Epidemiology of Fish and Wildlife Diseases

Infectious disease is an important component of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Research by the USGS uses the latest tools of molecular biology and genetics to address the ecology of infectious diseases affecting both fish and wildlife. Studies include novel methods for the development of more rapid and sensitive methods for the detection and identification of pathogens and diagnosis of disease, an improved understanding of the factors controlling the epidemiology of fish and wildlife diseases, and the development of novel methods to control losses from infectious diseases, including new generation vaccines as well as predictive tools and management approaches for diseases affecting both captive and wild populations.

	Research Activities Genetics and genomics USGS biology research is supported by the USGS Biology Science Programs. Birds Genetic Assessment of Avian Influenza, Wild Bird Avian Cholera Mammals White-tailed Deer and Chronic Wasting Disease; Prairie Dogs, Black-footed Ferrets, and Sylvatic Plague Fish Q-PCR Detection of Bacterial Sources of Thiaminase I, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in the Great Lakes