: 14.6 Meters (48 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 3 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002, -123.56197605; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with scattered boulders. Seaweed is absent.
Permanent Site: E2 West Transect; Depth: 14.6 Meters (48 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 3 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002, -123.56197605; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with scattered boulders. Seaweed is absent.
A cluster of sick or dead animals in an area might indicate a wildlife disease of concern. If you find sick or dead wildlife, contact your closest state or federal wildlife agency; they can decide whether to investigate. You might also contact your local health department to report this occurrence.
Since the late 1990s, Alaskans have reported large numbers of beak deformities in Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and can suffer high rates of mortality. The USGS has...
Thousands of people have visited affected caves and mines since White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first observed, and there have been no reported human illnesses attributable to WNS. We are still learning about WNS, but we know of no risk to humans from contact with WNS-affected bats. However, we urge taking precautions and not exposing yourself to WNS. Biologists and researchers use protective...
White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
In response to White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and individual states request that cavers observe all cave closures and advisories, and avoid caves, mines or passages containing hibernating bats to minimize disturbance to them. The Service asks that cavers and cave visitors stay out of all caves in the affected states and adjoining states to help slow the potential...
If you find a dead or dying bat: Contact your state wildlife agency, file an electronic report in those states that offer this service, e-mail U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in your area or contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Service field office to report your potential White-nose Syndrome (WNS) observations. It is important to determine the species of bat in case it is a federally...
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six...
Research suggests that even though amphibians are severely declining worldwide, there is no smoking gun—and thus no simple solution—to halting or reversing these declines. Though every region in the United States has suffered amphibian declines, threats differ among regions. They include: Human influence from the Mississippi River east, including the metropolitan areas of the Northeast and the...
All healthy bats try to avoid humans by taking flight and are not purposely aggressive. Most bats are about the size of a mouse and use their small teeth and weak jaws to grind up insects. You should avoid handling bats because several species, such as the hoary and big brown bats, have large teeth that can puncture skin if they are handled improperly. Less than one percent of the bat population...
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. Since its discovery in 1967, CWD has spread geographically and increased in prevalence locally. CWD is contagious; it can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. No treatments or vaccines are...
Chronic wasting disease is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. All mammals produce normal prions that are used by cells, then degraded and eliminated, or recycled, within the body. When disease-associated prions contact normal prions, they cause them to refold into their own abnormal shape. These disease-associated prions are not readily broken down and tend to accumulate in--and damage-...
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs. During this time frame animals look and act normal. The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss. Numerous behavioral changes also have been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Diseased...