Caroline R Van Hemert, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Elevated ocean temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxins from these blooms may pose health threats to marine organisms, including seabirds. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems...
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening and may suffer high rates of mortality. If...
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...
Links Related to Beak Deformity Research
Links, videos, and news articles related to beak deformity research.
Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited in the Beak Deformity web pages
Filter Total Items: 13
Data for the Summer Inventory of Landbirds and Other Avian Species in Kenai Fjords National Park, 2005 Data for the Summer Inventory of Landbirds and Other Avian Species in Kenai Fjords National Park, 2005
This data release contains observational data from a breeding bird inventory using standardized point counts conducted during May-June 2005 in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), Alaska. It also includes a single survey conducted for owls on the night of 30 April 2005. Data tables include 1) survey route details, 2) survey point details, 3) survey habitat details at survey points, 4) bird...
Data Associated with Beak Deformities in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 1992-2024 Data Associated with Beak Deformities in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 1992-2024
This dataset consists of three tables with data associated with Red-tailed Hawks exhibiting beak deformities characteristic of avian keratin disorder (AKD). The first is comprised of Red-tailed Hawks collected or captured in the Northwest region of the United States. The second is a compilation of reports from citizen science observers or scientific literature. The third is a poecivirus...
Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017 Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017
This dataset consists of one table with sample collection locations and results of screening resident wildlife for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Alaskan Arctic, 2012-2017. We analyzed feces collected from polar bear, Pacific walrus, Arctic fox, and caribou with MERIFLUOR direct immunofluorescence assay to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts.
USGS National Wildlife Health Center necropsy results to determine cause of illness/death for seabirds collected in Alaska from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021 USGS National Wildlife Health Center necropsy results to determine cause of illness/death for seabirds collected in Alaska from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021
Summary of Bering and Chukchi Seas seabird necropsies, 2017-2021. More than 14,000 dead seabirds were reported and a total of 117 carcasses were examined. 92 cases had emaciation identified as the Cause Of Death (COD), seven cases where COD was undetermined, and 17 cases where COD was determined as "Other", which included predation, trauma, encephalitis, peritonitis, and bacterial...
Serological Survey Data for Francisella tularensis and Brucella spp. Exposure in Wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska Serological Survey Data for Francisella tularensis and Brucella spp. Exposure in Wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
This dataset consists of one table with diagnostic screening results from a study of Francisella tularensis bacteria exposure in tundra-nesting geese and mammals and Brucella spp. exposure in mammals sampled from multiple locations on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2014-2017. The table provides sample collection and location data of geese, arctic fox, red fox, caribou, small mammal...
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Marine Invertebrates Across Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Marine Invertebrates Across Alaska
These data include results from screening tissues of marine organisms for the presence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins: saxitoxin and its related congeners (STX) and domoic acid (DA). Samples collected by USGS or submitted to our laboratory by partners or other stakeholders are screened using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A subset of samples...
Filter Total Items: 45
Paralytic shellfish toxins and seabirds: Evaluating sublethal effects, behavioral responses, and ecological implications of saxitoxin ingestion by common murres (Uria aalge) Paralytic shellfish toxins and seabirds: Evaluating sublethal effects, behavioral responses, and ecological implications of saxitoxin ingestion by common murres (Uria aalge)
Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), including saxitoxin (STX) and its congeners, are neurotoxins that can be produced during harmful algal blooms and cause illness or death in humans, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Since 2014, multiple large-scale seabird mortality events have occurred in Alaska waters, with STXs detected in some carcasses. To investigate the sublethal behavioral and
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Robert J. Dusek, Tuula E. Hollmen, Sarah K. Schoen, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Kristen Steinmetzer, Aidan Lee, Jenna Schlenner, Vijay P. Patil, D. Ransom Hardison, David Kulis, Donald M. Anderson, Clark D. Ridge, Sherwood Hall
Beak deformities in Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) signal possible emergence of avian keratin disorder among raptors Beak deformities in Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) signal possible emergence of avian keratin disorder among raptors
Beginning in the late 1990s, an unusual cluster of beak deformities was observed among Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) in the Pacific coastal region of North America. However, information was not available to determine the scope of this problem nor to assess a potential link between beak deformities in hawks and avian keratin disorder (AKD), an emerging disease primarily among...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Colleen M. Handel, Susan Cottrell, Danielle Elizabeth Gerik, Robert J. Bildfell
Increased pathogen exposure of a marine apex predator over three decades Increased pathogen exposure of a marine apex predator over three decades
Environmental changes associated with global warming create new opportunities for pathogen and parasite transmission in Arctic wildlife. As an apex predator ranging over large, remote areas, changes in pathogens and parasites in polar bears are a useful indicator of changing transmission dynamics in Arctic ecosystems. We examined prevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to...
Authors
Karyn D. Rode, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Ryan R. Wilson, Susannah P. Woodruff, Kristy Pabilonia, Lora Ballweber, Oliver C. Kwok, Jitender P Dubey
Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other taxa, including wildlife, often causing gastrointestinal illness. Both have been identified as One Health priorities in the Arctic, where climate change is expected to influence the distribution of many wildlife and zoonotic diseases, but little is known about their prevalence in local wildlife...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Lora Ballweber, David R. Sinnett, Todd C. Atwood, Anthony S. Fischbach, David Gustine, Kristy Pabilonia
Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas
Prior to 2015, seabird die-offs in Alaskan waters were rare; they typically occurred in mid-winter, linked to epizootic disease events or above-average ocean temperatures associated with strong El Nino-Southern Oscillation events (Bodenstein et al. 2015, Jones et al. 2019, Romano et al. 2020). Since 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has monitored mortality events that have...
Authors
Robb A. S. Kaler, Gay Sheffield, S Backensto, Jackie Lindsey, T. Jones, J. Parrish, B Ahmasuk, Barbara Bodenstein, Robert J. Dusek, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Matthew M. Smith, P Schwalenberg
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
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Elevated ocean temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxins from these blooms may pose health threats to marine organisms, including seabirds. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems...
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening and may suffer high rates of mortality. If...
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...
Links Related to Beak Deformity Research
Links, videos, and news articles related to beak deformity research.
Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited in the Beak Deformity web pages
Filter Total Items: 13
Data for the Summer Inventory of Landbirds and Other Avian Species in Kenai Fjords National Park, 2005 Data for the Summer Inventory of Landbirds and Other Avian Species in Kenai Fjords National Park, 2005
This data release contains observational data from a breeding bird inventory using standardized point counts conducted during May-June 2005 in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), Alaska. It also includes a single survey conducted for owls on the night of 30 April 2005. Data tables include 1) survey route details, 2) survey point details, 3) survey habitat details at survey points, 4) bird...
Data Associated with Beak Deformities in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 1992-2024 Data Associated with Beak Deformities in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 1992-2024
This dataset consists of three tables with data associated with Red-tailed Hawks exhibiting beak deformities characteristic of avian keratin disorder (AKD). The first is comprised of Red-tailed Hawks collected or captured in the Northwest region of the United States. The second is a compilation of reports from citizen science observers or scientific literature. The third is a poecivirus...
Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017 Cryptosporidium and Giardia Occurrence Data in Wildlife from Arctic Alaska, 2012-2017
This dataset consists of one table with sample collection locations and results of screening resident wildlife for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Alaskan Arctic, 2012-2017. We analyzed feces collected from polar bear, Pacific walrus, Arctic fox, and caribou with MERIFLUOR direct immunofluorescence assay to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts.
USGS National Wildlife Health Center necropsy results to determine cause of illness/death for seabirds collected in Alaska from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021 USGS National Wildlife Health Center necropsy results to determine cause of illness/death for seabirds collected in Alaska from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021
Summary of Bering and Chukchi Seas seabird necropsies, 2017-2021. More than 14,000 dead seabirds were reported and a total of 117 carcasses were examined. 92 cases had emaciation identified as the Cause Of Death (COD), seven cases where COD was undetermined, and 17 cases where COD was determined as "Other", which included predation, trauma, encephalitis, peritonitis, and bacterial...
Serological Survey Data for Francisella tularensis and Brucella spp. Exposure in Wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska Serological Survey Data for Francisella tularensis and Brucella spp. Exposure in Wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
This dataset consists of one table with diagnostic screening results from a study of Francisella tularensis bacteria exposure in tundra-nesting geese and mammals and Brucella spp. exposure in mammals sampled from multiple locations on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2014-2017. The table provides sample collection and location data of geese, arctic fox, red fox, caribou, small mammal...
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Marine Invertebrates Across Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Marine Invertebrates Across Alaska
These data include results from screening tissues of marine organisms for the presence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins: saxitoxin and its related congeners (STX) and domoic acid (DA). Samples collected by USGS or submitted to our laboratory by partners or other stakeholders are screened using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A subset of samples...
Filter Total Items: 45
Paralytic shellfish toxins and seabirds: Evaluating sublethal effects, behavioral responses, and ecological implications of saxitoxin ingestion by common murres (Uria aalge) Paralytic shellfish toxins and seabirds: Evaluating sublethal effects, behavioral responses, and ecological implications of saxitoxin ingestion by common murres (Uria aalge)
Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), including saxitoxin (STX) and its congeners, are neurotoxins that can be produced during harmful algal blooms and cause illness or death in humans, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Since 2014, multiple large-scale seabird mortality events have occurred in Alaska waters, with STXs detected in some carcasses. To investigate the sublethal behavioral and
Authors
Matthew M. Smith, Robert J. Dusek, Tuula E. Hollmen, Sarah K. Schoen, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Kristen Steinmetzer, Aidan Lee, Jenna Schlenner, Vijay P. Patil, D. Ransom Hardison, David Kulis, Donald M. Anderson, Clark D. Ridge, Sherwood Hall
Beak deformities in Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) signal possible emergence of avian keratin disorder among raptors Beak deformities in Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) signal possible emergence of avian keratin disorder among raptors
Beginning in the late 1990s, an unusual cluster of beak deformities was observed among Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) in the Pacific coastal region of North America. However, information was not available to determine the scope of this problem nor to assess a potential link between beak deformities in hawks and avian keratin disorder (AKD), an emerging disease primarily among...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Colleen M. Handel, Susan Cottrell, Danielle Elizabeth Gerik, Robert J. Bildfell
Increased pathogen exposure of a marine apex predator over three decades Increased pathogen exposure of a marine apex predator over three decades
Environmental changes associated with global warming create new opportunities for pathogen and parasite transmission in Arctic wildlife. As an apex predator ranging over large, remote areas, changes in pathogens and parasites in polar bears are a useful indicator of changing transmission dynamics in Arctic ecosystems. We examined prevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to...
Authors
Karyn D. Rode, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Ryan R. Wilson, Susannah P. Woodruff, Kristy Pabilonia, Lora Ballweber, Oliver C. Kwok, Jitender P Dubey
Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other taxa, including wildlife, often causing gastrointestinal illness. Both have been identified as One Health priorities in the Arctic, where climate change is expected to influence the distribution of many wildlife and zoonotic diseases, but little is known about their prevalence in local wildlife...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Lora Ballweber, David R. Sinnett, Todd C. Atwood, Anthony S. Fischbach, David Gustine, Kristy Pabilonia
Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas
Prior to 2015, seabird die-offs in Alaskan waters were rare; they typically occurred in mid-winter, linked to epizootic disease events or above-average ocean temperatures associated with strong El Nino-Southern Oscillation events (Bodenstein et al. 2015, Jones et al. 2019, Romano et al. 2020). Since 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has monitored mortality events that have...
Authors
Robb A. S. Kaler, Gay Sheffield, S Backensto, Jackie Lindsey, T. Jones, J. Parrish, B Ahmasuk, Barbara Bodenstein, Robert J. Dusek, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Matthew M. Smith, P Schwalenberg
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