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Andy Ramey, Ph.D.

Wildlife health and disease

Professional Experience

  • 2012 - Present   Research Wildlife Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska

  • 2006 - 2012       Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska

  • 2003 - 2006      Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska

  • 2001 - 2002       Biological Science Technician, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D.  2015   University of Georgia, Athens, GA        Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

  • B.S.    2001   Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO    Fishery Biology and Wildlife Biology

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Associate Editor: Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2016 - present)

  • Associate Editor: Ornithology (2020 – present)

  • Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association

  • Reviewer: more than 35 journal outlets

Honors and Awards

  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Star Award: 2002

  • U.S. Geological Survey Star Award: 2003, 2007 - 2009

  • U.S. Geological Survey performance awards: 2010 - 2022

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 13
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White breasted bird with orange feet, black/brown back, short beak

Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center

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. Hypothesis-driven research projects are designed to fill data gaps and inform decisions for Department of Interior and other management agencies. The Molecular Ecology Lab research portfolio currently includes...
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Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
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Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center

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. Hypothesis-driven research projects are designed to fill data gaps and inform decisions for Department of Interior and other management agencies. The Molecular Ecology Lab research portfolio currently includes...
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Scientist swabbing hunter-harvested ducks in western Alaska

Q&A: Bird Flu - Ongoing Threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alaska and North America

Since 2006, the USGS has cooperated with many federal, state, and tribal agency partners in the detection of and response to Avian Influenza (AI) viruses including highly pathogenic AI (or HPAI) viruses in wild birds in North America. Avian influenza, also known as "bird flu", is a viral disease that infects domestic poultry and wild birds. HPAI is an ecologically and economically significant...
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Alaska Science Center
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Q&A: Bird Flu - Ongoing Threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alaska and North America

Since 2006, the USGS has cooperated with many federal, state, and tribal agency partners in the detection of and response to Avian Influenza (AI) viruses including highly pathogenic AI (or HPAI) viruses in wild birds in North America. Avian influenza, also known as "bird flu", is a viral disease that infects domestic poultry and wild birds. HPAI is an ecologically and economically significant...
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Herring and Glaucous gulls at the Bethel Landfill, Bethel, Alaska

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Acquired by Wild Birds in Urban Settings and Dispersed via Migration

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have developed a model that demonstrates how migratory wild birds in urban areas can acquire bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, including those used in clinics, and potentially disperse these bacteria between continents via migration.
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Ecosystems, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
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Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Acquired by Wild Birds in Urban Settings and Dispersed via Migration

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have developed a model that demonstrates how migratory wild birds in urban areas can acquire bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, including those used in clinics, and potentially disperse these bacteria between continents via migration.
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Molecular ecology laboratory procedure

Molecular Ecology Laboratory

The main objectives of the USGS ASC molecular ecology research program are to 1) Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and 2) Provide state-of-the-art molecular science applications and protocols for USGS, Department of Interior, and other partners.
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Alaska Science Center
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Molecular Ecology Laboratory

The main objectives of the USGS ASC molecular ecology research program are to 1) Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and 2) Provide state-of-the-art molecular science applications and protocols for USGS, Department of Interior, and other partners.
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Glaucous-winged gull in water in Kenai River, Kenai, Alaska

Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)

Available here are tracking data of large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species). These data were collected to better understand the migratory movements of these birds and their role in the dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria among areas of Alaska and other regions.
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Alaska Science Center
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Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)

Available here are tracking data of large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species). These data were collected to better understand the migratory movements of these birds and their role in the dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria among areas of Alaska and other regions.
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A male Blue-winged Teal with an inset image of an avian influenza virus.

Blue-winged Teal and Cross Continental Avian Influenza Transmission

This project aims to improve our understanding of the migratory ecology of Blue-winged Teal and how this may impact the ability of this species to transmit avian influenza or other pathogens across the wild bird – domestic poultry interface.This project aims to improve our understanding of the migratory ecology of Blue-winged Teal and how this may impact the ability of this species to transmit...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Blue-winged Teal and Cross Continental Avian Influenza Transmission

This project aims to improve our understanding of the migratory ecology of Blue-winged Teal and how this may impact the ability of this species to transmit avian influenza or other pathogens across the wild bird – domestic poultry interface.This project aims to improve our understanding of the migratory ecology of Blue-winged Teal and how this may impact the ability of this species to transmit...
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Tundra swan on the Colville River Delta

Swan Research

USGS research on swans in Alaska has focused on pathogens, contaminants, and demographic rates in each of the different breeding areas of Alaska. The vastly different migration patterns of swans in Alaska means that there are multiple factors on the wintering grounds and during migration that may influence population size and trends.
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Alaska Science Center
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Swan Research

USGS research on swans in Alaska has focused on pathogens, contaminants, and demographic rates in each of the different breeding areas of Alaska. The vastly different migration patterns of swans in Alaska means that there are multiple factors on the wintering grounds and during migration that may influence population size and trends.
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Blue-winged Teal flying with a satellite transmitter

Tracking Data for Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)

Available here are tracking data of Blue-winged Teal, a duck species that breeds throughout much of North America and whose wintering range includes neotropical areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America, thus providing a migratory link between the continents of North and South America. These data were collected to better understand the timing and patterns of migratory movement of Blue...
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Alaska Science Center
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Tracking Data for Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)

Available here are tracking data of Blue-winged Teal, a duck species that breeds throughout much of North America and whose wintering range includes neotropical areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America, thus providing a migratory link between the continents of North and South America. These data were collected to better understand the timing and patterns of migratory movement of Blue...
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John Reed (USGS scientist) holding a gull marked with a satellite transmitter at the Soldotna landfill in June 2016

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
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Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
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Northern Pintail pair on water, Copper River Delta, Alaska

High Priority Species for Avian Influenza in Alaska

In early 2006, an Alaska Interagency Avian Influenza Working Group was formed to develop a ranking matrix for selecting priority species to be sampled within Alaska. Most wild bird species with populations that utilize areas of both Alaska and Asia were identified and considered in the ranking exercise. Based on scoring criteria, 28 target species were chosen for sampling. Alaska is a...
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Alaska Science Center
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High Priority Species for Avian Influenza in Alaska

In early 2006, an Alaska Interagency Avian Influenza Working Group was formed to develop a ranking matrix for selecting priority species to be sampled within Alaska. Most wild bird species with populations that utilize areas of both Alaska and Asia were identified and considered in the ranking exercise. Based on scoring criteria, 28 target species were chosen for sampling. Alaska is a...
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Tundra Swan swimming on a lake in northern Alaska

Bird Migration and Influenza

The movement and transmission of avian influenza viruses in wild birds may differ by the migratory nature of each host species.
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Alaska Science Center
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Bird Migration and Influenza

The movement and transmission of avian influenza viruses in wild birds may differ by the migratory nature of each host species.
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Man releasing duck in Japan. He wears a face mask for protection from disease

Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
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Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
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Filter Total Items: 15

Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl

These data represent mercury contamination, influenza infection, and body condition in 11 species of dabbling and diving ducks in the Pacific Flyway. These data support a USGS lead scientific publication.
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Eastern Ecological Science Center

Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions

Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA (3) water quality measurement from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA, (4) genetic sequence data for IAVs recovered from replicate samples of wild
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Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center

Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016

This dataset provides two tables of blood parasite infection data collected from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) on Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene. The data provided in the tables are: 1) age, sex, mass, infection status, and NCBI
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Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014

This dataset includes one table of blood parasite (hematozoa) infection data from 197 Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and 110 Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima) sampled on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, in 1998 and 2014. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene. The table
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Alaska Science Center

Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)

This metadata document describes the data contained in the "processedData" folder of this data package. This data package contains all data collected by the Argos System from 6 satellite transmitters attached to Glaucous-winged gulls on Middleton Island and 42 Argos-linked GPS satellite transmitters attached to three species of large-bodied gulls (genus Larus) and hybrids thereof, captur
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Alaska Science Center

Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls

This data set includes information on collections of fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at seven locations in Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
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Alaska Science Center

Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions

Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data for six North American wetlands, (3) water quality measurement from those wetlands, (4) laboratory-based study of viral viability using Minnesota wetland water, (5) naive mallards challenged experimentally with IAVs identified from the field experiment, and (6) g
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Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center

Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry

This data release contains model outputs depicting the probability of an H5 or H7 avian influenza outbreak at any given point in the continental United States for each week of the year.
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Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019

This dataset is three tables with details of samples and aliquots of waterfowl feces deposited in filtered surface water collected from an urban waterbody in Anchorage, Alaska in 2018-2019. Sample vials were submerged underwater in the same waterbody from which the samples were collected and the samples were tested for the presence and viability of influenza A virus. Temperature data and water che
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Alaska Science Center

DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species

This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and allele sizes for 69 individual Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Chagulak Island, Alaska and Hafnarey Island, Iceland. Fulmar allele sizes are provided for 10 previously published and 26 novel microsatellite loci. Additionally, allele sizes for the 26 microsatellite loci developed in this study are included for Arctic T
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Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Tracking Data for Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)

This metadata document describes the data contained in the "rawData" folder of this data package. This data package contains all data collected by the Argos System from 42 satellite transmitters attached to Blue-winged Teal ducks on their breeding range in Saskatchewan and Alberta (August 2013) and spring staging areas in Texas and Louisiana (March 2015). Five data files are included in the "rawDa
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Alaska Science Center

Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska

Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor geese near
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Alaska Science Center
Andy Ramey staff photo
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Andrew Reeves retrieving samples at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
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Blue-winged Teal flying
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Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus
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The blood parasite Haemoproteus nettionis under the microscope
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Andy Reeves holding a Glaucous Gull in Barrow, Alaska
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Three caribou from the Porcupine Herd standing on the tundra
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Filter Total Items: 97

A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska

Tularemia is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by one of several subspecies of Francisella tularensis bacteria. Infections by F. tularensis are common throughout the northern hemisphere and have been detected in more than 250 wildlife species. In Alaska, US, where the pathogen was first identified in 1938, studies have identified F. tularensis antibodies in a diverse suite of taxa, including i
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Avian influenza antibody prevalence increases with mercury contamination in wild waterfowl

Environmental contamination is widespread and can negatively impact wildlife health. Some contaminants, including heavy metals, have immunosuppressive effects, but prior studies have rarely measured contamination and disease simultaneously, which limits our understanding of how contaminants and pathogens interact to influence wildlife health. Here, we measured mercury concentrations, influenza inf
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatiotemporal changes in influenza A virus prevalence among wild waterfowl inhabiting the continental United States throughout the annual cycle

Avian influenza viruses can pose serious risks to agricultural production, human health, and wildlife. An understanding of viruses in wild reservoir species across time and space is important to informing surveillance programs, risk models, and potential population impacts for vulnerable species. Although it is recognized that influenza A virus prevalence peaks in reservoir waterfowl in late summe
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Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021

In light of ongoing and geographically widespread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds throughout much of Eurasia during 2020–21, the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds disseminated an informational memorandum in January 2021 to highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened awareness in North America. Th
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Antibiotic resistance in free-ranging wildlife

In this chapter, we provide an overview of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in wildlife through the presentation of general trends of occurrence among both captive and free-ranging wild animal populations, discussion of importance to human health and wildlife conservation, and identification of priority areas for future research and monitoring efforts. Once most commonly identified in human
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America

Wild waterbirds, the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, undergo migratory movements each year, connecting breeding and wintering grounds within broad corridors known as flyways. In a continental or global view, the study of virus movements within and across flyways is important to understanding virus diversity, evolution, and movement. From 2015 to 2017, we sampled waterfowl from bree
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Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Genomically diverse carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae from wild birds provide insight into global patterns of spatiotemporal dissemination

Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a threat to public health globally, yet the role of the environment in the epidemiology of CRE remains elusive. Given that wild birds can acquire CRE, likely from foraging in anthropogenically impacted areas, and may aid in the maintenance and dissemination of CRE in the environment, a spatiotemporal comparison of isolates from different regions an
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Genetic assignment of fisheries bycatch reveals disproportionate mortality among Alaska Northern Fulmar breeding colonies

Global fisheries kill millions of seabirds annually through bycatch, but little is known about population-level impacts, particularly in species that form metapopulations. U.S. North Pacific groundfish fisheries catch thousands of Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis rodgersii) each year, making fulmars the most frequently caught seabird in federally managed U.S. fisheries. Here, we used genetic s
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an emerging disease threat to wild birds in North America

Prior to the emergence of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) H5N1 influenza A virus, the long-held and well-supported paradigm was that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks were restricted to poultry, the result of cross-species transmission of precursor viruses from wild aquatic birds that subsequently gained pathogenicity in domestic birds. Therefore, management agencies typicall
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Antimicrobial resistance: Wildlife as indicators of anthropogenic environmental contamination across space and through time

Prior assessments support wildlife as indicators of anthropogenically influenced antimicrobial resistance across the landscape. A ground-breaking new study suggests that wildlife may also provide information on antimicrobial resistance in the environment through time.
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Assessment of variation in the detection and prevalence of blood parasites among sympatrically breeding geese in western Alaska, USA

Haemosporidian parasites may impact avian health and are subject to shifts in distribution and abundance with changing ecologic conditions. Therefore, understanding variation in parasite prevalence is important for evaluating biologically meaningful changes in infection patterns and associated population level impacts. Previous research in western Alaska, US, indicated a possible increase in Leuco
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
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New Insight on the Potential for Blue-Winged Teal to Transfer Avian Influenza to Domestic Poultry

A first-of-its-kind study by the USGS and partners provides an initial analysis of when commercial chicken and turkey facilities in the U.S. are at...

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Avian Flu Testing of Wild Ducks Informs Biosecurity and Can Reduce Economic Loss

Ducks in North America can be carriers of avian influenza viruses similar to those found in a 2016 outbreak in Indiana that led to the losses of...

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Wild Birds an Unlikely Source of Costly Poultry Disease

Wild ducks and shorebirds do not appear to carry Newcastle disease viruses that sicken or kill poultry, according to a new study led by the U.S...

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Gulls in Alaska Found to Carry Antibiotic Resistant E. coli

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Some gulls in southcentral Alaska are carriers of antibiotic resistant strains of E. coli, according to a new study co-authored by...

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Alaska Still a Likely Portal for Avian Influenza

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The U.S. Geological Survey released additional evidence that western Alaska remains a hot spot for avian influenza to enter North...

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New Technology Helps Identify Dispersal of Avian Flu Virus between Asia and Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In a new study published today, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service harnessed a new type...

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Science and Products

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government