Fish & Wildlife Disease: Avian Disease
The USGS conducts ongoing surveillance and research nationwide on avian diseases that could be harmful to domestic animals and humans.
Avian Influenza
Since 2006, the USGS has partnered with agencies around the world to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. USGS scientists are conducting investigations and providing advanced tools for disease surveillance, risk assessment and control.
Climate Change Canary in the Coal Mine
Climate change has increased temperatures in high-elevation forests, allowing mosquitoes to reach areas that were once malaria-free. A single bite from an infected mosquito can kill and the death rate may exceed 90 percent for some bird species.
Avian Influenza
Since 2006, we have partnered with agencies around the world to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza. In 2014, our scientists detected three HPAI viruses for the first time in wild birds in North America: H5N2, H5N8, and a recombinant H5N1. In response to HPAI detections, our scientists are working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other Federal and state agency partners.
Learn more about USGS avian influenza science >>
Avian Malaria
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne bird disease caused by a protozoan parasite (Plasmodium relictum). P. relictum reproduces in avian red blood cells. If the parasite load is sufficiently high, the bird loses red blood cells (anemia). Because red blood cells are critical for moving oxygen about the body, loss of these cells can lead to progressive weakness and, eventually, death. This disease was introduced to Hawaii and native honeycreepers are highly susceptible.
Avian Botulism
Avian botulism is caused by the soil bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, and causes paralysis and death in birds. Two types of botulism have been found in birds: Type C, which occurs during warmer months across the U.S., and Type E, which is found primarily in the Great Lakes.
Birds can become infected with botulism after ingesting decaying organic matter or live invertebrates that have been infected with the toxin.
USGS scientists study avian botulism on microscopic and geographic scales to answer questions about how the botulism toxin spreads through the food chain, how botulism can be controlled, and where botulism outbreaks may occur next.
Avian Disease Research
Disease Ecology In the Pacific Basin: Wildlife and Public Health Concerns
The USGS conducts ongoing surveillance and research nationwide on avian diseases that could be harmful to domestic animals and humans.
Avian Influenza
Since 2006, the USGS has partnered with agencies around the world to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. USGS scientists are conducting investigations and providing advanced tools for disease surveillance, risk assessment and control.
Climate Change Canary in the Coal Mine
Climate change has increased temperatures in high-elevation forests, allowing mosquitoes to reach areas that were once malaria-free. A single bite from an infected mosquito can kill and the death rate may exceed 90 percent for some bird species.
Avian Influenza
Since 2006, we have partnered with agencies around the world to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza. In 2014, our scientists detected three HPAI viruses for the first time in wild birds in North America: H5N2, H5N8, and a recombinant H5N1. In response to HPAI detections, our scientists are working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other Federal and state agency partners.
Learn more about USGS avian influenza science >>
Avian Malaria
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne bird disease caused by a protozoan parasite (Plasmodium relictum). P. relictum reproduces in avian red blood cells. If the parasite load is sufficiently high, the bird loses red blood cells (anemia). Because red blood cells are critical for moving oxygen about the body, loss of these cells can lead to progressive weakness and, eventually, death. This disease was introduced to Hawaii and native honeycreepers are highly susceptible.
Avian Botulism
Avian botulism is caused by the soil bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, and causes paralysis and death in birds. Two types of botulism have been found in birds: Type C, which occurs during warmer months across the U.S., and Type E, which is found primarily in the Great Lakes.
Birds can become infected with botulism after ingesting decaying organic matter or live invertebrates that have been infected with the toxin.
USGS scientists study avian botulism on microscopic and geographic scales to answer questions about how the botulism toxin spreads through the food chain, how botulism can be controlled, and where botulism outbreaks may occur next.
Avian Disease Research