Environmental Health
Are birds the only species that is susceptible to West Nile Virus?
What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?
Can people get avian influenza?
What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease?
The USGS seeks to understand and minimize exposures to toxic agents and infectious disease agents in the environment.
What are PFAS? What are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. Their persistence in the environment and occurrence across the country make them a unique water quality concern. Drinking water quality and potential exposures...
What should I do if I find sick or dead wildlife? What should I do if I find sick or dead wildlife?
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.
What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease? What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease?
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...
What causes chronic wasting disease? What causes chronic wasting disease?
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-...
What are the different types of avian influenza? What do the numbers next to H and N mean? What are the different types of avian influenza? What do the numbers next to H and N mean?
Avian influenza (AI) type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: Hemagglutinin (HA), of which there are 16 subtypes (H1-H16). Neuraminidase (NA), of which there are 9 subtypes (N1-N9). Many combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible, for example H5N1, H5N2, H7N2, and H7N8. AI viruses are also classified into two groups based on their ability to...
What is chronic wasting disease? What is chronic wasting disease?
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...
What should I do if I find dead or dying bats, or if I observe bats with signs of White-nose Syndrome? What should I do if I find dead or dying bats, or if I observe bats with signs of White-nose Syndrome?
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...
What is White-nose Syndrome? What is White-nose Syndrome?
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...