Robert Dusek
Robert Dusek is a Wildlife Biologist at the National Wildlife Health Center.
Professional Experience
Aug. 2001 - Present, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.
Feb. 1998 - Aug. 2001, Graduate Student/Biological Technician, Florida Game and Fish Commission and University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Oct. 1995 - Jan. 1998, Biological Technician (Marine), Biscayne National Park, Homestead, Florida.
Nov. 1991 - Oct. 1995, Biological Technician (Wildlife), Pacific Islands Science Center (Wildlife Disease Lab), Volcano, Hawaii.
June 1991 - Nov. 1991, Wildlife Biologist, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake, California.
Education and Certifications
Master of Science, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. 2002.
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Management. Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. 1989
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 72
Corticosterone metabolite concentrations in greater sage-grouse are positively associated with the presence of cattle grazing Corticosterone metabolite concentrations in greater sage-grouse are positively associated with the presence of cattle grazing
The sagebrush biome in the western United States is home to the imperiled greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and encompasses rangelands used for cattle production. Cattle grazing activities have been implicated in the range-wide decline of the sage-grouse, but no studies have investigated the relationship between the physiological condition of sage-grouse and the presence of...
Authors
M.D. Jankowski, Robin E. Russell, J. Christian Franson, Robert J. Dusek, M.K. Hines, M. Gregg, Erik K. Hofmeister
North Atlantic migratory bird flyways provide routes for intercontinental movement of avian influenza viruses North Atlantic migratory bird flyways provide routes for intercontinental movement of avian influenza viruses
Avian influenza virus (AIV) in wild birds has been of increasing interest over the last decade due to the emergence of AIVs that cause significant disease and mortality in both poultry and humans. While research clearly demonstrates that AIVs can move across the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, there has been no data to support the mechanism of how this occurs. In spring and autumn of 2010 and...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson, S. Ip, Jón E. Jónsson, Srinand Sreevatsan, Sean W. Nashold, Joshua L. TeSlaa, Shinichiro Enomoto, Rebecca A. Halpin, Xudong Lin, Nadia Federova, Timothy B. Stockwell, Vivien G. Dugan, David E. Wentworth, Jeffrey S. Hall
Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds
Despite the importance of migratory birds in the ecology and evolution of avian influenza virus (AIV), there is a lack of information on the patterns of AIV spread at the intra‐continental scale. We applied a variety of statistical phylogeographic techniques to a plethora of viral genome sequence data to determine the strength, pattern and determinants of gene flow in AIV sampled from...
Authors
Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam, S. Ip, E. Ghedin, David E. Wentworth, Rebecca A. Halpin, T. B. Stockwell, Robert J. Dusek, James B. Bortner, Jenny Hoskins, Bradley D. Bales, Daniel R. Yparraguirre, E. C. Holmes
The effect of swab sample choice on the detection of avian influenza in apparently healthy wild ducks The effect of swab sample choice on the detection of avian influenza in apparently healthy wild ducks
Historically, avian influenza viruses have been isolated from cloacal swab specimens, but recent data suggest that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus can be better detected from respiratory tract specimens. To better understand how swab sample type affects the detection ability of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses we collected and tested four swab types
Authors
S. Ip, Robert J. Dusek, Dennis M. Heisey
Prevalence and effects of West Nile virus on wild American kestrel (Falco sparverius) populations in Colorado Prevalence and effects of West Nile virus on wild American kestrel (Falco sparverius) populations in Colorado
To assess the potential impacts of West Nile virus (WNV) on a wild population of free-ranging raptors, we investigated the prevalence and effects of WNV on American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) breeding along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. We monitored kestrel nesting activity at 131 nest boxes from March to August 2004. Of 81 nest attempts, we obtained...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, William M. Iko, Erik K. Hofmeister
Presence of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and wetlands during summer 2010 in California: Are resident birds a potential reservoir? Presence of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and wetlands during summer 2010 in California: Are resident birds a potential reservoir?
Although wild waterfowl are the main reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIv), the environment plays a critical role for the circulation and persistence of AIv. LPAIv may persist for extended periods in cold environments, suggesting that waterfowl breeding areas in the northern hemisphere may be an important reservoir for AIv in contrast to the warmer southern...
Authors
V. Henaux, M.D. Samuel, Robert J. Dusek, J. P. Fleskes, Hon S. Ip
Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in feral horses on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in feral horses on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States
We screened 1,397 feral horses (Equus caballus) on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States, for IgM and IgG against flavivirus during 2004–2006, 2008, and 2009. Positive serum samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). One animal was positive for antibody against WNV in 2004, but all others tested in...
Authors
J. Christian Franson, Erik K. Hofmeister, Gail H. Collins, Robert J. Dusek
Experimental challenge and pathology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in dunlin (Calidris alpina), an intercontinental migrant shorebird species Experimental challenge and pathology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in dunlin (Calidris alpina), an intercontinental migrant shorebird species
Background Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are considered one of the primary reservoirs of avian influenza. Because these species are highly migratory, there is concern that infected shorebirds may be a mechanism by which highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 could be introduced into North America from Asia. Large numbers of dunlin (Calidris alpina) migrate from wintering...
Authors
Jeffrey S. Hall, J. Christian Franson, Robert E. Gill, Carol U. Meteyer, Joshua L. TeSlaa, Sean W. Nashold, Robert J. Dusek, S. Ip
Severe bill deformity of an American Kestrel wintering in California Severe bill deformity of an American Kestrel wintering in California
During a recent survey for West Nile virus in wild birds around the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Imperial County, California (Dusek et al. 2010), we captured a female American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) with a severe bill deformity (Figure 1). The kestrel was captured on 9 March 2006, at 08:45, approximately 0.25 km south of the intersection of Wiest and Lindsey roads...
Authors
William M. Iko, Robert J. Dusek
Evaluation of Nobuto filter paper strips for the detection of avian influenza virus antibody in waterfowl Evaluation of Nobuto filter paper strips for the detection of avian influenza virus antibody in waterfowl
The utility of using Nobuto paper strips for the detection of avian influenza antibodies was examined in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally infected with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Blood was collected 2 wk after infection and was preserved either as serum or whole blood absorbed onto Nobuto strips. Analysis of samples using a commercially available blocking enzyme...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, Jeffrey S. Hall, Sean W. Nashold, Joshua L. Teslaa, Hon S. Ip
Occurrence of West Nile virus infection in raptors at the Salton Sea, California Occurrence of West Nile virus infection in raptors at the Salton Sea, California
We investigated the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV)-neutralizing antibodies and infectious virus, and the occurrence of overwinter transmission in two raptor species during January and March 2006 at the Salton Sea, Imperial County, California. We captured 208 American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) (January, n=100; March, n=108) and 116 Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) (January, n=52...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, William M. Iko, Erik K. Hofmeister
Experimental infection of Hawai'i 'Amakihi (hemignathus virens) with West Nile virus and competence of a co-occurring vector, culex quinquefasciatus: potential impacts on endemic Hawaiian avifauna. Experimental infection of Hawai'i 'Amakihi (hemignathus virens) with West Nile virus and competence of a co-occurring vector, culex quinquefasciatus: potential impacts on endemic Hawaiian avifauna.
Introduced mosquito-borne avian disease is a major limiting factor in the recovery and restoration of native Hawaiian forest birds. Annual epizootics of avian pox (Avipoxvirus) and avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) likely led to the extinction of some species and continue to impact populations of susceptible Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae). The introduction of a novel pathogen...
Authors
Dennis Lapointe, Erik K. Hofmeister, C. T. Atkinson, R.E. Porter, Robert J. Dusek
Non-USGS Publications**
Dusek, R.J., M.G. Spalding, D.J. Forrester, N. Komar, and J.F. Day. 2005. Morbidity and mortality factors in pre-fledged Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) chicks. Proceedings North American Crane Workshop 9: 7-13.
Dusek, R.J., M.G. Spalding, D.J. Forrester, and E.C. Greiner. 2004. Haemoproteus balearicae and other blood parasites of free-ranging sandhill crane chicks. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40: 682-687.
https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.4.682
https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.4.682
Dusek, R.J. and D.J. Forrester. 2002. Blood parasites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and fish crows (C. ossifragus) in Florida, U.S.A. Comparative Parasitology 69: 92-96.
https://doi.org/10.1654/1525-2647(2002)069[0092:BPOACC]2.0.CO;2
https://doi.org/10.1654/1525-2647(2002)069[0092:BPOACC]2.0.CO;2
Frederick, P.C., M.G. Spalding, and R. Dusek. 2002. Wading birds as bioindicators of mercury contamination in Florida, USA: annual and geographic variation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21: 163-167.
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620210123
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620210123
Spalding, M.G., S.A. Nesbitt, S.T. Schwikert and R.J. Dusek. 2001. The use of radio transmitters to monitor survival of sandhill crane chicks. Proceedings of the Eighth North American Crane Workshop 8: 213-215.
**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
Filter Total Items: 72
Corticosterone metabolite concentrations in greater sage-grouse are positively associated with the presence of cattle grazing Corticosterone metabolite concentrations in greater sage-grouse are positively associated with the presence of cattle grazing
The sagebrush biome in the western United States is home to the imperiled greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and encompasses rangelands used for cattle production. Cattle grazing activities have been implicated in the range-wide decline of the sage-grouse, but no studies have investigated the relationship between the physiological condition of sage-grouse and the presence of...
Authors
M.D. Jankowski, Robin E. Russell, J. Christian Franson, Robert J. Dusek, M.K. Hines, M. Gregg, Erik K. Hofmeister
North Atlantic migratory bird flyways provide routes for intercontinental movement of avian influenza viruses North Atlantic migratory bird flyways provide routes for intercontinental movement of avian influenza viruses
Avian influenza virus (AIV) in wild birds has been of increasing interest over the last decade due to the emergence of AIVs that cause significant disease and mortality in both poultry and humans. While research clearly demonstrates that AIVs can move across the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, there has been no data to support the mechanism of how this occurs. In spring and autumn of 2010 and...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson, S. Ip, Jón E. Jónsson, Srinand Sreevatsan, Sean W. Nashold, Joshua L. TeSlaa, Shinichiro Enomoto, Rebecca A. Halpin, Xudong Lin, Nadia Federova, Timothy B. Stockwell, Vivien G. Dugan, David E. Wentworth, Jeffrey S. Hall
Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds
Despite the importance of migratory birds in the ecology and evolution of avian influenza virus (AIV), there is a lack of information on the patterns of AIV spread at the intra‐continental scale. We applied a variety of statistical phylogeographic techniques to a plethora of viral genome sequence data to determine the strength, pattern and determinants of gene flow in AIV sampled from...
Authors
Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam, S. Ip, E. Ghedin, David E. Wentworth, Rebecca A. Halpin, T. B. Stockwell, Robert J. Dusek, James B. Bortner, Jenny Hoskins, Bradley D. Bales, Daniel R. Yparraguirre, E. C. Holmes
The effect of swab sample choice on the detection of avian influenza in apparently healthy wild ducks The effect of swab sample choice on the detection of avian influenza in apparently healthy wild ducks
Historically, avian influenza viruses have been isolated from cloacal swab specimens, but recent data suggest that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus can be better detected from respiratory tract specimens. To better understand how swab sample type affects the detection ability of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses we collected and tested four swab types
Authors
S. Ip, Robert J. Dusek, Dennis M. Heisey
Prevalence and effects of West Nile virus on wild American kestrel (Falco sparverius) populations in Colorado Prevalence and effects of West Nile virus on wild American kestrel (Falco sparverius) populations in Colorado
To assess the potential impacts of West Nile virus (WNV) on a wild population of free-ranging raptors, we investigated the prevalence and effects of WNV on American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) breeding along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. We monitored kestrel nesting activity at 131 nest boxes from March to August 2004. Of 81 nest attempts, we obtained...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, William M. Iko, Erik K. Hofmeister
Presence of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and wetlands during summer 2010 in California: Are resident birds a potential reservoir? Presence of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and wetlands during summer 2010 in California: Are resident birds a potential reservoir?
Although wild waterfowl are the main reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIv), the environment plays a critical role for the circulation and persistence of AIv. LPAIv may persist for extended periods in cold environments, suggesting that waterfowl breeding areas in the northern hemisphere may be an important reservoir for AIv in contrast to the warmer southern...
Authors
V. Henaux, M.D. Samuel, Robert J. Dusek, J. P. Fleskes, Hon S. Ip
Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in feral horses on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in feral horses on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States
We screened 1,397 feral horses (Equus caballus) on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States, for IgM and IgG against flavivirus during 2004–2006, 2008, and 2009. Positive serum samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). One animal was positive for antibody against WNV in 2004, but all others tested in...
Authors
J. Christian Franson, Erik K. Hofmeister, Gail H. Collins, Robert J. Dusek
Experimental challenge and pathology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in dunlin (Calidris alpina), an intercontinental migrant shorebird species Experimental challenge and pathology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in dunlin (Calidris alpina), an intercontinental migrant shorebird species
Background Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are considered one of the primary reservoirs of avian influenza. Because these species are highly migratory, there is concern that infected shorebirds may be a mechanism by which highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 could be introduced into North America from Asia. Large numbers of dunlin (Calidris alpina) migrate from wintering...
Authors
Jeffrey S. Hall, J. Christian Franson, Robert E. Gill, Carol U. Meteyer, Joshua L. TeSlaa, Sean W. Nashold, Robert J. Dusek, S. Ip
Severe bill deformity of an American Kestrel wintering in California Severe bill deformity of an American Kestrel wintering in California
During a recent survey for West Nile virus in wild birds around the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Imperial County, California (Dusek et al. 2010), we captured a female American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) with a severe bill deformity (Figure 1). The kestrel was captured on 9 March 2006, at 08:45, approximately 0.25 km south of the intersection of Wiest and Lindsey roads...
Authors
William M. Iko, Robert J. Dusek
Evaluation of Nobuto filter paper strips for the detection of avian influenza virus antibody in waterfowl Evaluation of Nobuto filter paper strips for the detection of avian influenza virus antibody in waterfowl
The utility of using Nobuto paper strips for the detection of avian influenza antibodies was examined in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally infected with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Blood was collected 2 wk after infection and was preserved either as serum or whole blood absorbed onto Nobuto strips. Analysis of samples using a commercially available blocking enzyme...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, Jeffrey S. Hall, Sean W. Nashold, Joshua L. Teslaa, Hon S. Ip
Occurrence of West Nile virus infection in raptors at the Salton Sea, California Occurrence of West Nile virus infection in raptors at the Salton Sea, California
We investigated the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV)-neutralizing antibodies and infectious virus, and the occurrence of overwinter transmission in two raptor species during January and March 2006 at the Salton Sea, Imperial County, California. We captured 208 American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) (January, n=100; March, n=108) and 116 Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) (January, n=52...
Authors
Robert J. Dusek, William M. Iko, Erik K. Hofmeister
Experimental infection of Hawai'i 'Amakihi (hemignathus virens) with West Nile virus and competence of a co-occurring vector, culex quinquefasciatus: potential impacts on endemic Hawaiian avifauna. Experimental infection of Hawai'i 'Amakihi (hemignathus virens) with West Nile virus and competence of a co-occurring vector, culex quinquefasciatus: potential impacts on endemic Hawaiian avifauna.
Introduced mosquito-borne avian disease is a major limiting factor in the recovery and restoration of native Hawaiian forest birds. Annual epizootics of avian pox (Avipoxvirus) and avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) likely led to the extinction of some species and continue to impact populations of susceptible Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae). The introduction of a novel pathogen...
Authors
Dennis Lapointe, Erik K. Hofmeister, C. T. Atkinson, R.E. Porter, Robert J. Dusek
Non-USGS Publications**
Dusek, R.J., M.G. Spalding, D.J. Forrester, N. Komar, and J.F. Day. 2005. Morbidity and mortality factors in pre-fledged Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) chicks. Proceedings North American Crane Workshop 9: 7-13.
Dusek, R.J., M.G. Spalding, D.J. Forrester, and E.C. Greiner. 2004. Haemoproteus balearicae and other blood parasites of free-ranging sandhill crane chicks. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40: 682-687.
https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.4.682
https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-40.4.682
Dusek, R.J. and D.J. Forrester. 2002. Blood parasites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and fish crows (C. ossifragus) in Florida, U.S.A. Comparative Parasitology 69: 92-96.
https://doi.org/10.1654/1525-2647(2002)069[0092:BPOACC]2.0.CO;2
https://doi.org/10.1654/1525-2647(2002)069[0092:BPOACC]2.0.CO;2
Frederick, P.C., M.G. Spalding, and R. Dusek. 2002. Wading birds as bioindicators of mercury contamination in Florida, USA: annual and geographic variation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21: 163-167.
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620210123
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620210123
Spalding, M.G., S.A. Nesbitt, S.T. Schwikert and R.J. Dusek. 2001. The use of radio transmitters to monitor survival of sandhill crane chicks. Proceedings of the Eighth North American Crane Workshop 8: 213-215.
**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.