Andy Ramey, Ph.D.
Andy Ramey is the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. He leads a team of scientists that develop and apply genomic tools to advance research pertaining to wildlife health and disease, population genetics, and environmental DNA. Research in the Molecular Ecology Lab promotes informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
Andy Ramey currently serves as the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. Scientists working in the Molecular Ecology Lab develop and apply tools to obtain information on the health, distribution, and genomic characteristics of biological natural resources. This includes collecting and interpreting data on the health and disease status of fish and wildlife, the genomics of animal and plant populations, and the distribution of animals and pathogens using environmental DNA. Information is used by partners and the public to make informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
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 (2020–2024)
Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association
Reviewer: more than 40 journal outlets
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Filter Total Items: 31
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for three large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species) utilizing coastal areas of Alaska. Child Item 1: "Argos and GPS Satellite Tracking Data for Three Large-Bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos and Argos-linked GPS satellite transmitters.
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls 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.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions 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...
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry 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.
Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019 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...
DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species 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...
Filter Total Items: 119
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
A Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the clade 2.3.4.4b (Goose/Guangdong lineage) was detected in migratory bird populations in North America in December 2021, and it, along with its reassortants, have since caused wild and domestic bird outbreaks across the continent. Relative to previous outbreaks, HPAIV cases among wild birds in 2022 exhibited wider...
Authors
Jennifer F. Provencher, Alana A. E. Wilcox, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, Lesley-Anne Howes, Mark L. Mallory, Margo J. Pybus, Andrew M. Ramey, Eric T. Reed, Chris Sharp, Catherine Soos, Iga Stasiak, Jim O. Leafloor
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Objectives A variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a global threat to human health and are increasingly being isolated from nonclinical settings. OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli sequence type 38 (ST38) is the most frequently reported CRE type in wild birds and has been detected in gulls or storks in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The epidemiology and evolution of CRE in...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Hanna Woksepp, Linus Sandegren, Andrew M. Ramey, Jonas Bonnedahl
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Understanding relationships between infection and wildlife movement patterns is important for predicting pathogen spread, especially for multispecies pathogens and those that can spread to humans and domestic animals, such as avian influenza viruses (AIVs). Although infection with low pathogenic AIVs is generally considered asymptomatic in wild birds, prior work has shown that influenza...
Authors
Claire S. Teitelbaum, Michael L. Casazza, Fiona McDuie, Susan E.W. De La Cruz, Cory T. Overton, Laurie Anne Hall, Elliott Matchett, Joshua T. Ackerman, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Ramey, Diann Prosser
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos) Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for...
Authors
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael J. Yabsley, Kevin Niedrighaus, Andrew M. Ramey, Guilherme Verocai, Grant Hilderbrant, Kyle Joly, Dave Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William Leacock, Anthony P. Crupi, Christopher A. Cleveland
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska 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...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Todd C. Atwood, David R. Sinnett, Jerry W. Hupp, Brandt W Meixell, David D. Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Andrew M. Ramey
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Filter Total Items: 31
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for three large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species) utilizing coastal areas of Alaska. Child Item 1: "Argos and GPS Satellite Tracking Data for Three Large-Bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos and Argos-linked GPS satellite transmitters.
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls 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.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions 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...
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry 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.
Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019 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...
DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species 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...
Filter Total Items: 119
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
A Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the clade 2.3.4.4b (Goose/Guangdong lineage) was detected in migratory bird populations in North America in December 2021, and it, along with its reassortants, have since caused wild and domestic bird outbreaks across the continent. Relative to previous outbreaks, HPAIV cases among wild birds in 2022 exhibited wider...
Authors
Jennifer F. Provencher, Alana A. E. Wilcox, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, Lesley-Anne Howes, Mark L. Mallory, Margo J. Pybus, Andrew M. Ramey, Eric T. Reed, Chris Sharp, Catherine Soos, Iga Stasiak, Jim O. Leafloor
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Objectives A variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a global threat to human health and are increasingly being isolated from nonclinical settings. OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli sequence type 38 (ST38) is the most frequently reported CRE type in wild birds and has been detected in gulls or storks in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The epidemiology and evolution of CRE in...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Hanna Woksepp, Linus Sandegren, Andrew M. Ramey, Jonas Bonnedahl
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Understanding relationships between infection and wildlife movement patterns is important for predicting pathogen spread, especially for multispecies pathogens and those that can spread to humans and domestic animals, such as avian influenza viruses (AIVs). Although infection with low pathogenic AIVs is generally considered asymptomatic in wild birds, prior work has shown that influenza...
Authors
Claire S. Teitelbaum, Michael L. Casazza, Fiona McDuie, Susan E.W. De La Cruz, Cory T. Overton, Laurie Anne Hall, Elliott Matchett, Joshua T. Ackerman, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Ramey, Diann Prosser
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos) Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for...
Authors
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael J. Yabsley, Kevin Niedrighaus, Andrew M. Ramey, Guilherme Verocai, Grant Hilderbrant, Kyle Joly, Dave Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William Leacock, Anthony P. Crupi, Christopher A. Cleveland
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska 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...
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Todd C. Atwood, David R. Sinnett, Jerry W. Hupp, Brandt W Meixell, David D. Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Andrew M. Ramey
*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