C. LeAnn White
LeAnn White is the Center Director at USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
She received a PhD in Infectious Diseases and Pathology and a MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Florida. She joined USGS in 2009 as a Field Epidemiologist and studied the ecology of diseases in multiple systems with field work focuses on double-crested cormorants and sea otters. From 2014-2020 she served as Chief of the Wildlife Epidemiology and Emerging Diseases Branch and broadened her focus to include development of standards for wildlife disease data and the use of social sciences to influence conservation action. From 2020-2024, as Deputy Center Director, she assisted with day-to-day operations of the Center and incorporation of systems thinking into the planning and evaluation of science directions and business operations. As Center Director, she plans to focus on developing conditions (facilities, processes, and workforce) that will allow the Center to accomplish its vision of creating comprehensive solutions needed to improve wildlife health.
Professional Experience
2024-Present Center Director, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2020-2024 Deputy Center Directory, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2014-2020 Branch Chief, Wildlife Epidemiology and Emerging Diseases, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2009-14 Wildlife Epidemiologist, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2009 Wildlife Specialist, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services, Indiana
2008-09 Pre-doctoral NIH/NIAID NSRA T32 fellow, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2005-08 Research Assistant, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2003-08 Biological Scientist, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2003 Research Technician, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL
1999-03 Research Assistant, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
1998 Supervised Researcher, Department of Aquatic Toxicology, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA
Education and Certifications
2009-Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2009-Master of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
2003-Master of Science, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
1998-Bachelor of Science in Biology. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 51
Identifying management-relevant research priorities for responding to disease-associated amphibian declines
A research priority can be defined as a knowledge gap that, if resolved, identifies the optimal course of conservation action. We (a group of geographically distributed and multidisciplinary research scientists) used tools from nominal group theory and decision analysis to collaboratively identify and prioritize information needs within the context of disease-associated amphibian decline, in order
Authors
Evan H. Campbell Grant, M. J. Adams, Robert N. Fisher, Daniel A. Grear, Brian J. Halstead, Blake R. Hossack, Erin L. Muths, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Kelly L. Smalling, J. Hardin Waddle, Susan C. Walls, C. LeAnn White
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Quarterly wildlife mortality report April 2018
No abstract available.
Authors
Bryan J. Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Anne Ballmann, C. LeAnn White
Refining aging criteria for northern sea otters in Washington State
Measurement of skull ossification patterns is a standard method for aging various mammalian species and has been used to age sea otters Enhydra lutris from Russia, California, and Alaska. Cementum annuli counts have also been verified as an accurate aging method for sea otters in Alaska. In this study, we compared cementum annuli count results and skull ossification patterns as methods for aging t
Authors
Krysten L. Schuler, Bridget B. Baker, Karl A. Mayer, Carolina Perez-Heydrich, Paula M. Holahan, Nancy J. Thomas, C. LeAnn White
Environmental conditions synchronize waterbird mortality events in the Great Lakes
Since the 1960s, periodic outbreaks of avian botulism type E have contributed to large-scale die-offs of thousands of waterbirds throughout the Great Lakes of the United States. In recent years, these events have become more common and widespread. Occurring during the summer and autumn months, the prevalence of these die-offs varies across years and is often associated with years of warmer lake te
Authors
Karine Prince, Jennifer G. Chipault, C. LeAnn White, Benjamin Zuckerberg
Mortality trends in northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) collected from the coasts of Washington and Oregon (2002–15)
During 2002−15 we examined the causes of mortality in a population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni). Beachcast sea otters were collected primarily from the coast of Washington. Although there are no permanent sea otter residents in Oregon, several beachcast otters were collected from the Oregon coast. Infectious diseases were the primary cause of death (56%) for otters we examined.
Authors
C. LeAnn White, Emily W. Lankau, Deanna Lynch, Susan Knowles, Krysten L. Schuler, Jitender P. Dubey, Valerie I. Shearn-Bochsler, Marcos Isidoro Ayza, Nancy J. Thomas
Quarterly wildlife mortality report October 2017
No abstract available
Authors
Bryan J. Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Anne Ballmann, C. LeAnn White, Leslie Frattaroli
Natural infections with pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1: Pathologic changes in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) in the United States
Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) is a globally distributed, virulent member of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 serogroup that causes mortality in columbiformes and poultry. Following introduction into the United States in the mid-1980s, PPMV-1 rapidly spread causing numerous mortality events in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) (ECDOs) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) (ROP
Authors
Marcos Isidoro Ayza, C.L. Afonso, J.B. Stanton, Susan Knowles, Hon S. Ip, C. LeAnn White, Heather Fenton, M.G. Ruder, A. C. Dolinski, Julia S. Lankton
Using decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
Despite calls for improved responses to emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, management is seldom considered until a disease has been detected in affected populations. Reactive approaches may limit the potential for control and increase total response costs. An alternative, proactive management framework can identify immediate actions that reduce future impacts even before a disease is detect
Authors
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M. Camille Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake R. Hossack, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn White
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
IntroductionThrough the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife hosts in a c
Authors
M. Camille Harris, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, C. LeAnn White, A. Keith Miles, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Christopher J. Brand, James P. Cronin, Susan De La Cruz, Christine L. Densmore, Thomas W. Doyle, Robert J. Dusek, Joseph P. Fleskes, Paul L. Flint, Gerald F. Guala, Jeffrey S. Hall, Laura E. Hubbard, Randall J. Hunt, Hon S. Ip, Rachel A. Katz, Kevin W. Laurent, Mark P. Miller, Mark D. Munn, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin D. Richards, Robin E. Russell, Joel P. Stokdyk, John Y. Takekawa, Daniel P. Walsh
Widespread detection of highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses in wild birds from the Pacific Flyway of the United States
A novel highly pathogenic avian influenza virus belonging to the H5 clade 2.3.4.4 variant viruses was detected in North America in late 2014. Motivated by the identification of these viruses in domestic poultry in Canada, an intensive study was initiated to conduct highly pathogenic avian influenza surveillance in wild birds in the Pacific Flyway of the United States. A total of 4,729 hunter-harve
Authors
S.N. Bevins, Robert J. Dusek, C. LeAnn White, Thomas Gidlewski, B. Bodenstein, Kristin G. Mansfield, Paul DeBruyn, Donald K. Kraege, E. L. Rowan, Colin Gillin, B. Thomas, S. Chandler, J. Baroch, B. Schmit, M. J. Grady, R. S. Miller, M.L. Drew, S. Stopak, B. Zscheile, J. Bennett, J. Sengl, Caroline Brady, Hon S. Ip, Erica Spackman, M. L. Killian, Mia Kim Torchetti, Jonathan M. Sleeman, T.J. DeLiberto
Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA
A newly identified fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), is responsible for mass mortality events and severe population declines in European salamanders. The eastern USA has the highest diversity of salamanders in the world and the introduction of this pathogen is likely to be devastating. Although data are inevitably limited for new pathogens, disease-risk assessments use bes
Authors
Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, M. J. Adams, C. LeAnn White, Evan H. Campbell Grant
Salamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans) in the United States—Developing research, monitoring, and management strategies
The recently (2013) identified pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a severe threat to the distribution and abundance of salamanders within the United States and Europe. Development of a response strategy for the potential, and likely, invasion of Bsal into the United States is crucial to protect global salamander biodiversity. A formal working group, led by A
Authors
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M. Camille Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake R. Hossack, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn White
Non-USGS Publications**
Vincent, CR, Thomas, TL, Reyes, L, White, CL, Canales, BK, Brown, MB. 2013. Symptoms and risk factors associated with first UTI in college-aged women: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Urology. 189: 904-910.
Wendland, LD, Wooding, J, White, CL, Demcovitz, D, Littell, R, Diemer Berish, J, Ozgul, A, Oli, MA, Klein, PA, Christman, MC, Brown, MB. 2010. Social behavior drives the dynamics of respiratory disease in threatened tortoises. Ecology 91: 1257-1262.
Abbot, JR, White, CL, Davis BS. 2008. Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae), a genus and species new for the Flora of North America. Botanical Research Institute of Texas 2: 621-626.
White, CL, Main, MB. 2005. Waterbird use of created wetlands in golf-course landscapes. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33: 411-421.
White, CL, Frederick, PC, Main, MB, Rodgers, JA, Jr. 2005. Nest island creation for waterbirds. Circular No. 1473/WEC Series. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Institute of Food and Agricultural Health. University of Florida.
White, CL, Main, MB. 2004. Habitat value of golf course wetlands to waterbirds. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research On-line 3(16):1-10.
White, CL, Main, MB. 2002. Wildlife in urban landscapes: waterbirds and golf course ponds. Series No. WEC188. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Institute of Food and Agricultural Health. University of Florida.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 51
Identifying management-relevant research priorities for responding to disease-associated amphibian declines
A research priority can be defined as a knowledge gap that, if resolved, identifies the optimal course of conservation action. We (a group of geographically distributed and multidisciplinary research scientists) used tools from nominal group theory and decision analysis to collaboratively identify and prioritize information needs within the context of disease-associated amphibian decline, in orderAuthorsEvan H. Campbell Grant, M. J. Adams, Robert N. Fisher, Daniel A. Grear, Brian J. Halstead, Blake R. Hossack, Erin L. Muths, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Kelly L. Smalling, J. Hardin Waddle, Susan C. Walls, C. LeAnn WhiteByEcosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research CenterQuarterly wildlife mortality report April 2018
No abstract available.AuthorsBryan J. Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Anne Ballmann, C. LeAnn WhiteRefining aging criteria for northern sea otters in Washington State
Measurement of skull ossification patterns is a standard method for aging various mammalian species and has been used to age sea otters Enhydra lutris from Russia, California, and Alaska. Cementum annuli counts have also been verified as an accurate aging method for sea otters in Alaska. In this study, we compared cementum annuli count results and skull ossification patterns as methods for aging tAuthorsKrysten L. Schuler, Bridget B. Baker, Karl A. Mayer, Carolina Perez-Heydrich, Paula M. Holahan, Nancy J. Thomas, C. LeAnn WhiteEnvironmental conditions synchronize waterbird mortality events in the Great Lakes
Since the 1960s, periodic outbreaks of avian botulism type E have contributed to large-scale die-offs of thousands of waterbirds throughout the Great Lakes of the United States. In recent years, these events have become more common and widespread. Occurring during the summer and autumn months, the prevalence of these die-offs varies across years and is often associated with years of warmer lake teAuthorsKarine Prince, Jennifer G. Chipault, C. LeAnn White, Benjamin ZuckerbergMortality trends in northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) collected from the coasts of Washington and Oregon (2002–15)
During 2002−15 we examined the causes of mortality in a population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni). Beachcast sea otters were collected primarily from the coast of Washington. Although there are no permanent sea otter residents in Oregon, several beachcast otters were collected from the Oregon coast. Infectious diseases were the primary cause of death (56%) for otters we examined.AuthorsC. LeAnn White, Emily W. Lankau, Deanna Lynch, Susan Knowles, Krysten L. Schuler, Jitender P. Dubey, Valerie I. Shearn-Bochsler, Marcos Isidoro Ayza, Nancy J. ThomasQuarterly wildlife mortality report October 2017
No abstract availableAuthorsBryan J. Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Anne Ballmann, C. LeAnn White, Leslie FrattaroliNatural infections with pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1: Pathologic changes in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) in the United States
Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) is a globally distributed, virulent member of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 serogroup that causes mortality in columbiformes and poultry. Following introduction into the United States in the mid-1980s, PPMV-1 rapidly spread causing numerous mortality events in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) (ECDOs) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) (ROPAuthorsMarcos Isidoro Ayza, C.L. Afonso, J.B. Stanton, Susan Knowles, Hon S. Ip, C. LeAnn White, Heather Fenton, M.G. Ruder, A. C. Dolinski, Julia S. LanktonUsing decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
Despite calls for improved responses to emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, management is seldom considered until a disease has been detected in affected populations. Reactive approaches may limit the potential for control and increase total response costs. An alternative, proactive management framework can identify immediate actions that reduce future impacts even before a disease is detectAuthorsEvan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M. Camille Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake R. Hossack, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn WhiteU.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
IntroductionThrough the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife hosts in a cAuthorsM. Camille Harris, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, C. LeAnn White, A. Keith Miles, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Christopher J. Brand, James P. Cronin, Susan De La Cruz, Christine L. Densmore, Thomas W. Doyle, Robert J. Dusek, Joseph P. Fleskes, Paul L. Flint, Gerald F. Guala, Jeffrey S. Hall, Laura E. Hubbard, Randall J. Hunt, Hon S. Ip, Rachel A. Katz, Kevin W. Laurent, Mark P. Miller, Mark D. Munn, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin D. Richards, Robin E. Russell, Joel P. Stokdyk, John Y. Takekawa, Daniel P. WalshWidespread detection of highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses in wild birds from the Pacific Flyway of the United States
A novel highly pathogenic avian influenza virus belonging to the H5 clade 2.3.4.4 variant viruses was detected in North America in late 2014. Motivated by the identification of these viruses in domestic poultry in Canada, an intensive study was initiated to conduct highly pathogenic avian influenza surveillance in wild birds in the Pacific Flyway of the United States. A total of 4,729 hunter-harveAuthorsS.N. Bevins, Robert J. Dusek, C. LeAnn White, Thomas Gidlewski, B. Bodenstein, Kristin G. Mansfield, Paul DeBruyn, Donald K. Kraege, E. L. Rowan, Colin Gillin, B. Thomas, S. Chandler, J. Baroch, B. Schmit, M. J. Grady, R. S. Miller, M.L. Drew, S. Stopak, B. Zscheile, J. Bennett, J. Sengl, Caroline Brady, Hon S. Ip, Erica Spackman, M. L. Killian, Mia Kim Torchetti, Jonathan M. Sleeman, T.J. DeLibertoSpatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA
A newly identified fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), is responsible for mass mortality events and severe population declines in European salamanders. The eastern USA has the highest diversity of salamanders in the world and the introduction of this pathogen is likely to be devastating. Although data are inevitably limited for new pathogens, disease-risk assessments use besAuthorsKatherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, M. J. Adams, C. LeAnn White, Evan H. Campbell GrantSalamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans) in the United States—Developing research, monitoring, and management strategies
The recently (2013) identified pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a severe threat to the distribution and abundance of salamanders within the United States and Europe. Development of a response strategy for the potential, and likely, invasion of Bsal into the United States is crucial to protect global salamander biodiversity. A formal working group, led by AAuthorsEvan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M. Camille Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake R. Hossack, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn WhiteNon-USGS Publications**
Vincent, CR, Thomas, TL, Reyes, L, White, CL, Canales, BK, Brown, MB. 2013. Symptoms and risk factors associated with first UTI in college-aged women: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Urology. 189: 904-910.Wendland, LD, Wooding, J, White, CL, Demcovitz, D, Littell, R, Diemer Berish, J, Ozgul, A, Oli, MA, Klein, PA, Christman, MC, Brown, MB. 2010. Social behavior drives the dynamics of respiratory disease in threatened tortoises. Ecology 91: 1257-1262.Abbot, JR, White, CL, Davis BS. 2008. Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae), a genus and species new for the Flora of North America. Botanical Research Institute of Texas 2: 621-626.White, CL, Main, MB. 2005. Waterbird use of created wetlands in golf-course landscapes. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33: 411-421.White, CL, Frederick, PC, Main, MB, Rodgers, JA, Jr. 2005. Nest island creation for waterbirds. Circular No. 1473/WEC Series. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Institute of Food and Agricultural Health. University of Florida.
White, CL, Main, MB. 2004. Habitat value of golf course wetlands to waterbirds. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research On-line 3(16):1-10.White, CL, Main, MB. 2002. Wildlife in urban landscapes: waterbirds and golf course ponds. Series No. WEC188. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Institute of Food and Agricultural Health. University of Florida.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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