Laura Scott, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Data for Assessing the Utility of eDNA Approaches for Determining the Impacts of Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost on Fish Communities in Arctic Streams Data for Assessing the Utility of eDNA Approaches for Determining the Impacts of Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost on Fish Communities in Arctic Streams
This data set describes results for laboratory experiments to determine the efficacy of environmental DNA quantitative PCR assays for four fish species when applied to filtered water samples containing metals mobilized from thawing permafrost.
Data for Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Waters in Two National Parks in Alaska Data for Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Waters in Two National Parks in Alaska
This data set describes the assessment of surface waters in Denali National Park and Preserve and Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve for antimicrobial resistance genes during four summer months (May - August).
Data for Investigation of Egg Mortality in a Louisiana Population of Endangered Whooping Cranes Data for Investigation of Egg Mortality in a Louisiana Population of Endangered Whooping Cranes
This data set describes the genomic bacterial analysis of swabs and tissues collected from whooping cranes in Louisiana. The data includes targeted analysis from quantitative PCR for bacterial pathogens.
Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
This data set describes results for two laboratory experiments to validate a quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface waters. Data are also provided for the application of the assay surface water samples collected from three national parks in Alaska.
Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses
This data set describes serological data collected from mammals in Alaska and seropositivity to influenza A, clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), North American lineage H5 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), and N1 antigens.
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022 Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022
In 2021–22, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses were introduced by wild birds into North America, leading to geographically widespread disease. In response to HPAI outbreaks throughout late 2021 and early 2022, we recorded observations of sick and dead birds, estimated abundance of carcasses, collected swab and sera samples to detect viruses, and monitored...
Authors
Bryan Daniels, Erik E. Osnas, Megan Boldenow, Robert Gerlach, Christina Ahlstrom, Sarah Coburn, Michael J. Brook, Michael Brubaker, Julian Fischer, David N. Koons, Angela Matz, Marin Murphy, Daniel Rizzolo, Laura Celeste Scott, David R. Sinnett, Jordan M. Thompson, Juliana Lenoch, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew M. Ramey
Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, David T. Saafeld, Kerry Nicholson, Buck A. Mangipane, Laura Celeste Scott, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination
The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee Beckmen, Megan Boldenow, Evan J Buck, Bryan Daniels, Krista Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons
The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from...
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Data for Assessing the Utility of eDNA Approaches for Determining the Impacts of Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost on Fish Communities in Arctic Streams Data for Assessing the Utility of eDNA Approaches for Determining the Impacts of Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost on Fish Communities in Arctic Streams
This data set describes results for laboratory experiments to determine the efficacy of environmental DNA quantitative PCR assays for four fish species when applied to filtered water samples containing metals mobilized from thawing permafrost.
Data for Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Waters in Two National Parks in Alaska Data for Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Waters in Two National Parks in Alaska
This data set describes the assessment of surface waters in Denali National Park and Preserve and Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve for antimicrobial resistance genes during four summer months (May - August).
Data for Investigation of Egg Mortality in a Louisiana Population of Endangered Whooping Cranes Data for Investigation of Egg Mortality in a Louisiana Population of Endangered Whooping Cranes
This data set describes the genomic bacterial analysis of swabs and tissues collected from whooping cranes in Louisiana. The data includes targeted analysis from quantitative PCR for bacterial pathogens.
Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
This data set describes results for two laboratory experiments to validate a quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface waters. Data are also provided for the application of the assay surface water samples collected from three national parks in Alaska.
Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses
This data set describes serological data collected from mammals in Alaska and seropositivity to influenza A, clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), North American lineage H5 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), and N1 antigens.
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022 Observational, virological, and serological data provide insights into an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska in 2022
In 2021–22, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses were introduced by wild birds into North America, leading to geographically widespread disease. In response to HPAI outbreaks throughout late 2021 and early 2022, we recorded observations of sick and dead birds, estimated abundance of carcasses, collected swab and sera samples to detect viruses, and monitored...
Authors
Bryan Daniels, Erik E. Osnas, Megan Boldenow, Robert Gerlach, Christina Ahlstrom, Sarah Coburn, Michael J. Brook, Michael Brubaker, Julian Fischer, David N. Koons, Angela Matz, Marin Murphy, Daniel Rizzolo, Laura Celeste Scott, David R. Sinnett, Jordan M. Thompson, Juliana Lenoch, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew M. Ramey
Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, David T. Saafeld, Kerry Nicholson, Buck A. Mangipane, Laura Celeste Scott, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination
The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee Beckmen, Megan Boldenow, Evan J Buck, Bryan Daniels, Krista Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons
The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from...
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson