![]() The USGS Alaska Science Center has conducted genome sequencing of avian influenza viruses since 2006 to gather information on how migratory birds are involved in the movement of influenza genes between Eastern and Western Hemispheres. USGS Scienctist Rob Wilson adding prepared genetic material to a gel in the Alaska Science Center Molecular Ecology Laboratory.(Credit: Yvette Gillies, USGS. Molecular detection and characterization of these pathogens is one of the primary objectives and novel methods being developed to take advantage of new techniques in the area of molecular genetics. Study locations include: Anchorage, Colville River Delta, Minto Flats State Game Refuge, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, and Izunuma Lake, Northern Honshu, Japan. Since 2011, USGS studies have examined emerging avian diseases, links between disease and climate change, environmental persistence of avian viruses, blood parasite prevalence and transmission, and fitness consequences of specific pathogens. This project takes these findings further by examining new pathogens, demographic impacts, and new host populations. Past research on molecular characteristics of avian disease by the USGS and collaborators has documented host prevalence, transmission patterns, genetic origins, and inter-continental movement of disease agents between Alaska and East Asia. USGS Scienctist Andrew Ramey releases a Northern Pintail Duck in Japan. (Credit: John Reed, USGS. Learn more about highly pathogenic avian influenza, an emerging disease in wild birds and mammal in a recorded talk by Andy Ramey: Avian Influenza in Wildlife - Strait Science, April 13 2023Įxamining the Role of Migratory Birds the Movement of Avian Pathogens between and within Continents ![]() The ASC uses migratory, genetic and immunological data to: identify likely routes of virus introduction, determine priority species and regions to sample, and document changes to the genetic diversity of avian influenza that will strengthen future decision-making. Research at the Alaska Science Center (ASC) strengthens the efficiency and effectiveness of HPAI surveillance across North America, while increasing our understanding of virus ecology in wild bird hosts. ![]() Ongoing work includes surveillance for foreign-origin pathogens and study of intercontinental links between Asia and North America.Īlaska is a geographically important focus of the surveillance program because it lies within the migratory routes of birds that move between North America and Asia. Through the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Research on avian influenza has revealed important patterns of virus movement and transmission in migratory birds. Graphic depicting five bird migration flyways of the Pacific Ocean basin.(Credit: Mary Whalen, USGS. ![]()
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