Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 26
Eastern Ecological Science Center — Fish and aquatic animal health
Science provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) helps to protect fish and aquatic animal health and support disease management of our Nation’s fisheries and aquatic animal populations. Our capabilities and expertise span diverse, yet highly integrated disciplines related to all aspects of biology, ecology, and animal health. Our scientists work to ide
Authors
Christine L. Densmore, Jenn Malpass
Aquatic invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay drainage—Research-based needs and priorities of U.S. Geological Survey partners and collaborators
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is revising the Chesapeake Bay-based science plan to align it with recent U.S. Department of Interior and USGS science priorities that include, as stated in the plan, providing “an integrated understanding of the factors affecting fish habitat, fish health, and landscape conditions” in Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. A report of partner agencies
Authors
Christine L. Densmore
Influenza A virus detected in native bivalves in waterfowl habitat of the Delmarva Peninsula, USA
We evaluated the prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in different species of bivalves inhabiting natural water bodies in waterfowl habitat along the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay in eastern Maryland. Bivalve tissue from clam and mussel specimens (Macoma balthica, Macoma phenax, Mulinia sp., Rangia cuneata, Mya arenaria, Guekensia demissa, and an undetermined mussel species) from five col
Authors
Christine L. Densmore, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Shawn M. McLaughlin, Christopher A. Ottinger, Jason E. Spires, Luke R. Iwanowicz
Coelomic disorders of fishes
Dropsy is a commonly applied term for coelomic distention due to ascites, or the effusion and collection of fluid freely throughout the coelomic cavity. Dropsy, or ascites, is generally a sign of another ongoing disease process, oftentimes one that is multisystemic and impacting coelomic organs and tissues. Dropsy may be caused by a variety of potential etiological agents, both infectious and noni
Authors
Christine L. Densmore
Anatomical physiology of fishes
This chapter highlights the major consistencies and differences that are evident in the anatomy and physiology of those fish most likely to be encountered by the veterinarian or biologist working in the realm of aquatic animal health. It describes teleost fish, members of the infraclass Teleostei that includes bony fish with protrusible upper jaws, as these represent the majority of species common
Authors
Christine L. Densmore
A method for determining avian influenza virus hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtype association
Methods for grouping specific avian influenza virus (AIV) hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtype reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products into HA:NA subtypes when egg incubation is technically not feasible were evaluated. These approaches were adopted for use as post hoc methods after melt curve analysis. The methods are based on ratios obtained from amplicon co
Authors
Christopher A. Ottinger, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Cynthia R. Adams, Lakyn R. Sanders, Christine L. Densmore
An evaluation of the toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fish and their forage base
Potash, with the active ingredient potassium chloride (KCl) is a chemical that is currently being evaluated for potential use as a molluscicide to combat invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels in Western United States waters. Although data available for other freshwater fishes indicate that recommended treatment levels of potash as a molluscicide are sublethal, this has not been demonstrated fo
Authors
Christine L. Densmore, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Anne P. Henderson, Vicki S. Blazer, Baileigh M. Reed-Grimmett, Lakyn R. Sanders
Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild migratory waterfowl in a region of high poultry production, Delmarva, Maryland
Migratory waterfowl are natural reservoirs for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and may contribute to the long-distance dispersal of these pathogens as well as spillover into domestic bird populations. Surveillance for AIVs is critical to assessing risks for potential spread of these viruses among wild and domestic bird populations. The Delmarva Peninsula on the east coast of the Unit
Authors
Diann J. Prosser, Christine L. Densmore, Larry J. Hindman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Christopher A. Ottinger, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Cindy P. Driscoll, Jessica L. Nagel
Potential concerns with analytical Methods Used for the detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans from archived DNA of amphibian swab samples, Oregon, USA
Taxonomic identification of pollen has historically been accomplished via light microscopy but requires specialized knowledge and reference collections, particularly when identification to lower taxonomic levels is necessary. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has been used as a cost-effective alternative for identifying bee-collected pollen; however, this novel approach has not been
Authors
Deborah D. Iwanowicz, William B. Schill, Deanna H. Olson, M. J. Adams, Christine L. Densmore, Robert S. Cornman, Cynthia R. Adams, Chester Figiel, Chauncey W. Anderson, Andrew R Blaustein, Tara Chestnut
Molecular detection of avian influenza virus from sediment samples in waterfowl habitats on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) affect many species of birds including waterfowl and may persist in sediment in aquatic habitats. Sediment samples were collected from two areas representative of prime migration and overwintering waterfowl habitat in Dorchester County, Maryland in the fall and winter of 2013–2014. Samples were screened for the presence of AIV via reverse transcriptase–quantitative PC
Authors
Christine L. Densmore, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Christopher A. Ottinger, Larry J. Hindman, Amanda Bessler, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Diann J. Prosser, Matt Whitbeck, Cindy P. Driscoll
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
Transforming growth factor-β1 expression in endangered age-0 shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) from Upper Klamath Lake, OR relative to histopathology, meristic, spatial, and temporal data
During July – September of 2008, 2009, and 2010 endangered age-0 juvenile shortnose suckers were sampled from Upper Klamath Lake, OR in a health evaluation that included the measurement of transforming growth factor – beta (TGF-β) expression in spleen in combination with a histopathology assessment. This analysis was performed to determine if the expression of this immuno-regulator could be used a
Authors
Christopher A. Ottinger, Christine L. Densmore, Laura S. Robertson, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Scott P. Vanderkooi
Invasive Blue Catfish Science to Support Conservation and Fisheries Management
Dietary analyses, health, and reproduction of blue catfish in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay inform ecosystem impacts and mitigation strategies for this aquatic nuisance species.
Mycobacteriosis among northern snakehead fish in the Potomac River
Mycobacteriosis among northern snakehead fish in the Potomac River
Avian influenza virus in the aquatic environment: Surveillance in waterfowl habitat on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Avian influenza virus in the aquatic environment: Surveillance in waterfowl habitat on the Delmarva Peninsula.
An Evaluation of the Toxicity of Potassium Chloride, Active Compound in the Molluscicide Potash, on Salmonid Fish and Their Forage Base
Potash, with the active ingredient potassium chloride (KCl) is a chemical that is currently being evaluated for potential use as a molluscicide to combat invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels in Western United States waters.
Disease and Environmental Stress
Disease may be caused by infectious agents, nutritional imbalances, physiological or genetically-based abnormalities, and suboptimal environmental conditions, acting either alone or in combination with other factors. In many instances, environmental stressors may merge forces with an infectious agent or some other non-infectious factor to produce or exacerbate a state of disease. By studying...
Invasive pathogens
Streamside salamanders such as this one are susceptible to invasive fungal pathogens of the genus Batrachochytrium. Two types of emerging fungal agents, B. dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans have been identified as serious risks to our amphibian populations.
Invasive northern snakehead fish
Invasive northern snakehead fish
Health assessment of invasive northern snakehead
The image is an investigator performing venipuncture for blood collection for health analysis of a northern snakehead fish collected from a Potomac River tributary in northern Virginia.
Mallard ducks may serve as reservoirs of potentially zoonotic Type A influenza viruses.
Mallard duck as such as this pair may be reservoirs of Type A influenza viruses, which under some circumstances may potentially become pathogenic to waterfowl, other wildlife and even humans.
SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health an
Presence and prevalence of pathogens among amphibians of Catoctin Mountain Park, 2014
Data described herein was collected by USGS personnel and the project funded by USGS and the National Park Service (Catoctin Mountain Park) through a FY14 NRPP project involving both agencies and developed to detect the presence and prevalence of ranavirus and chytrid pathogens among amphibians of Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO). Supplemental molecular analyses were performed on behalf of LSC by the
Toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fishes and their forage base (Leetown Science Center, 2018).
The data is supplemental to the 2018 USGS Open File Report, "An evaluation of the acute and chronic toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fishes and their forage base". This research was performed as a Science Support Partnership (SSP) study with USFWS in order to evaluate potential lethal and sublethal impacts of potassium chloride on salmonid fis
Science and Products
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Filter Total Items: 26
Eastern Ecological Science Center — Fish and aquatic animal health
Science provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) helps to protect fish and aquatic animal health and support disease management of our Nation’s fisheries and aquatic animal populations. Our capabilities and expertise span diverse, yet highly integrated disciplines related to all aspects of biology, ecology, and animal health. Our scientists work to ideAuthorsChristine L. Densmore, Jenn MalpassAquatic invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay drainage—Research-based needs and priorities of U.S. Geological Survey partners and collaborators
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is revising the Chesapeake Bay-based science plan to align it with recent U.S. Department of Interior and USGS science priorities that include, as stated in the plan, providing “an integrated understanding of the factors affecting fish habitat, fish health, and landscape conditions” in Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. A report of partner agenciesAuthorsChristine L. DensmoreInfluenza A virus detected in native bivalves in waterfowl habitat of the Delmarva Peninsula, USA
We evaluated the prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in different species of bivalves inhabiting natural water bodies in waterfowl habitat along the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay in eastern Maryland. Bivalve tissue from clam and mussel specimens (Macoma balthica, Macoma phenax, Mulinia sp., Rangia cuneata, Mya arenaria, Guekensia demissa, and an undetermined mussel species) from five colAuthorsChristine L. Densmore, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Shawn M. McLaughlin, Christopher A. Ottinger, Jason E. Spires, Luke R. IwanowiczCoelomic disorders of fishes
Dropsy is a commonly applied term for coelomic distention due to ascites, or the effusion and collection of fluid freely throughout the coelomic cavity. Dropsy, or ascites, is generally a sign of another ongoing disease process, oftentimes one that is multisystemic and impacting coelomic organs and tissues. Dropsy may be caused by a variety of potential etiological agents, both infectious and noniAuthorsChristine L. DensmoreAnatomical physiology of fishes
This chapter highlights the major consistencies and differences that are evident in the anatomy and physiology of those fish most likely to be encountered by the veterinarian or biologist working in the realm of aquatic animal health. It describes teleost fish, members of the infraclass Teleostei that includes bony fish with protrusible upper jaws, as these represent the majority of species commonAuthorsChristine L. DensmoreA method for determining avian influenza virus hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtype association
Methods for grouping specific avian influenza virus (AIV) hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtype reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products into HA:NA subtypes when egg incubation is technically not feasible were evaluated. These approaches were adopted for use as post hoc methods after melt curve analysis. The methods are based on ratios obtained from amplicon coAuthorsChristopher A. Ottinger, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Cynthia R. Adams, Lakyn R. Sanders, Christine L. DensmoreAn evaluation of the toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fish and their forage base
Potash, with the active ingredient potassium chloride (KCl) is a chemical that is currently being evaluated for potential use as a molluscicide to combat invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels in Western United States waters. Although data available for other freshwater fishes indicate that recommended treatment levels of potash as a molluscicide are sublethal, this has not been demonstrated foAuthorsChristine L. Densmore, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Anne P. Henderson, Vicki S. Blazer, Baileigh M. Reed-Grimmett, Lakyn R. SandersLow pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild migratory waterfowl in a region of high poultry production, Delmarva, Maryland
Migratory waterfowl are natural reservoirs for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and may contribute to the long-distance dispersal of these pathogens as well as spillover into domestic bird populations. Surveillance for AIVs is critical to assessing risks for potential spread of these viruses among wild and domestic bird populations. The Delmarva Peninsula on the east coast of the UnitAuthorsDiann J. Prosser, Christine L. Densmore, Larry J. Hindman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Christopher A. Ottinger, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Cindy P. Driscoll, Jessica L. NagelPotential concerns with analytical Methods Used for the detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans from archived DNA of amphibian swab samples, Oregon, USA
Taxonomic identification of pollen has historically been accomplished via light microscopy but requires specialized knowledge and reference collections, particularly when identification to lower taxonomic levels is necessary. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has been used as a cost-effective alternative for identifying bee-collected pollen; however, this novel approach has not beenAuthorsDeborah D. Iwanowicz, William B. Schill, Deanna H. Olson, M. J. Adams, Christine L. Densmore, Robert S. Cornman, Cynthia R. Adams, Chester Figiel, Chauncey W. Anderson, Andrew R Blaustein, Tara ChestnutMolecular detection of avian influenza virus from sediment samples in waterfowl habitats on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) affect many species of birds including waterfowl and may persist in sediment in aquatic habitats. Sediment samples were collected from two areas representative of prime migration and overwintering waterfowl habitat in Dorchester County, Maryland in the fall and winter of 2013–2014. Samples were screened for the presence of AIV via reverse transcriptase–quantitative PCAuthorsChristine L. Densmore, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Christopher A. Ottinger, Larry J. Hindman, Amanda Bessler, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Diann J. Prosser, Matt Whitbeck, Cindy P. DriscollU.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. WalshTransforming growth factor-β1 expression in endangered age-0 shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) from Upper Klamath Lake, OR relative to histopathology, meristic, spatial, and temporal data
During July – September of 2008, 2009, and 2010 endangered age-0 juvenile shortnose suckers were sampled from Upper Klamath Lake, OR in a health evaluation that included the measurement of transforming growth factor – beta (TGF-β) expression in spleen in combination with a histopathology assessment. This analysis was performed to determine if the expression of this immuno-regulator could be used aAuthorsChristopher A. Ottinger, Christine L. Densmore, Laura S. Robertson, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Scott P. Vanderkooi - Science
Invasive Blue Catfish Science to Support Conservation and Fisheries Management
Dietary analyses, health, and reproduction of blue catfish in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay inform ecosystem impacts and mitigation strategies for this aquatic nuisance species.Mycobacteriosis among northern snakehead fish in the Potomac River
Mycobacteriosis among northern snakehead fish in the Potomac RiverAvian influenza virus in the aquatic environment: Surveillance in waterfowl habitat on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Avian influenza virus in the aquatic environment: Surveillance in waterfowl habitat on the Delmarva Peninsula.An Evaluation of the Toxicity of Potassium Chloride, Active Compound in the Molluscicide Potash, on Salmonid Fish and Their Forage Base
Potash, with the active ingredient potassium chloride (KCl) is a chemical that is currently being evaluated for potential use as a molluscicide to combat invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels in Western United States waters.Disease and Environmental Stress
Disease may be caused by infectious agents, nutritional imbalances, physiological or genetically-based abnormalities, and suboptimal environmental conditions, acting either alone or in combination with other factors. In many instances, environmental stressors may merge forces with an infectious agent or some other non-infectious factor to produce or exacerbate a state of disease. By studying...Invasive pathogens
Streamside salamanders such as this one are susceptible to invasive fungal pathogens of the genus Batrachochytrium. Two types of emerging fungal agents, B. dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans have been identified as serious risks to our amphibian populations.Invasive northern snakehead fish
Invasive northern snakehead fishHealth assessment of invasive northern snakehead
The image is an investigator performing venipuncture for blood collection for health analysis of a northern snakehead fish collected from a Potomac River tributary in northern Virginia.Mallard ducks may serve as reservoirs of potentially zoonotic Type A influenza viruses.
Mallard duck as such as this pair may be reservoirs of Type A influenza viruses, which under some circumstances may potentially become pathogenic to waterfowl, other wildlife and even humans. - Data
SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health anPresence and prevalence of pathogens among amphibians of Catoctin Mountain Park, 2014
Data described herein was collected by USGS personnel and the project funded by USGS and the National Park Service (Catoctin Mountain Park) through a FY14 NRPP project involving both agencies and developed to detect the presence and prevalence of ranavirus and chytrid pathogens among amphibians of Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO). Supplemental molecular analyses were performed on behalf of LSC by theToxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fishes and their forage base (Leetown Science Center, 2018).
The data is supplemental to the 2018 USGS Open File Report, "An evaluation of the acute and chronic toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fishes and their forage base". This research was performed as a Science Support Partnership (SSP) study with USFWS in order to evaluate potential lethal and sublethal impacts of potassium chloride on salmonid fis - News
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*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