Elizabeth Falendysz is the attending veterinarian at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2011, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as well as a certificate in Global Health, also from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Falendysz's professional interests are zoo and wildlife medicine, wildlife pathology, One Health, and animal welfare. She began her career studying poxviral diseases in the laboratory and in the field. Since joining the federal workforce, she has focused on the welfare of captive and free-ranging wildlife used in research, as well as emerging diseases of wildlife such as snake fungal disease and white nose syndrome.
Professional Experience
2014-present, Attending Veterinarian, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2011-2013, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Wisconsin- School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI
Summer 2011, OC Hubert Fellow, CDC Foundation, Lima, Peru
2009-2010, NIH Research Fellow, University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI
Summer 2008, Merck-Merial Summer Scholar, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Summer 2007, Summer Research Scholar, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Education and Certifications
B.S. Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005
DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2011
Affiliations and Memberships*
2006-present, Wildlife Disease Association
Science and Products
Luminescence of AG129 mice infected with recombinant Monkeypox virus expressing firefly luciferase
Adult AG129 mice (129/Sv background deficient in alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) and IFN-Ɣ receptors) were infected with recombinant Monkeypox virus (MPXV)expressing firefly luciferase by either intranasal (IN) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes. Experimental infections were conducted in a BSL-3 laboratory at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, with a clade II MPXV that expresses firefly lucifer
Viral loads, histology, and adverse events in transgenic mice after passive transfer of serum from black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) used to assess the anti-viral efficacy of a subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate
This data set provides biological information from of a captive study of transgenic mice that received either passive serum transfers from black-footed ferrets (BFFs) that were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 or BFFs that were unvaccinated, or a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 or lastly a placebo. After these treatments mice were challenged with SARS-CoV-2. The data included here have viral l
Experimental infection of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2
We experimentally challenged wild Mexican free-tailed bats (TABR) with SARS-CoV-2 to determine the susceptibility, reservoir potential, and population impacts of infection in this species. Of nine bats oronasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2, five became infected and orally excreted moderate amounts of virus for up to 18 days post inoculation. These five subjects all seroconverted and cleared the vi
Monkeypox challenge of rope squirrels: data
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa and is the most virulent orthopoxvirus affecting humans since the eradication of variola virus (VARV). In order to assess their reservoir potential, wild-caught rope squirrels were experimentally infected via intranasal and intradermal exposure with a recombinant MPXV strain from Central Africa engineered to express th
Filter Total Items: 13
Monkeypox virus in animals: Current knowledge of viral transmission and pathogenesis in wild animal reservoirs and captive animal models
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is now the most serious orthopoxvirus (OPXV) infection in humans. This zoonotic disease has been gradually re-emerging in humans with an increasing frequency of cases found in endemic areas, as well as an escalating frequency and size of epidemics outside of endemic areas in Africa. Currently, the largest known mpox epidemic is spreading throughout the world, with
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Juan G. Lopera, Elizabeth Falendysz, Jorge E. Osorio
Experimental infection of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is thought to have originated in wild bats from Asia, and as the resulting pandemic continues into its third year, concerns have been raised that the virus will expand its host range and infect North American wildlife species, including bats. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) live in large colonies in the souther
Authors
Jeffrey S. Hall, Erik K. Hofmeister, Hon S. Ip, Sean Nashold, Ariel Elizabeth Leon, Carly Marie Malave, Elizabeth Falendysz, Tonie E. Rocke, M. Carossino, U. Balasuriya, Susan Knowles
Immunogenicity, safety, and anti-viral efficacy of a subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) and their susceptibility to viral challenge
A preliminary vaccination trial against the emergent pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, was completed in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; BFF) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and anti-viral efficacy. Vaccination and boosting of 15 BFF with purified SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein produced a nearly 150-fold increase in mean antibody titers compared to pre-vaccination titers. Serum antibody respon
Authors
Ariel Elizabeth Leon, Della Garelle, Airn Hartwig, Elizabeth Falendysz, Hon S. Ip, Julia S. Lankton, Tyler Tretten, Terry Spraker, Richard Bowen, Tonie E. Rocke
Outside the box: Working with wildlife in biocontainment
Research with captive wildlife in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) and 3 (ABSL3) facilities is becoming increasingly necessary as emerging and re-emerging diseases involving wildlife have increasing impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Utilizing wildlife species in a research facility often requires outside the box thinking with specialized knowledge, practices, facilities, and equi
Authors
Elizabeth Falendysz, Dana Marie Calhoun, Carrie Alison Smith, Jonathan M. Sleeman
Clinical presentation and serological responses to natural outbreaks of rabies in a captive colony of common vampire bats
We report mortality events in a group of 123 common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) captured in México and housed for a rabies vaccine efficacy study in Madison, Wisconsin. Bat mortalities occurred in México and Wisconsin, but rabies cases reported herein are only those that occurred after arrival in Madison (n = 15). Bats were confirmed positive for rabies virus (RABV) by the direct fluorescent
Authors
Elsa M. Cárdenas-Canales, Crystal M. Gigante, Lauren A. Greenberg, Andres Velasco-Villa, James A. Ellison, Panayampalli S. Satheshkumar, Lex G Medina-Magües, Richard Griesser, Elizabeth Falendysz, Ignacio Amezcua, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke
Rabies outbreak in captive big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) used in white-nose syndrome vaccine trial
An outbreak of rabies occurred in a captive colony of wild-caught big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Five of 27 bats exhibited signs of rabies virus infection 22–51 d after capture or 18–22 d after contact with the index case. Rabid bats showed weight loss, aggression, increased vocalization, hypersalivation, and refusal of food. Antigenic typing and virus sequencing confirmed that all five bats w
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, L.G. Saindon, Elizabeth Falendysz, Lauren Greenberg, L.A. Orciari, Panayampalli Subbian Satheshkumar, Tonie E. Rocke
Virally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has killed millions of North American hibernating bats. Currently, methods to prevent the disease are limited. We conducted two trials to assess potential WNS vaccine candidates in wild-caught Myotis lucifugus. In a pilot study, we immunized bats with one of four vaccine treatments or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Brock Kingstad-Bakke, Marcel Wuthrich, Ben Stading, Rachel C. Abbott, Marcos Isidoro Ayza, Hannah E. Dobson, Lucas dos Santos Dias, Kevin Galles, Julia S. Lankton, Elizabeth Falendysz, Jeffrey M. Lorch, J. Scott Fites, Jaime Lopera-Madrid, Bruce Klein, Jorge E. Osorio, J. Paul White
Characterization of Monkeypox virus infection in African rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.)
Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa and is caused by Monkeypox virus (MPXV), the most virulent Orthopoxvirus affecting humans since the eradication of Variola virus (VARV). Many aspects of the MPXV transmission cycle, including the natural host of the virus, remain unknown. African rope squirrels (Funisciurus spp.) are considered potential reservoirs of MPXV, a
Authors
Elizabeth Falendysz, Juan G. Lopera, Jeffrey B. Doty, Yoshinori J. Nakazawa, Colleen Crill, Faye Lorenzsonn, Lem's N. Kalemba, Monica Ronderos, Andres Meija, Jean M. Malekani, Kevin L. Karem, Darrin Caroll, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke
Experimental infection of snakes with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola causes pathological changes that typify snake fungal disease
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging skin infection of wild snakes in eastern North America. The fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is frequently associated with the skin lesions that are characteristic of SFD, but a causal relationship between the fungus and the disease has not been established. We experimentally infected captive-bred corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) in the laboratory with
Authors
Jeffrey M. Lorch, Julia S. Lankton, Katrien Werner, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Kevin McCurley, David S. Blehert
Further assessment of Monkeypox Virus infection in Gambian pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) using in vivo bioluminescent imaging
Monkeypox is a zoonosis clinically similar to smallpox in humans. Recent evidence has shown a potential risk of increased incidence in central Africa. Despite attempts to isolate the virus from wild rodents and other small mammals, no reservoir host has been identified. In 2003,Monkeypox virus (MPXV) was accidentally introduced into the U.S. via the pet trade and was associated with the Gambian po
Authors
Elizabeth Falendysz, Juan G. Lopera, Faye Lorenzsonn, Johanna S. Salzer, Christina L. Hutson, Jeffrey Doty, Nadia Gallardo-Romero, Darin S. Carroll, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke
Age at vaccination may influence response to sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) in Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) have been considered at greater risk from Yersinia pestis (plague) infection in the montane portion of their range compared to populations at lower elevations, possibly due to factors related to flea transmission of the bacteria or greater host susceptibility. To test the latter hypothesis and determine whether vaccination against plague with an oral syl
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Daniel W. Tripp, Faye Lorenzsonn, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Susan Smith, Judy L. Williamson, Rachel C. Abbott
Attenuation of monkeypox virus by deletion of genomic regions
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an emerging pathogen from Africa that causes disease similar to smallpox. Two clades with different geographic distributions and virulence have been described. Here, we utilized bioinformatic tools to identify genomic regions in MPXV containing multiple virulence genes and explored their roles in pathogenicity; two selected regions were then deleted singularly or in combi
Authors
Juan G. Lopera, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Tonie E. Rocke, Jorge E. Osorio
Non-USGS Publications**
Salzer JS, Carroll DS, Rwego IB, Li Y, Falendysz EA; Shisler JL, Karem KL, Damon IK, Gillespie TR. Serologic evidence for circulating orthopoxviruses in peridomestic rodents from rural Uganda. Journal of Wildlife Disease. 2013. 49(1):125-31.
**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
- Data
Luminescence of AG129 mice infected with recombinant Monkeypox virus expressing firefly luciferase
Adult AG129 mice (129/Sv background deficient in alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) and IFN-Ɣ receptors) were infected with recombinant Monkeypox virus (MPXV)expressing firefly luciferase by either intranasal (IN) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes. Experimental infections were conducted in a BSL-3 laboratory at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, with a clade II MPXV that expresses firefly luciferViral loads, histology, and adverse events in transgenic mice after passive transfer of serum from black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) used to assess the anti-viral efficacy of a subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate
This data set provides biological information from of a captive study of transgenic mice that received either passive serum transfers from black-footed ferrets (BFFs) that were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 or BFFs that were unvaccinated, or a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 or lastly a placebo. After these treatments mice were challenged with SARS-CoV-2. The data included here have viral lExperimental infection of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2
We experimentally challenged wild Mexican free-tailed bats (TABR) with SARS-CoV-2 to determine the susceptibility, reservoir potential, and population impacts of infection in this species. Of nine bats oronasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2, five became infected and orally excreted moderate amounts of virus for up to 18 days post inoculation. These five subjects all seroconverted and cleared the viMonkeypox challenge of rope squirrels: data
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa and is the most virulent orthopoxvirus affecting humans since the eradication of variola virus (VARV). In order to assess their reservoir potential, wild-caught rope squirrels were experimentally infected via intranasal and intradermal exposure with a recombinant MPXV strain from Central Africa engineered to express th - Publications
Filter Total Items: 13
Monkeypox virus in animals: Current knowledge of viral transmission and pathogenesis in wild animal reservoirs and captive animal models
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is now the most serious orthopoxvirus (OPXV) infection in humans. This zoonotic disease has been gradually re-emerging in humans with an increasing frequency of cases found in endemic areas, as well as an escalating frequency and size of epidemics outside of endemic areas in Africa. Currently, the largest known mpox epidemic is spreading throughout the world, withAuthorsTonie E. Rocke, Juan G. Lopera, Elizabeth Falendysz, Jorge E. OsorioExperimental infection of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is thought to have originated in wild bats from Asia, and as the resulting pandemic continues into its third year, concerns have been raised that the virus will expand its host range and infect North American wildlife species, including bats. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) live in large colonies in the southerAuthorsJeffrey S. Hall, Erik K. Hofmeister, Hon S. Ip, Sean Nashold, Ariel Elizabeth Leon, Carly Marie Malave, Elizabeth Falendysz, Tonie E. Rocke, M. Carossino, U. Balasuriya, Susan KnowlesImmunogenicity, safety, and anti-viral efficacy of a subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) and their susceptibility to viral challenge
A preliminary vaccination trial against the emergent pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, was completed in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; BFF) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and anti-viral efficacy. Vaccination and boosting of 15 BFF with purified SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein produced a nearly 150-fold increase in mean antibody titers compared to pre-vaccination titers. Serum antibody responAuthorsAriel Elizabeth Leon, Della Garelle, Airn Hartwig, Elizabeth Falendysz, Hon S. Ip, Julia S. Lankton, Tyler Tretten, Terry Spraker, Richard Bowen, Tonie E. RockeOutside the box: Working with wildlife in biocontainment
Research with captive wildlife in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) and 3 (ABSL3) facilities is becoming increasingly necessary as emerging and re-emerging diseases involving wildlife have increasing impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Utilizing wildlife species in a research facility often requires outside the box thinking with specialized knowledge, practices, facilities, and equiAuthorsElizabeth Falendysz, Dana Marie Calhoun, Carrie Alison Smith, Jonathan M. SleemanClinical presentation and serological responses to natural outbreaks of rabies in a captive colony of common vampire bats
We report mortality events in a group of 123 common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) captured in México and housed for a rabies vaccine efficacy study in Madison, Wisconsin. Bat mortalities occurred in México and Wisconsin, but rabies cases reported herein are only those that occurred after arrival in Madison (n = 15). Bats were confirmed positive for rabies virus (RABV) by the direct fluorescentAuthorsElsa M. Cárdenas-Canales, Crystal M. Gigante, Lauren A. Greenberg, Andres Velasco-Villa, James A. Ellison, Panayampalli S. Satheshkumar, Lex G Medina-Magües, Richard Griesser, Elizabeth Falendysz, Ignacio Amezcua, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. RockeRabies outbreak in captive big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) used in white-nose syndrome vaccine trial
An outbreak of rabies occurred in a captive colony of wild-caught big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Five of 27 bats exhibited signs of rabies virus infection 22–51 d after capture or 18–22 d after contact with the index case. Rabid bats showed weight loss, aggression, increased vocalization, hypersalivation, and refusal of food. Antigenic typing and virus sequencing confirmed that all five bats wAuthorsRachel C. Abbott, L.G. Saindon, Elizabeth Falendysz, Lauren Greenberg, L.A. Orciari, Panayampalli Subbian Satheshkumar, Tonie E. RockeVirally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has killed millions of North American hibernating bats. Currently, methods to prevent the disease are limited. We conducted two trials to assess potential WNS vaccine candidates in wild-caught Myotis lucifugus. In a pilot study, we immunized bats with one of four vaccine treatments or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)AuthorsTonie E. Rocke, Brock Kingstad-Bakke, Marcel Wuthrich, Ben Stading, Rachel C. Abbott, Marcos Isidoro Ayza, Hannah E. Dobson, Lucas dos Santos Dias, Kevin Galles, Julia S. Lankton, Elizabeth Falendysz, Jeffrey M. Lorch, J. Scott Fites, Jaime Lopera-Madrid, Bruce Klein, Jorge E. Osorio, J. Paul WhiteCharacterization of Monkeypox virus infection in African rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.)
Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa and is caused by Monkeypox virus (MPXV), the most virulent Orthopoxvirus affecting humans since the eradication of Variola virus (VARV). Many aspects of the MPXV transmission cycle, including the natural host of the virus, remain unknown. African rope squirrels (Funisciurus spp.) are considered potential reservoirs of MPXV, aAuthorsElizabeth Falendysz, Juan G. Lopera, Jeffrey B. Doty, Yoshinori J. Nakazawa, Colleen Crill, Faye Lorenzsonn, Lem's N. Kalemba, Monica Ronderos, Andres Meija, Jean M. Malekani, Kevin L. Karem, Darrin Caroll, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. RockeExperimental infection of snakes with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola causes pathological changes that typify snake fungal disease
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging skin infection of wild snakes in eastern North America. The fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is frequently associated with the skin lesions that are characteristic of SFD, but a causal relationship between the fungus and the disease has not been established. We experimentally infected captive-bred corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) in the laboratory withAuthorsJeffrey M. Lorch, Julia S. Lankton, Katrien Werner, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Kevin McCurley, David S. BlehertFurther assessment of Monkeypox Virus infection in Gambian pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) using in vivo bioluminescent imaging
Monkeypox is a zoonosis clinically similar to smallpox in humans. Recent evidence has shown a potential risk of increased incidence in central Africa. Despite attempts to isolate the virus from wild rodents and other small mammals, no reservoir host has been identified. In 2003,Monkeypox virus (MPXV) was accidentally introduced into the U.S. via the pet trade and was associated with the Gambian poAuthorsElizabeth Falendysz, Juan G. Lopera, Faye Lorenzsonn, Johanna S. Salzer, Christina L. Hutson, Jeffrey Doty, Nadia Gallardo-Romero, Darin S. Carroll, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. RockeAge at vaccination may influence response to sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) in Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) have been considered at greater risk from Yersinia pestis (plague) infection in the montane portion of their range compared to populations at lower elevations, possibly due to factors related to flea transmission of the bacteria or greater host susceptibility. To test the latter hypothesis and determine whether vaccination against plague with an oral sylAuthorsTonie E. Rocke, Daniel W. Tripp, Faye Lorenzsonn, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Susan Smith, Judy L. Williamson, Rachel C. AbbottAttenuation of monkeypox virus by deletion of genomic regions
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an emerging pathogen from Africa that causes disease similar to smallpox. Two clades with different geographic distributions and virulence have been described. Here, we utilized bioinformatic tools to identify genomic regions in MPXV containing multiple virulence genes and explored their roles in pathogenicity; two selected regions were then deleted singularly or in combiAuthorsJuan G. Lopera, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Tonie E. Rocke, Jorge E. OsorioNon-USGS Publications**
Salzer JS, Carroll DS, Rwego IB, Li Y, Falendysz EA; Shisler JL, Karem KL, Damon IK, Gillespie TR. Serologic evidence for circulating orthopoxviruses in peridomestic rodents from rural Uganda. Journal of Wildlife Disease. 2013. 49(1):125-31.**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.
*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