Genetic Evidence and Genomic Diversity of Avian Influenza in a Migratory Flyway

Two recent publications on the genetics of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in North America, which use the migratory Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) as a case study, shed light on the virus's intercontinental movement and genomic diversity.

View the publications below via Alaska Science Center's In the Spotlight and the center's Avian Influenza Publications page.

Koehler, A. V., J. M. Pearce, P. L. Flint, J. C. Franson, and H. Ip. 2008. Genetic evidence of intercontinental movement of avian influenza in a migratory bird: the northern pintail (Anas acuta). Molecular Ecology 17:4754–4762.

Pearce, J. M., A. M. Ramey, P. L. Flint, A. V. Koehler, J. P. Fleskes, J. C. Franson, J. S. Hall, D. V. Derksen, and H. S. Ip. 2009. Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America. Evolutionary Applications 2: In Press.

USGS Endangered Species Research

Developing research and monitoring information on species and habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a major focus of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Biological Resource Discipline. Approximately 1360 species of plants and animals are listed as threatened or endangered in the United States under ESA. In addition, nearly 300 species are listed as candidates and new petitions for listing species arise with increasing frequency.

In addition, the USGS conducts basic research to better understand the causes of species decline and extinction and the relationships between species and their habitats. As the principal resource for scientific research for the Department of the Interior, the USGS also conducts applied research and monitoring to support public and private conservation actions, drawing from expertise across our biological programs and with other disciplines.  For example, we conduct multi-disciplinary scientific investigations that assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in making decisions on listing and recovery of species.  Currently the USGS is focusing on threats to species and ecosystems such as climate change, habitat loss and invasive species.  We conduct both species-specific and ecosystems-level research that anticipate threats to species and the habitats they depend on. This dual approach allows us to contribute to preserving biodiversity while increasing our understanding of the economic and environmental services that ecosystems provide to both wildlife and human populations.

For more information, visit the USGS website for Wildlife: Terrestrial and Endangered Resources.

Monitoring Manatee Health at Crystal River, Florida

At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USGS scientists and partners conducted manatee health assessments in Dec. 2008, Jan. and Feb. 2009. These assessments involve a range of tests including skin sampling for genetic analyses. For more information read the summary Monitoring Manatee Health at Crystal River, Florida or visit Florida Integrated Science Center's Healthy Springs, Healthy Manatees highlight. Also, download the latest handout, Manatee Captures and Health Assessment. Download the handout (PDF, 1339 KB)

Genetics and Genomics

The Genetics and Genomics web site is the single point source on the Web for discovering all the latest research activities and capabilities of USGS Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) genetics and genomics. Research summaries and images; contact information for scientists; a full genetics and genomics glossary; and detailed information about methods, equipment, services, and expertise available at each BRD science center and cooperative research unit are just some of the great resources to be found. Go to the Genetics and Genomics website for more information and resources.