Media Advisory: Scientists and Officials Celebrate 40 Years of Groundbreaking Science in Madison

Representatives from the offices of Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Mark Pocan will join leaders from the U.S. Geological Survey, federal and state partners and city officials for a special 40^th anniversary event at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in Madison, Wisconsin, this Friday.

The NWHC was created in 1975 to help understand and mitigate wildlife diseases nationally. It strives to protect wildlife health, much like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aim to protect public health. The NWHC is a USGS science center with purposely designed biosafety level-3 laboratories.

Scientists at the NWHC investigate disease outbreaks, conduct active surveillance and research and provide management tools to address wildlife health threats. Critical scientific contributions include discovery of the causative agent of white-nose syndrome in bats, the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans; participation in the national surveillance of highly pathogenic avian flu; and development of an oral vaccine to control sylvatic plague in prairie dogs.

What: Reporters are welcome to attend an invitation-only event with scientists and Congressional representatives for an historic 40^th anniversary celebration of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. Journalists will have access to highly visual tours and interview opportunities.



Who: Representatives for Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Mark Pocan

USGS Acting Director Suzette Kimball

Other federal and state officials and science leaders



When: Friday, August 28, 2015

1:30 p.m.: Formal program

3 p.m.: Tours of the facilities



Where: USGS National Wildlife Health Center (map)

6006 Schroeder Road, Madison