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Valerie Shearn-Bochsler

Valerie Shearn-Bochsler is a Wildlife Pathologist at the National Wildlife Health Center.

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Red-winged blackbird necropsy

Necropsy & Pathology Necropsy & Pathology

The Necropsy and Pathology services are performed by board-certified veterinary pathologists and necropsy technical staff whose principal role is to determine the cause of death for animals submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
Necropsy & Pathology

Necropsy & Pathology

The Necropsy and Pathology services are performed by board-certified veterinary pathologists and necropsy technical staff whose principal role is to determine the cause of death for animals submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
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Functional changes in cecal microbiome of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally exposed to sublethal doses of Microcystin-LR Functional changes in cecal microbiome of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally exposed to sublethal doses of Microcystin-LR

The frequency of cyanobacterial blooms appears to have increased globally in recent decades due to human induced eutrophication and climate change. Cyanobacterial blooms can produce several groups of toxins, among which microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most abundant. Effects of MC-LR on avian microbiome have not been studied and studies in laboratory murines are limited to...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Data release for mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA, 2020-2024 Data release for mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA, 2020-2024

The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well-documented due to the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present and the ability to monitor bat hibernacula in that region. However, the disease outcomes for bat species in western North America are less known because of the more recent...
By
National Wildlife Health Center

Epidemiologic and diagnostic data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in 2022 Epidemiologic and diagnostic data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in 2022

This dataset includes epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology, and virology data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) submitted to the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center for cause-of-death determination and confirmed positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The...
By
National Wildlife Health Center

Dataset: Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Dataset: Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

This data set is composed of data collected from an experimental study inoculating mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) with Saxitoxin and associated control ducks. Data includes the specific of inoculation, observational behavioral data, daily weights, dosing, results of inoculation, testing of samples collected throughout the study, and necropsy results.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Data from pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs Data from pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a notifiable foreign animal disease in the USA, was reported for the first time in wild native North American rabbits and hares in April 2020 in the southwestern USA. Affected species included the Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), Mountain Cottontail (S. nutallii), Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and Antelope Jackrabbit (L. alleni)...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Occurrence of Chlamydia sp in apparently healthy birds associated with a mortality event caused by chlamydiosis: Data Occurrence of Chlamydia sp in apparently healthy birds associated with a mortality event caused by chlamydiosis: Data

hese data sets are is a compilation of bird and environmental samples obtained from 6 sites in Maricopa County, Arizona on the dates shown. Sites were only visited and sampled if they had Rosy-cheeked lovebirds coming to bird feeders at the location and with the permission of the property owner. Two swab samples were obtained from each captured bird and 3 swab samples were collected from...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

West Nile virus susceptibility of American singer canaries: Data West Nile virus susceptibility of American singer canaries: Data

hree datasets are included: 1) survival of domesticated canaries and American crows following sub-cutaneous challenges ranging from 101 – 105 plaque forming units of West Nile virus. 2) Arbitrary units of WNV detected by RT-PCR or plaque forming units of WNV cultured in vero cells in 4 separate studies. Culture results are indicated for each day post WNV challenge. 3) Weight (mass)...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Dataset: Mortality trends in the Washington population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) during 2002—2015 Dataset: Mortality trends in the Washington population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) during 2002—2015

These data document cause of death determination for stranded otters salvaged from the coast of Washington state and northern Oregon for post-mortem analysis.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Susceptibility and antibody response of the laboratory model zebra finch Susceptibility and antibody response of the laboratory model zebra finch

The data set contains the results of experimental challenge of captive zebra finches with an American crow isolate of West Nile virus. Data include infectivity, mortality, viremia, oral shedding of virus, and serology for anti- WNV antibodies. Australian and Timor zebra finches were used in this study and both are useful as a laboratory model of an avian species with moderate...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is green-gray mucoid discharge around the eyes and the nasal planum is crusty (arrows).

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is green-gray mucoid discharge around the eyes and the nasal planum is crusty (arrows).

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) Most of the neoplasm consists of loosely arranged, highly vacuolated stellate cells within a variably fine fibrovascular stroma. (B) An area of necrosis (asterisk) surrounded by pseudopalisading neoplastic cells (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) Most of the neoplasm consists of loosely arranged, highly vacuolated stellate cells within a variably fine fibrovascular stroma. (B) An area of necrosis (asterisk) surrounded by pseudopalisading neoplastic cells (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.
Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York
Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) An area of light gray discoloration is present on the surface of the left cranio-dorsal cerebrum (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) An area of light gray discoloration is present on the surface of the left cranio-dorsal cerebrum (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.
Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas
Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Multiple 8-20 micron, extracellular, round yeasts, some exhibiting broad-based budding, are present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas (arrow) (markedly autolyzed tissue). Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Multiple 8-20 micron, extracellular, round yeasts, some exhibiting broad-based budding, are present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas (arrow) (markedly autolyzed tissue). Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.
Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone
Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. There are multiple areas of lysis of bone in the atlas (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. There are multiple areas of lysis of bone in the atlas (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.
Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach
Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Ulceration of the mucosa of the distal esophagus (arrows). A plastic bag was extracted from where it was tightly lodged in the cardia of the stomach.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Ulceration of the mucosa of the distal esophagus (arrows). A plastic bag was extracted from where it was tightly lodged in the cardia of the stomach.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.
Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA
Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. A focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. A focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA. (A) Caseous material is present on the surface of the pharynx (arrows). (B) Multiple small tan foci are present in the liver, which is pale and moderately enlarged. (C) A focus of acute lytic necrosis in the liver (arrows). H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA. (A) Caseous material is present on the surface of the pharynx (arrows). (B) Multiple small tan foci are present in the liver, which is pale and moderately enlarged. (C) A focus of acute lytic necrosis in the liver (arrows). H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in a prairie in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is abrupt segmental reddening of the serosa of the distal jejunum and proximal ileum (arrows). (B) The mucosa of an affected area of the distal jejunum is reddened and bloody (C).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in a prairie in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is abrupt segmental reddening of the serosa of the distal jejunum and proximal ileum (arrows). (B) The mucosa of an affected area of the distal jejunum is reddened and bloody (C).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole
Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) Over 90% of the organ is infiltrated, effaced and replaced by protozoal spores (Perkinsea) admixed with necrotic debris. (B) Perkinsea spores are 4 to 6-µm in diameter spherical structures with thick, deep basophilic walls, and granular pale basophilic cytoplasm. H&E stain.

 

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) Over 90% of the organ is infiltrated, effaced and replaced by protozoal spores (Perkinsea) admixed with necrotic debris. (B) Perkinsea spores are 4 to 6-µm in diameter spherical structures with thick, deep basophilic walls, and granular pale basophilic cytoplasm. H&E stain.

 

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.
Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Gosner stage 41 Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) There are no apparent external abnormalities. (B)The liver and spleen are markedly pale and enlarged.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Gosner stage 41 Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) There are no apparent external abnormalities. (B)The liver and spleen are markedly pale and enlarged.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from Oregon, U.S.A. (A) The deceased sea otter on a beach in Oregon, U.S.A.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from Oregon, U.S.A. (A) The deceased sea otter on a beach in Oregon, U.S.A.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.
Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas
Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon (Procyon lotor) found sick and euthanized in Texas, US.  (A) A cluster of schistosome ova are present in the pancreas. Ova are thin-shelled and are not operculated. Each viable egg contains a miracidium (arrows). The ova are surrounded by infiltrates of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon (Procyon lotor) found sick and euthanized in Texas, US.  (A) A cluster of schistosome ova are present in the pancreas. Ova are thin-shelled and are not operculated. Each viable egg contains a miracidium (arrows). The ova are surrounded by infiltrates of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.
Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina
Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina, USA. (A) Adult heartworms (Dirolfilaria immitis) in the right ventricle and atria of the heart and extending into the pulmonary artery. (B) Hard, haired nodule on the medial surface of the distal radius of the right leg.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina, USA. (A) Adult heartworms (Dirolfilaria immitis) in the right ventricle and atria of the heart and extending into the pulmonary artery. (B) Hard, haired nodule on the medial surface of the distal radius of the right leg.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) Multiple pale foci of acute hepatic necrosis. (B) Multiple foci of acute pancreatic necrosis (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) Multiple pale foci of acute hepatic necrosis. (B) Multiple foci of acute pancreatic necrosis (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.
Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) There are scattered, small, pale foci in the liver. (B) Petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages are present in the pancreas.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) There are scattered, small, pale foci in the liver. (B) Petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages are present in the pancreas.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Filter Total Items: 39

A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard

Introduction: The frequency of cyanobacterial blooms seems to have increased globally in recent decades due to human induced eutrophication and climate change. Cyanobacterial blooms can produce several groups of toxins, among which microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most abundant. Effects of MC-LR on avian microbiome have not been studied and studies in laboratory murines have been...
Authors
Serguei Drovetski, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Erik Hofmeister, Natalie Karouna-Reiner, Robert Dusek
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA Mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA

The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well documented because of the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present and the ability to monitor bat hibernacula in that region. However, the disease outcomes for bat species in western North America are less known because of the more...
Authors
Jeffrey M. Lorch, A. Tobin, Alexandria Annelise Argue, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Brenda Berlowski-Zier, Kyle George, Katherine Haman, Anne Ballmann
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

An enigmatic wild passerine mortality event in the eastern United States An enigmatic wild passerine mortality event in the eastern United States

The ability to rapidly respond to wildlife health events is essential. However, such events are often unpredictable, especially with anthropogenic disturbances and climate-related environmental changes driving unforeseen threats. Many events also are short-lived and go undocumented, making it difficult to draw on lessons learned from past investigations. We report on the response to a...
Authors
Sabrina S. Greening, Julie Ellis, Nicole L. Lewis, David B. Needle, Cristina M. Tato, Susan Knowles, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Jaimie Miller, Daniel Grear, Jeffrey M. Lorch, David Blehert, Caitlin Burrell, Lisa A. Murphy, Erica A. Miller, C. Brandon Ogbunugafor, Andrea Ayala, W. Kelley Thomas, Megan Kirchgessner, Christine Casey, Ethan Barton, Michael Yabsley, Eman Anis, Roderick B. Gagne, Patrice Klein, Cindy Driscoll, Chelsea Sykes, Robert Poppenga, Nicole M. Nemeth
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

West Nile virus (avian) case definition for wildlife West Nile virus (avian) case definition for wildlife

Diagnostic laboratories receive carcasses and samples for diagnostic evaluation and pathogen/toxin detection. Case definitions bring clarity and consistency to the evaluation process. Their use within and between organizations allows more uniform reporting of diseases and etiologic agents. The intent of a case definition is to provide scientifically based criteria for determining (a) if...
Authors
Stephane Lair, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Marnie Zimmer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b infections in wild terrestrial mammals, United States, 2022 Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b infections in wild terrestrial mammals, United States, 2022

We describe the pathology of natural infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus of Eurasian lineage Goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b in 67 wild terrestrial mammals throughout the United States during April 1‒July 21, 2022. Affected mammals include 50 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 6 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), 4 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 2 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 2...
Authors
E. Elsmo, A. Wunschmann, Kimberlee Beckmen, L. Broughton-Neiswanger, E. Buckles, J. Ellis, S. Fitzgerald, Robert Gerlach, S. Hawkins, Hon S. Ip, Julia Lankton, E. M. Lemley, J. Lenoch, M. L. Killian, K. Lantz, L. Long, R. Maes, M. Mainenti, J. Melotti, M. Moriarty, S. Nakagun, R. Ruden, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, D.A. Thompson, M. K. Torchetti, A. J. Van Wettere, A. Wise, A. Lim
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Since 2014, widespread, annual mortality events involving multiple species of seabirds have occurred in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea. Among these die-offs, emaciation was a common finding with starvation often identified as the cause of death. However, saxitoxin (STX) was detected in many carcasses, indicating exposure of these seabirds to STX in the marine environment...
Authors
Robert Dusek, Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Sherwood Hall, Clark Ridge, Ransome Hardison, Robert Kaler, Barbara Bodenstein, Erik Hofmeister, Jeffrey Hall
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, National Wildlife Health Center

Pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs Pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a notifiable foreign animal disease in the US, was reported for the first time in wild native North American lagomorphs in April 2020 in the southwestern US. Affected species included the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), mountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni)...
Authors
Julia Lankton, Susan Knowles, Saskia Keller, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Hon S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Quarterly wildlife mortality report January 2021 Quarterly wildlife mortality report January 2021

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) Quarterly Mortality Report provides brief summaries of epizootic mortality and morbidity events by quarter. The write-ups, highlighting epizootic events and other wildlife disease topics of interest, are published in the Wildlife Disease Association quarterly newsletter. A link is provided in this WDA newsletter to the Wildlife Health...
Authors
Bryan Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Daniel Grear, Hon S. Ip, Anne Ballmann, Julia Lankton, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Investigation of the 2018 thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) die-off on St. Lawrence Island rules out food shortage as the cause Investigation of the 2018 thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) die-off on St. Lawrence Island rules out food shortage as the cause

Die-offs of seabirds in Alaska have occurred with increased frequency since 2015. In 2018, on St. Lawrence Island, seabirds were reported washing up dead on beaches starting in late May, peaking in June, and continuing until early August. The cause of death was documented to be starvation, leading to the conclusion that a severe food shortage was to blame. We use physiology and colony...
Authors
Alexis Will, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, S. Ip, Panguk Shoogukwruk, Morgan Annogiyuk, Akinori Takahashi, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Mary-Lea Killian, Mia Torchetti, Alexander Kitaysky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Lethal infection of wild raptors with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N2 viruses in the USA, 2014–15 Lethal infection of wild raptors with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N2 viruses in the USA, 2014–15

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) led to heavy losses of poultry in commercial farms in North America in 2014–15. Enhanced surveillance by virologists and pathologists at the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center and its partners resulted in the identification of lethal infections with clade 2.3.4.4 subgroup icA2 H5N8 and novel reassortant H5N2...
Authors
Susan Knowles, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

High costs of infection: Alphavirus infection reduces digestive function and bone and feather growth in nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus) High costs of infection: Alphavirus infection reduces digestive function and bone and feather growth in nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Increasingly, ecoimmunology studies aim to use relevant pathogen exposure to examine the impacts of infection on physiological processes in wild animals. Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses (“arboviruses”) responsible for millions of cases of human illnesses each year. Buggy Creek virus (BCRV) is a unique alphavirus that is transmitted by a cimicid...
Authors
Carol Fassbinder-Orth, Tess Killpack, Dylan Goto, Ellecia Rainwater, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Chlamydia psittaci in feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) and other backyard birds in Maricopa County, Arizona Chlamydia psittaci in feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) and other backyard birds in Maricopa County, Arizona

In 2013, a mortality event of nonnative, feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) in residential backyards in Maricopa County, Arizona, US was attributed to infection with Chlamydia psittaci. In June 2014, additional mortality occurred in the same region. Accordingly, in August 2014 we sampled live lovebirds and sympatric bird species visiting backyard bird feeders to determine...
Authors
Robert Dusek, Anne Justice-Allen, Barbara Bodenstein, Susan Knowles, Daniel Grear, Laura Adams, Craig Levy, Haley Yaglom, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Paula Ciembor, Christopher Gregory, Denise Pesti, Branson Ritchie
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Filter Total Items: 15
Vacuolar Myelinopathy in an American Coot

Vacuolar Myelinopathy in an American Coot

History: An American Coot (Fulica americana) was observed with neurologic signs in North Carolina, USA. The coot was euthanized and submitted to the U...

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Avian Paramyxovirus-1 Infection (Newcastle Disease) in a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum).

Avian Paramyxovirus-1 Infection (Newcastle Disease) in a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum).

History: : A male fledgling 1.60 kg double-crested cormorant (DCCO) was observed ill in Minnesota, USA. The bird was lethargic, had a drooping head...

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Case of the Month - Frostbite in a Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) from Montana, USA

Case of the Month - Frostbite in a Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) from Montana, USA

History: An adult male 126-g Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) was found dead in June in Montana, USA.  Cause of death was trichomoniasis...

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Case of the Month - Fatal intestinal nematodiasis in a Red-tailed Hawk

Case of the Month - Fatal intestinal nematodiasis in a Red-tailed Hawk

History: An adult female 0.86 kg red-tailed hawk was observed weak and emaciated in Alaska, USA and died a short time after being taken in for...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Sea Otter

Pathology Case of the Month - Sea Otter

History: A subadult female 11.8 kg sea otter (Enhydra lutris) was found dead on a beach in Washington State, USA.  

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: An adult female 3.39 kg Common Raccoon was found dead at a private residence in Wisconsin, USA. The raccoon was collected for evaluation...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Mexican Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Mexican Wolf

Case History: An eight-year-old male captive Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) with clinical signs referrable to the central nervous system was...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Timber Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Timber Wolf

Case History: An adult male 19.6 kg Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) was found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA.

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Pathology Case of the Month - Great-horned Owl

Pathology Case of the Month - Great-horned Owl

Case History: An adult female, 1.165 kg, Great-horned Owl was found dead near a golf course in Arizona, USA.  

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: A juvenile male 7.05 kg Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found dead on a prairie in Wisconsin, USA, in October 2006. Several other...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: An adult female 4315-g raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found sick in Texas, US, and was euthanized. 

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Pathology Case of the Month - Red Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Red Wolf

Case History: An adult female 21.6-kg red wolf (Canis rufus) was found dead along the side of a road in North Carolina in November 2012.

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Science and Products

Red-winged blackbird necropsy

Necropsy & Pathology Necropsy & Pathology

The Necropsy and Pathology services are performed by board-certified veterinary pathologists and necropsy technical staff whose principal role is to determine the cause of death for animals submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
Necropsy & Pathology

Necropsy & Pathology

The Necropsy and Pathology services are performed by board-certified veterinary pathologists and necropsy technical staff whose principal role is to determine the cause of death for animals submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
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Functional changes in cecal microbiome of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally exposed to sublethal doses of Microcystin-LR Functional changes in cecal microbiome of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally exposed to sublethal doses of Microcystin-LR

The frequency of cyanobacterial blooms appears to have increased globally in recent decades due to human induced eutrophication and climate change. Cyanobacterial blooms can produce several groups of toxins, among which microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most abundant. Effects of MC-LR on avian microbiome have not been studied and studies in laboratory murines are limited to...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Data release for mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA, 2020-2024 Data release for mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA, 2020-2024

The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well-documented due to the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present and the ability to monitor bat hibernacula in that region. However, the disease outcomes for bat species in western North America are less known because of the more recent...
By
National Wildlife Health Center

Epidemiologic and diagnostic data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in 2022 Epidemiologic and diagnostic data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in 2022

This dataset includes epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology, and virology data from two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one fisher (Pekania pennanti) submitted to the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center for cause-of-death determination and confirmed positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The...
By
National Wildlife Health Center

Dataset: Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Dataset: Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

This data set is composed of data collected from an experimental study inoculating mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) with Saxitoxin and associated control ducks. Data includes the specific of inoculation, observational behavioral data, daily weights, dosing, results of inoculation, testing of samples collected throughout the study, and necropsy results.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Data from pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs Data from pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a notifiable foreign animal disease in the USA, was reported for the first time in wild native North American rabbits and hares in April 2020 in the southwestern USA. Affected species included the Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), Mountain Cottontail (S. nutallii), Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and Antelope Jackrabbit (L. alleni)...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Occurrence of Chlamydia sp in apparently healthy birds associated with a mortality event caused by chlamydiosis: Data Occurrence of Chlamydia sp in apparently healthy birds associated with a mortality event caused by chlamydiosis: Data

hese data sets are is a compilation of bird and environmental samples obtained from 6 sites in Maricopa County, Arizona on the dates shown. Sites were only visited and sampled if they had Rosy-cheeked lovebirds coming to bird feeders at the location and with the permission of the property owner. Two swab samples were obtained from each captured bird and 3 swab samples were collected from...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

West Nile virus susceptibility of American singer canaries: Data West Nile virus susceptibility of American singer canaries: Data

hree datasets are included: 1) survival of domesticated canaries and American crows following sub-cutaneous challenges ranging from 101 – 105 plaque forming units of West Nile virus. 2) Arbitrary units of WNV detected by RT-PCR or plaque forming units of WNV cultured in vero cells in 4 separate studies. Culture results are indicated for each day post WNV challenge. 3) Weight (mass)...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Dataset: Mortality trends in the Washington population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) during 2002—2015 Dataset: Mortality trends in the Washington population of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) during 2002—2015

These data document cause of death determination for stranded otters salvaged from the coast of Washington state and northern Oregon for post-mortem analysis.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Susceptibility and antibody response of the laboratory model zebra finch Susceptibility and antibody response of the laboratory model zebra finch

The data set contains the results of experimental challenge of captive zebra finches with an American crow isolate of West Nile virus. Data include infectivity, mortality, viremia, oral shedding of virus, and serology for anti- WNV antibodies. Australian and Timor zebra finches were used in this study and both are useful as a laboratory model of an avian species with moderate...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

Photomicrographs from a sea otter (Enhydra lutris) found dead in Washington State, USA.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is green-gray mucoid discharge around the eyes and the nasal planum is crusty (arrows).

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Photos showing discard on raccoon eye, crusty nasal planum, and lesions in airway.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is green-gray mucoid discharge around the eyes and the nasal planum is crusty (arrows).

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) Most of the neoplasm consists of loosely arranged, highly vacuolated stellate cells within a variably fine fibrovascular stroma. (B) An area of necrosis (asterisk) surrounded by pseudopalisading neoplastic cells (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf euthanized due to neurologic illness.

Photomicrographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) Most of the neoplasm consists of loosely arranged, highly vacuolated stellate cells within a variably fine fibrovascular stroma. (B) An area of necrosis (asterisk) surrounded by pseudopalisading neoplastic cells (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.
Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York
Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) An area of light gray discoloration is present on the surface of the left cranio-dorsal cerebrum (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of Mexican wolf brain showing lesions.

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York

Photographs from a Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) euthanized due to neurologic illness in New York, USA. (A) An area of light gray discoloration is present on the surface of the left cranio-dorsal cerebrum (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.
Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas
Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Multiple 8-20 micron, extracellular, round yeasts, some exhibiting broad-based budding, are present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas (arrow) (markedly autolyzed tissue). Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Round yeasts present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas of timber wolf.

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA showing round yeasts in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Multiple 8-20 micron, extracellular, round yeasts, some exhibiting broad-based budding, are present in necrotic debris within an area of osteomyelitis in the atlas (arrow) (markedly autolyzed tissue). Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.
Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone
Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. There are multiple areas of lysis of bone in the atlas (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Arrows pointing to multiple areas of lysis of bone of atlas of timber wolf.

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Atlas bone from Timber Wolf found dead in Wisconsin, USA showing multiple areas of lysis of bone

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. There are multiple areas of lysis of bone in the atlas (arrows).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.
Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach
Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Ulceration of the mucosa of the distal esophagus (arrows). A plastic bag was extracted from where it was tightly lodged in the cardia of the stomach.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Image shows a plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach of a timber wolf. Carcass has a tag with specimen info.

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf showing plastic bag lodged in the cardia of the stomach

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. Ulceration of the mucosa of the distal esophagus (arrows). A plastic bag was extracted from where it was tightly lodged in the cardia of the stomach.

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.
Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA
Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. A focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
An arrow points to a focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius.

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Image from a Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA. A focus of bony proliferation is seen on a radiograph of the left proximal radius (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA. (A) Caseous material is present on the surface of the pharynx (arrows). (B) Multiple small tan foci are present in the liver, which is pale and moderately enlarged. (C) A focus of acute lytic necrosis in the liver (arrows). H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs showing gross and microscopic lesion on pharynx and liver of great-horned owl.

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) found dead in Arizona, USA. (A) Caseous material is present on the surface of the pharynx (arrows). (B) Multiple small tan foci are present in the liver, which is pale and moderately enlarged. (C) A focus of acute lytic necrosis in the liver (arrows). H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in a prairie in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is abrupt segmental reddening of the serosa of the distal jejunum and proximal ileum (arrows). (B) The mucosa of an affected area of the distal jejunum is reddened and bloody (C).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon showing lesions from parvovirus

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon found dead in Wisconsin

Photographs and photomicrographs from a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) found dead in a prairie in Wisconsin, USA. (A) There is abrupt segmental reddening of the serosa of the distal jejunum and proximal ileum (arrows). (B) The mucosa of an affected area of the distal jejunum is reddened and bloody (C).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole
Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) Over 90% of the organ is infiltrated, effaced and replaced by protozoal spores (Perkinsea) admixed with necrotic debris. (B) Perkinsea spores are 4 to 6-µm in diameter spherical structures with thick, deep basophilic walls, and granular pale basophilic cytoplasm. H&E stain.

 

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs of liver from a Green Frog tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Liver from a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) Over 90% of the organ is infiltrated, effaced and replaced by protozoal spores (Perkinsea) admixed with necrotic debris. (B) Perkinsea spores are 4 to 6-µm in diameter spherical structures with thick, deep basophilic walls, and granular pale basophilic cytoplasm. H&E stain.

 

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.
Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Gosner stage 41 Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) There are no apparent external abnormalities. (B)The liver and spleen are markedly pale and enlarged.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Left side show underside of tadepole and right side shows liver and spleen of tadpole.

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Photographs from external examination of a green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole

Gosner stage 41 Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpole. (A) There are no apparent external abnormalities. (B)The liver and spleen are markedly pale and enlarged.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from Oregon, U.S.A. (A) The deceased sea otter on a beach in Oregon, U.S.A.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter with a shark bite.

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a deceased Northern sea otter

Photographs and a radiograph from a Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from Oregon, U.S.A. (A) The deceased sea otter on a beach in Oregon, U.S.A.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.
Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas
Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon (Procyon lotor) found sick and euthanized in Texas, US.  (A) A cluster of schistosome ova are present in the pancreas. Ova are thin-shelled and are not operculated. Each viable egg contains a miracidium (arrows). The ova are surrounded by infiltrates of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Two photos of schistosome ova in a raccoon pancreas and blood vessel.

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon found sick and euthanized in Texas

Photomicrograph from a raccoon (Procyon lotor) found sick and euthanized in Texas, US.  (A) A cluster of schistosome ova are present in the pancreas. Ova are thin-shelled and are not operculated. Each viable egg contains a miracidium (arrows). The ova are surrounded by infiltrates of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. H&E stain.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.
Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina
Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina, USA. (A) Adult heartworms (Dirolfilaria immitis) in the right ventricle and atria of the heart and extending into the pulmonary artery. (B) Hard, haired nodule on the medial surface of the distal radius of the right leg.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Four photographs from a red wolf including heartworms in heart and abnormalities on legs.

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina

Photographs from a red wolf (Canis rufus) found dead in North Carolina, USA. (A) Adult heartworms (Dirolfilaria immitis) in the right ventricle and atria of the heart and extending into the pulmonary artery. (B) Hard, haired nodule on the medial surface of the distal radius of the right leg.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) Multiple pale foci of acute hepatic necrosis. (B) Multiple foci of acute pancreatic necrosis (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photomicrographs from a Common Eider showing necrosis.

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photomicrographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) Multiple pale foci of acute hepatic necrosis. (B) Multiple foci of acute pancreatic necrosis (arrow).

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.
Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) There are scattered, small, pale foci in the liver. (B) Petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages are present in the pancreas.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Photographs of a common eider liver and pancreas.

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Photographs from a Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) from Massachusetts, USA. (A) There are scattered, small, pale foci in the liver. (B) Petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages are present in the pancreas.

By
National Wildlife Health Center
Filter Total Items: 39

A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard

Introduction: The frequency of cyanobacterial blooms seems to have increased globally in recent decades due to human induced eutrophication and climate change. Cyanobacterial blooms can produce several groups of toxins, among which microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most abundant. Effects of MC-LR on avian microbiome have not been studied and studies in laboratory murines have been...
Authors
Serguei Drovetski, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Erik Hofmeister, Natalie Karouna-Reiner, Robert Dusek
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA Mortality events in Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) due to white-nose syndrome in Washington, USA

The impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS) on many bat species in eastern North America have been well documented because of the length of time that the causative agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been present and the ability to monitor bat hibernacula in that region. However, the disease outcomes for bat species in western North America are less known because of the more...
Authors
Jeffrey M. Lorch, A. Tobin, Alexandria Annelise Argue, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Brenda Berlowski-Zier, Kyle George, Katherine Haman, Anne Ballmann
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

An enigmatic wild passerine mortality event in the eastern United States An enigmatic wild passerine mortality event in the eastern United States

The ability to rapidly respond to wildlife health events is essential. However, such events are often unpredictable, especially with anthropogenic disturbances and climate-related environmental changes driving unforeseen threats. Many events also are short-lived and go undocumented, making it difficult to draw on lessons learned from past investigations. We report on the response to a...
Authors
Sabrina S. Greening, Julie Ellis, Nicole L. Lewis, David B. Needle, Cristina M. Tato, Susan Knowles, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Jaimie Miller, Daniel Grear, Jeffrey M. Lorch, David Blehert, Caitlin Burrell, Lisa A. Murphy, Erica A. Miller, C. Brandon Ogbunugafor, Andrea Ayala, W. Kelley Thomas, Megan Kirchgessner, Christine Casey, Ethan Barton, Michael Yabsley, Eman Anis, Roderick B. Gagne, Patrice Klein, Cindy Driscoll, Chelsea Sykes, Robert Poppenga, Nicole M. Nemeth
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

West Nile virus (avian) case definition for wildlife West Nile virus (avian) case definition for wildlife

Diagnostic laboratories receive carcasses and samples for diagnostic evaluation and pathogen/toxin detection. Case definitions bring clarity and consistency to the evaluation process. Their use within and between organizations allows more uniform reporting of diseases and etiologic agents. The intent of a case definition is to provide scientifically based criteria for determining (a) if...
Authors
Stephane Lair, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Marnie Zimmer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b infections in wild terrestrial mammals, United States, 2022 Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b infections in wild terrestrial mammals, United States, 2022

We describe the pathology of natural infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus of Eurasian lineage Goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b in 67 wild terrestrial mammals throughout the United States during April 1‒July 21, 2022. Affected mammals include 50 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 6 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), 4 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 2 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 2...
Authors
E. Elsmo, A. Wunschmann, Kimberlee Beckmen, L. Broughton-Neiswanger, E. Buckles, J. Ellis, S. Fitzgerald, Robert Gerlach, S. Hawkins, Hon S. Ip, Julia Lankton, E. M. Lemley, J. Lenoch, M. L. Killian, K. Lantz, L. Long, R. Maes, M. Mainenti, J. Melotti, M. Moriarty, S. Nakagun, R. Ruden, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, D.A. Thompson, M. K. Torchetti, A. J. Van Wettere, A. Wise, A. Lim
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Since 2014, widespread, annual mortality events involving multiple species of seabirds have occurred in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea. Among these die-offs, emaciation was a common finding with starvation often identified as the cause of death. However, saxitoxin (STX) was detected in many carcasses, indicating exposure of these seabirds to STX in the marine environment...
Authors
Robert Dusek, Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Sherwood Hall, Clark Ridge, Ransome Hardison, Robert Kaler, Barbara Bodenstein, Erik Hofmeister, Jeffrey Hall
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, National Wildlife Health Center

Pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs Pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) in native North American lagomorphs

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a notifiable foreign animal disease in the US, was reported for the first time in wild native North American lagomorphs in April 2020 in the southwestern US. Affected species included the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), mountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni)...
Authors
Julia Lankton, Susan Knowles, Saskia Keller, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Hon S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center

Quarterly wildlife mortality report January 2021 Quarterly wildlife mortality report January 2021

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) Quarterly Mortality Report provides brief summaries of epizootic mortality and morbidity events by quarter. The write-ups, highlighting epizootic events and other wildlife disease topics of interest, are published in the Wildlife Disease Association quarterly newsletter. A link is provided in this WDA newsletter to the Wildlife Health...
Authors
Bryan Richards, Barbara Bodenstein, Daniel Grear, Hon S. Ip, Anne Ballmann, Julia Lankton, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Investigation of the 2018 thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) die-off on St. Lawrence Island rules out food shortage as the cause Investigation of the 2018 thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) die-off on St. Lawrence Island rules out food shortage as the cause

Die-offs of seabirds in Alaska have occurred with increased frequency since 2015. In 2018, on St. Lawrence Island, seabirds were reported washing up dead on beaches starting in late May, peaking in June, and continuing until early August. The cause of death was documented to be starvation, leading to the conclusion that a severe food shortage was to blame. We use physiology and colony...
Authors
Alexis Will, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, S. Ip, Panguk Shoogukwruk, Morgan Annogiyuk, Akinori Takahashi, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Mary-Lea Killian, Mia Torchetti, Alexander Kitaysky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Lethal infection of wild raptors with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N2 viruses in the USA, 2014–15 Lethal infection of wild raptors with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N2 viruses in the USA, 2014–15

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) led to heavy losses of poultry in commercial farms in North America in 2014–15. Enhanced surveillance by virologists and pathologists at the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center and its partners resulted in the identification of lethal infections with clade 2.3.4.4 subgroup icA2 H5N8 and novel reassortant H5N2...
Authors
Susan Knowles, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

High costs of infection: Alphavirus infection reduces digestive function and bone and feather growth in nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus) High costs of infection: Alphavirus infection reduces digestive function and bone and feather growth in nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Increasingly, ecoimmunology studies aim to use relevant pathogen exposure to examine the impacts of infection on physiological processes in wild animals. Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses (“arboviruses”) responsible for millions of cases of human illnesses each year. Buggy Creek virus (BCRV) is a unique alphavirus that is transmitted by a cimicid...
Authors
Carol Fassbinder-Orth, Tess Killpack, Dylan Goto, Ellecia Rainwater, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Chlamydia psittaci in feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) and other backyard birds in Maricopa County, Arizona Chlamydia psittaci in feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) and other backyard birds in Maricopa County, Arizona

In 2013, a mortality event of nonnative, feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) in residential backyards in Maricopa County, Arizona, US was attributed to infection with Chlamydia psittaci. In June 2014, additional mortality occurred in the same region. Accordingly, in August 2014 we sampled live lovebirds and sympatric bird species visiting backyard bird feeders to determine...
Authors
Robert Dusek, Anne Justice-Allen, Barbara Bodenstein, Susan Knowles, Daniel Grear, Laura Adams, Craig Levy, Haley Yaglom, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Paula Ciembor, Christopher Gregory, Denise Pesti, Branson Ritchie
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Filter Total Items: 15
Vacuolar Myelinopathy in an American Coot

Vacuolar Myelinopathy in an American Coot

History: An American Coot (Fulica americana) was observed with neurologic signs in North Carolina, USA. The coot was euthanized and submitted to the U...

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Avian Paramyxovirus-1 Infection (Newcastle Disease) in a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum).

Avian Paramyxovirus-1 Infection (Newcastle Disease) in a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum).

History: : A male fledgling 1.60 kg double-crested cormorant (DCCO) was observed ill in Minnesota, USA. The bird was lethargic, had a drooping head...

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Case of the Month - Frostbite in a Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) from Montana, USA

Case of the Month - Frostbite in a Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) from Montana, USA

History: An adult male 126-g Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) was found dead in June in Montana, USA.  Cause of death was trichomoniasis...

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Case of the Month - Fatal intestinal nematodiasis in a Red-tailed Hawk

Case of the Month - Fatal intestinal nematodiasis in a Red-tailed Hawk

History: An adult female 0.86 kg red-tailed hawk was observed weak and emaciated in Alaska, USA and died a short time after being taken in for...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Sea Otter

Pathology Case of the Month - Sea Otter

History: A subadult female 11.8 kg sea otter (Enhydra lutris) was found dead on a beach in Washington State, USA.  

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: An adult female 3.39 kg Common Raccoon was found dead at a private residence in Wisconsin, USA. The raccoon was collected for evaluation...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Mexican Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Mexican Wolf

Case History: An eight-year-old male captive Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) with clinical signs referrable to the central nervous system was...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Timber Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Timber Wolf

Case History: An adult male 19.6 kg Timber Wolf (Canis lupus) was found dead in Northern Wisconsin, USA.

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Pathology Case of the Month - Great-horned Owl

Pathology Case of the Month - Great-horned Owl

Case History: An adult female, 1.165 kg, Great-horned Owl was found dead near a golf course in Arizona, USA.  

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: A juvenile male 7.05 kg Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found dead on a prairie in Wisconsin, USA, in October 2006. Several other...

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Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Pathology Case of the Month - Raccoon

Case History: An adult female 4315-g raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found sick in Texas, US, and was euthanized. 

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Pathology Case of the Month - Red Wolf

Pathology Case of the Month - Red Wolf

Case History: An adult female 21.6-kg red wolf (Canis rufus) was found dead along the side of a road in North Carolina in November 2012.

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