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Diane Waller

Diane Waller

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 15
Boat trolling for zebra mussels

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
By
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
Learn More
USGS Scientist Robert Kennedy examining a mussel

Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

The spectaclecase mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta, was effectively listed as federally endangered in April 2012 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2012-5603). It is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri River basins and historically inhabited 44 streams in these basins (USFWS 2014). Currently, the species is known to inhabit 20 of the historical streams, five of which are represented by one or...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

The spectaclecase mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta, was effectively listed as federally endangered in April 2012 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2012-5603). It is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri River basins and historically inhabited 44 streams in these basins (USFWS 2014). Currently, the species is known to inhabit 20 of the historical streams, five of which are represented by one or...
Learn More
Infested threeridge mussel

Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Control technology for dreissenid mussels currently relies heavily on chemical molluscicides that can be both costly and ecologically harmful. There is a need to develop more environmentally neutral control tools to manage dreissenid mussels. Carbon dioxide has shown toxicity to several species of invasive bivalves, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Asian clam (Corbicula...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Control technology for dreissenid mussels currently relies heavily on chemical molluscicides that can be both costly and ecologically harmful. There is a need to develop more environmentally neutral control tools to manage dreissenid mussels. Carbon dioxide has shown toxicity to several species of invasive bivalves, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Asian clam (Corbicula...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 16

A Novel Gonadotropic Microsporidian Parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) Infecting a Declining Population of Pheasantshell Mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA A Novel Gonadotropic Microsporidian Parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) Infecting a Declining Population of Pheasantshell Mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are among the most endangered animal groups globally, but the causes of population declines are often enigmatic with little known about the role of disease. In 2018, we collected wild adult pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) and mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) during an epidemiologic survey investigating an ongoing mussel mass mortality event...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of Carbon Dioxide to Prevent Settlement of Dreissenid Mussels Use of Carbon Dioxide to Prevent Settlement of Dreissenid Mussels

Dreissenid management has focused primarily on chemical tools which are efficacious, but not without ecological or economic costs. There is a need for additional control tools that are less expensive, readily available, and will not leave a residue after treatment. Carbon dioxide has these advantages over chemical pesticides and has demonstrated effectiveness for control of a range of...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality, data release Assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality, data release

This dataset captures the Zebra Mussel dose-response to four independent toxicants and each binary mixture of those toxicants. Toxicants included EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2 (syn. Spectrus CT1300), niclosamide, and potassium chloride. Each dose of toxicant was verified with either ICP-OES or UHPLC, depending on analyte, and comparison to a standard curve. Mortality was tabulated for each
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Assessment of uncontained Zequanox applications in a Midwestern lake data Assessment of uncontained Zequanox applications in a Midwestern lake data

We applied Zequanox using a custom-engineered, boat mounted application system to replicated 0.30 Hectare plots within a small inland lake. The objectives of these applications were to determine if uncontained, open-water Zequanox applications could effectively control zebra mussel populations and protect native unionid mussel populations within zebra mussel infested systems. The...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Filter Total Items: 38

A bacteriological comparison of the hemolymph from healthy and moribund unionid mussel populations in the upper Midwestern U.S.A. prompts the development of diagnostic assays to detect Yokenella regensburgei A bacteriological comparison of the hemolymph from healthy and moribund unionid mussel populations in the upper Midwestern U.S.A. prompts the development of diagnostic assays to detect Yokenella regensburgei

Recent bacteriological investigations of freshwater mussel mortality events in the southeastern United States have identified a variety of bacteria and differences in bacterial communities between sick and healthy mussels. In particular, Yokenella regensburgei and Aeromonas spp. have been shown to be associated with moribund mussels, although it remains unclear whether these bacteria are...
Authors
Eric Leis, Sara Dziki, Isaac Standish, Diane L. Waller, Jordan Richard, Jesse Weinzinger, Cleyo Harris, Susan Knowles, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Review and development of best practices for toxicity tests with dreissenid mussels Review and development of best practices for toxicity tests with dreissenid mussels

Since their introduction to North America in the 1980s, research to develop effective control tools for invasive mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis) has been ongoing across various research institutions using a range of testing methods. Inconsistencies in experimental methods and reporting present challenges for comparing data, repeating experiments, and applying...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Sherri Pucherelli, Matthew Barbour, Samantha Tank, Matthew J Meulemans, Jeremy K. Wise, Angelique Dahlberg, David C. Aldridge, Renata Claudi, W. Gregory Cope, Patricia L. Gillis, Donna Kashian, Denise A. Mayer, Kelly A. Stockton-Fiti, Wai Hing Wong
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Further bacteriological analysis of annual Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussel mortality events in the Clinch River (Virginia/Tennessee), USA, reveals a consistent association with Yokenella Regensburgei Further bacteriological analysis of annual Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussel mortality events in the Clinch River (Virginia/Tennessee), USA, reveals a consistent association with Yokenella Regensburgei

Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussels in the Clinch River (Tennessee/Virginia, USA) have declined dramatically in recent years. The bacterium Yokenella regensburgei was first isolated with high prevalence from Pheasantshells during the peak of a 2017 mortality event, but it was not identified after mortality subsided a few months later. Since 2017, Pheasantshell mortality in the...
Authors
Eric Leis, Sara Dziki, Jordan Richard, Rose Agbalog, Diane L. Waller, Joel G. Putnam, Susan Knowles, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Freshwater mussels show elevated viral richness and intensity during a mortality event Freshwater mussels show elevated viral richness and intensity during a mortality event

Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are among the world’s most imperiled taxa, but the relationship between freshwater mussel mortality events and infectious disease is largely unstudied. We surveyed viromes of a widespread and abundant species (mucket, Actinonaias ligamentina; syn: Ortmanniana ligamentina) experiencing a mortality event of unknown etiology in the Huron River, Michigan, in...
Authors
Jordan Richard, Eric Leis, Christopher D. Dunn, Cleyo Harris, Rose Agbalog, Lewis J. Campbell, Susan Knowles, Diane L. Waller, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

A novel gonadotropic microsporidian parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) infecting a declining population of pheasantshell mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA A novel gonadotropic microsporidian parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) infecting a declining population of pheasantshell mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are among the most endangered animal groups globally, but the causes of their population decline are often enigmatic, with little known about the role of disease. In 2018, we collected wild adult pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) and mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) during an epidemiologic survey investigating an ongoing mussel mass mortality...
Authors
Susan Knowles, Eric M. Leis, Jordan C. Richard, Rebecca A. Cole, Rose E. Agbalog, Joel G. Putnam, Tony L. Goldberg, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities

We determined the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) for preventing larval (veliger) settlement of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and compared the response of native juvenile mussels and macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities to hypercapnia. A microcosm system of control (ambient Camb) and CO2 treatments [low PCO2 (Clow)=35,094 µatm, and high PCO2 (Chigh)=66,685...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Lynn A. Bartsch, Michelle Bartsch, Matthew J Meulemans, Thomas J. Zolper, Todd J. Severson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Mussel mass mortality and the microbiome: Evidence for shifts in the bacterial microbiome of a declining freshwater bivalve Mussel mass mortality and the microbiome: Evidence for shifts in the bacterial microbiome of a declining freshwater bivalve

Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are suffering mass mortality events worldwide, but the causes remain enigmatic. Here, we describe an analysis of bacterial loads, community structure, and inferred metabolic pathways in the hemolymph of pheasantshells (Actinonaias pectorosa) from the Clinch River, USA, during a multi-year mass mortality event. Bacterial loads were approximately 2 logs higher...
Authors
Jordan Richard, Lewis J. Campbell, Eric Leis, Rose Agbalog, Christopher D. Dunn, Diane L. Waller, Susan Knowles, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality

Researchers most often focus on individual toxicants when identifying effective chemical control agents for aquatic invasive species; however, toxicant mixtures may elicit synergistic effects. Synergistic effects may decrease required concentrations and shorten exposure durations for treatments. We investigated four toxicants (EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2, niclosamide, and potassium...
Authors
Matthew Barbour, Justin R. Schueller, Todd J. Severson, Jeremy K. Wise, Matthew J Meulemans, James A. Luoma, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta) Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta)

Margaritifera monodonta, or the Spectaclecase Mussel, is a federally endangered freshwater mussel species that has experienced a 55% reduction in range and is currently concentrated in 3 rivers in the Midwest region of the United States (Gasconade and Meramec rivers, Missouri, and St Croix River, Wisconsin). The detection of new populations by traditional survey methods has been limited...
Authors
Yer Lor, Theresa M. Schreier, Diane L. Waller, Christopher M. Merkes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Mass mortality in freshwater mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) in the Clinch River, USA, linked to a novel densovirus Mass mortality in freshwater mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) in the Clinch River, USA, linked to a novel densovirus

Freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are among the world’s most biodiverse but imperiled taxa. Recent unionid mass mortality events around the world threaten ecosystem services such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, habitat stabilization, and food web enhancement, but causes have remained elusive. To examine potential infectious causes of these declines, we studied mussels in Clinch...
Authors
Jordon Richard, Eric Leis, Christopher D. Dunn, Rose Agbalog, Diane L. Waller, Susan Knowles, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a new aquatic pesticide to control invasive Asian carps and other aquatic nuisance species in the United States. However, limited CO2 toxicity data could make it challenging for resource managers to characterize the potential risk to nontarget species during CO2 applications. The present study quantified...
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Justin R. Smerud, Linnea M Thomas, Diane L. Waller, David L. Smith, Richard A. Erickson, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Temperature‐related responses of an invasive mussel and 2 unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide Temperature‐related responses of an invasive mussel and 2 unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have exacerbated the decline of native freshwater mussels (Order Unionida) in North America since their arrival in the 1980s. Options for controlling invasive mussels, particularly in unionid mussel habitats, are limited. Previously, carbon dioxide (CO2) showed selective toxicity for zebra mussels, relative to unionids, when applied in cool water (12...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Michelle R. Bartsch, Eric G. Lord, Richard A. Erickson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 15
Boat trolling for zebra mussels

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
By
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
Learn More
USGS Scientist Robert Kennedy examining a mussel

Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

The spectaclecase mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta, was effectively listed as federally endangered in April 2012 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2012-5603). It is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri River basins and historically inhabited 44 streams in these basins (USFWS 2014). Currently, the species is known to inhabit 20 of the historical streams, five of which are represented by one or...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

Transformation methods for the glochidia of the spectaclecase mussel Cumberlandia monodonta

The spectaclecase mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta, was effectively listed as federally endangered in April 2012 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2012-5603). It is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri River basins and historically inhabited 44 streams in these basins (USFWS 2014). Currently, the species is known to inhabit 20 of the historical streams, five of which are represented by one or...
Learn More
Infested threeridge mussel

Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Control technology for dreissenid mussels currently relies heavily on chemical molluscicides that can be both costly and ecologically harmful. There is a need to develop more environmentally neutral control tools to manage dreissenid mussels. Carbon dioxide has shown toxicity to several species of invasive bivalves, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Asian clam (Corbicula...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Evaluation of lethal and sublethal responses of dreissenid and unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Control technology for dreissenid mussels currently relies heavily on chemical molluscicides that can be both costly and ecologically harmful. There is a need to develop more environmentally neutral control tools to manage dreissenid mussels. Carbon dioxide has shown toxicity to several species of invasive bivalves, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Asian clam (Corbicula...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 16

A Novel Gonadotropic Microsporidian Parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) Infecting a Declining Population of Pheasantshell Mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA A Novel Gonadotropic Microsporidian Parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) Infecting a Declining Population of Pheasantshell Mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are among the most endangered animal groups globally, but the causes of population declines are often enigmatic with little known about the role of disease. In 2018, we collected wild adult pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) and mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) during an epidemiologic survey investigating an ongoing mussel mass mortality event...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of Carbon Dioxide to Prevent Settlement of Dreissenid Mussels Use of Carbon Dioxide to Prevent Settlement of Dreissenid Mussels

Dreissenid management has focused primarily on chemical tools which are efficacious, but not without ecological or economic costs. There is a need for additional control tools that are less expensive, readily available, and will not leave a residue after treatment. Carbon dioxide has these advantages over chemical pesticides and has demonstrated effectiveness for control of a range of...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality, data release Assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality, data release

This dataset captures the Zebra Mussel dose-response to four independent toxicants and each binary mixture of those toxicants. Toxicants included EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2 (syn. Spectrus CT1300), niclosamide, and potassium chloride. Each dose of toxicant was verified with either ICP-OES or UHPLC, depending on analyte, and comparison to a standard curve. Mortality was tabulated for each
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Assessment of uncontained Zequanox applications in a Midwestern lake data Assessment of uncontained Zequanox applications in a Midwestern lake data

We applied Zequanox using a custom-engineered, boat mounted application system to replicated 0.30 Hectare plots within a small inland lake. The objectives of these applications were to determine if uncontained, open-water Zequanox applications could effectively control zebra mussel populations and protect native unionid mussel populations within zebra mussel infested systems. The...
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Filter Total Items: 38

A bacteriological comparison of the hemolymph from healthy and moribund unionid mussel populations in the upper Midwestern U.S.A. prompts the development of diagnostic assays to detect Yokenella regensburgei A bacteriological comparison of the hemolymph from healthy and moribund unionid mussel populations in the upper Midwestern U.S.A. prompts the development of diagnostic assays to detect Yokenella regensburgei

Recent bacteriological investigations of freshwater mussel mortality events in the southeastern United States have identified a variety of bacteria and differences in bacterial communities between sick and healthy mussels. In particular, Yokenella regensburgei and Aeromonas spp. have been shown to be associated with moribund mussels, although it remains unclear whether these bacteria are...
Authors
Eric Leis, Sara Dziki, Isaac Standish, Diane L. Waller, Jordan Richard, Jesse Weinzinger, Cleyo Harris, Susan Knowles, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Review and development of best practices for toxicity tests with dreissenid mussels Review and development of best practices for toxicity tests with dreissenid mussels

Since their introduction to North America in the 1980s, research to develop effective control tools for invasive mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis) has been ongoing across various research institutions using a range of testing methods. Inconsistencies in experimental methods and reporting present challenges for comparing data, repeating experiments, and applying...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Sherri Pucherelli, Matthew Barbour, Samantha Tank, Matthew J Meulemans, Jeremy K. Wise, Angelique Dahlberg, David C. Aldridge, Renata Claudi, W. Gregory Cope, Patricia L. Gillis, Donna Kashian, Denise A. Mayer, Kelly A. Stockton-Fiti, Wai Hing Wong
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Further bacteriological analysis of annual Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussel mortality events in the Clinch River (Virginia/Tennessee), USA, reveals a consistent association with Yokenella Regensburgei Further bacteriological analysis of annual Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussel mortality events in the Clinch River (Virginia/Tennessee), USA, reveals a consistent association with Yokenella Regensburgei

Pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) mussels in the Clinch River (Tennessee/Virginia, USA) have declined dramatically in recent years. The bacterium Yokenella regensburgei was first isolated with high prevalence from Pheasantshells during the peak of a 2017 mortality event, but it was not identified after mortality subsided a few months later. Since 2017, Pheasantshell mortality in the...
Authors
Eric Leis, Sara Dziki, Jordan Richard, Rose Agbalog, Diane L. Waller, Joel G. Putnam, Susan Knowles, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Freshwater mussels show elevated viral richness and intensity during a mortality event Freshwater mussels show elevated viral richness and intensity during a mortality event

Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are among the world’s most imperiled taxa, but the relationship between freshwater mussel mortality events and infectious disease is largely unstudied. We surveyed viromes of a widespread and abundant species (mucket, Actinonaias ligamentina; syn: Ortmanniana ligamentina) experiencing a mortality event of unknown etiology in the Huron River, Michigan, in...
Authors
Jordan Richard, Eric Leis, Christopher D. Dunn, Cleyo Harris, Rose Agbalog, Lewis J. Campbell, Susan Knowles, Diane L. Waller, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

A novel gonadotropic microsporidian parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) infecting a declining population of pheasantshell mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA A novel gonadotropic microsporidian parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) infecting a declining population of pheasantshell mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are among the most endangered animal groups globally, but the causes of their population decline are often enigmatic, with little known about the role of disease. In 2018, we collected wild adult pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa) and mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) during an epidemiologic survey investigating an ongoing mussel mass mortality...
Authors
Susan Knowles, Eric M. Leis, Jordan C. Richard, Rebecca A. Cole, Rose E. Agbalog, Joel G. Putnam, Tony L. Goldberg, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities

We determined the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) for preventing larval (veliger) settlement of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and compared the response of native juvenile mussels and macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities to hypercapnia. A microcosm system of control (ambient Camb) and CO2 treatments [low PCO2 (Clow)=35,094 µatm, and high PCO2 (Chigh)=66,685...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Lynn A. Bartsch, Michelle Bartsch, Matthew J Meulemans, Thomas J. Zolper, Todd J. Severson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Mussel mass mortality and the microbiome: Evidence for shifts in the bacterial microbiome of a declining freshwater bivalve Mussel mass mortality and the microbiome: Evidence for shifts in the bacterial microbiome of a declining freshwater bivalve

Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are suffering mass mortality events worldwide, but the causes remain enigmatic. Here, we describe an analysis of bacterial loads, community structure, and inferred metabolic pathways in the hemolymph of pheasantshells (Actinonaias pectorosa) from the Clinch River, USA, during a multi-year mass mortality event. Bacterial loads were approximately 2 logs higher...
Authors
Jordan Richard, Lewis J. Campbell, Eric Leis, Rose Agbalog, Christopher D. Dunn, Diane L. Waller, Susan Knowles, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality

Researchers most often focus on individual toxicants when identifying effective chemical control agents for aquatic invasive species; however, toxicant mixtures may elicit synergistic effects. Synergistic effects may decrease required concentrations and shorten exposure durations for treatments. We investigated four toxicants (EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2, niclosamide, and potassium...
Authors
Matthew Barbour, Justin R. Schueller, Todd J. Severson, Jeremy K. Wise, Matthew J Meulemans, James A. Luoma, Diane L. Waller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta) Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta)

Margaritifera monodonta, or the Spectaclecase Mussel, is a federally endangered freshwater mussel species that has experienced a 55% reduction in range and is currently concentrated in 3 rivers in the Midwest region of the United States (Gasconade and Meramec rivers, Missouri, and St Croix River, Wisconsin). The detection of new populations by traditional survey methods has been limited...
Authors
Yer Lor, Theresa M. Schreier, Diane L. Waller, Christopher M. Merkes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Mass mortality in freshwater mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) in the Clinch River, USA, linked to a novel densovirus Mass mortality in freshwater mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) in the Clinch River, USA, linked to a novel densovirus

Freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are among the world’s most biodiverse but imperiled taxa. Recent unionid mass mortality events around the world threaten ecosystem services such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, habitat stabilization, and food web enhancement, but causes have remained elusive. To examine potential infectious causes of these declines, we studied mussels in Clinch...
Authors
Jordon Richard, Eric Leis, Christopher D. Dunn, Rose Agbalog, Diane L. Waller, Susan Knowles, Joel G. Putnam, Tony Goldberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a new aquatic pesticide to control invasive Asian carps and other aquatic nuisance species in the United States. However, limited CO2 toxicity data could make it challenging for resource managers to characterize the potential risk to nontarget species during CO2 applications. The present study quantified...
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Justin R. Smerud, Linnea M Thomas, Diane L. Waller, David L. Smith, Richard A. Erickson, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Temperature‐related responses of an invasive mussel and 2 unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide Temperature‐related responses of an invasive mussel and 2 unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have exacerbated the decline of native freshwater mussels (Order Unionida) in North America since their arrival in the 1980s. Options for controlling invasive mussels, particularly in unionid mussel habitats, are limited. Previously, carbon dioxide (CO2) showed selective toxicity for zebra mussels, relative to unionids, when applied in cool water (12...
Authors
Diane L. Waller, Michelle R. Bartsch, Eric G. Lord, Richard A. Erickson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
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