Pathogens Active
Ecosystem biodiversity includes pathogens, which are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause disease in animals and humans. USGS science enhances our understanding of the ecology of these pathogen species, including those that significantly affect the health and fitness of wildlife. Some of these pathogens also affect public health, domestic animals, and the agricultural economy. USGS develops decision-support tools and technologies to detect, monitor, assess risk, and control wildlife diseases.
Diseases Causing Pathogens
Water Borne Pathogens and Other Microorganisms
Pathogens in the Environment
USGS Pathogen Science
Bacterial Pathogen Genes in Streams related to Animal Type and Hydrologic Conditions
Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Environment
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected for the First Time in Wild Birds in North America
Newly Discovered Picornavirus Spread by Baitfish
Skin Lesions and Mortality of Fishes in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
- Overview
Ecosystem biodiversity includes pathogens, which are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause disease in animals and humans. USGS science enhances our understanding of the ecology of these pathogen species, including those that significantly affect the health and fitness of wildlife. Some of these pathogens also affect public health, domestic animals, and the agricultural economy. USGS develops decision-support tools and technologies to detect, monitor, assess risk, and control wildlife diseases.
Diseases Causing PathogensDiseases Causing PathogensWater Borne Pathogens and Other MicroorganismsWater Borne Pathogens and Other MicroorganismsPathogens in the EnvironmentPathogens in the EnvironmentUSGS Pathogen ScienceFilter Total Items: 17Bacterial Pathogen Genes in Streams related to Animal Type and Hydrologic Conditions
A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study elucidates the influence of animal type and environmental variables on bacterial pathogen occurrence in streams under typical watershed conditions.Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Environment
The USGS is conducting source-to-receptor research on a broad range of chemical and microbial contaminants including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pathogens, antibiotic resistant genes, and natural toxins that are not commonly considered in environmental research but have the potential to impact environmental health.Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected for the First Time in Wild Birds in North America
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are helping to track the movement of three strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in wild birds. HPAI viruses are a concern as they are very pathogenic to poultry and some species of wild birds such as raptors. Infection can result in significant mortality of poultry and impact international trade of poultry products. In...Newly Discovered Picornavirus Spread by Baitfish
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contributed to a publication that reports the complete gene sequence of a novel picornavirus isolated from minnows and baitfish in several areas of the United States. The scientists used the molecular sequence and characterization of this virus to determine the evolutionary (phylogenetic) placement in the "family tree" of known fish viruses. The...Skin Lesions and Mortality of Fishes in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
As the largest and most productive estuary in North America, Chesapeake Bay is a vital ecological and economic resource. The bay and its watershed have been degraded, however, by poor water quality, loss of habitat, and overharvesting. The Chesapeake Bay Program, a cooperative program among several Federal and State agencies, is working to restore fish and wildlife in the bay watershed and the...