SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Blood”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources

USGS2015

Pesticide residues in the ecosystem

Pesticide residues have become a component of nearly all living organisms. Nearly all California birds and fish collected in a 1963 pesticide survey contained residues. Discovery of DDT and metabolites in Antarctic animals in 1964 pushed the distribution of pesticides to the remotest portions of the globe. Exchange of pesticides in the aquatic world progresses rapidly, even in the quiet waters of a pond. Any segment of the ecosystem–marshland, pond, forest, or field–receives pesticides of varied amounts and kinds at irregular and unknown intervals. Phytoplankton communities are an important food base in aquatic environments whose productivity can be affected by rather small exposure to pesticides. Degradation and loss of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides from the ecosystem has been shown to proceed slowly. Pesticide-tolerant or resistant populations of fish and possibly other cold-blooded vertebrates have been shown to exist in areas of the south long subjected to pesticide treatments.

Book chapter↗

USGS2010

Low genotyping error rates and noninvasive sampling in Bighorn Sheep

Noninvasive DNA sampling allows studies of natural populations without disturbing the target animals. Unfortunately, high genotyping error rates often make noninvasive studies difficult. We report low error rates (0.0–7.5%/locus) when genotyping 18 microsatellite loci in only 4 multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplifications using fecal DNA from bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ). The average locus-specific error rates varied significantly between the 2 populations (0.13% vs. 1.6%; P < 0.001), as did multi-locus genotype error rates (2.3% vs. 14.1%; P < 0.007). This illustrates the importance of quantifying error rates in each study population (and for each season and sample preservation method) before initiating a noninvasive study. Our error rates are among the lowest reported for fecal samples collected noninvasively in the field. This and other recent studies suggest that noninvasive fecal samples can be used in species with pellet-form feces for nearly any study (e.g., of population structure, gene flow, dispersal, parentage, and even genome-wide studies to detect local adaptation) that previously required high-quality blood or tissue samples.

Montana↗

USGS2008

Elk calf survival and mortality following wolf restoration to Yellowstone National Park

We conducted a 3‐year study (May 2003–Apr 2006) of mortality of northern Yellowstone elk ( Cervus elaphus ) calves to determine the cause for the recruitment decline (i.e., 33 calves to 13 calves/100 adult F) following the restoration of wolves ( Canis lupus ). We captured, fit with radiotransmitters, and evaluated blood characteristics and disease antibody seroprevalence in 151 calves ≤6 days old (68M:83F). Concentrations (x̄, SE) of potential condition indicators were as follows: thyroxine (T4; 13.8 μg/dL, 0.43), serum urea nitrogen (SUN; 17.4 mg/dL, 0.57), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT; 66.4 IU/L, 4.36), gamma globulins (GG; 1.5 g/dL, 0.07), and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1; 253.6 ng/mL, 9.59). Seroprevalences were as follows: brucellosis ( Brucella abortus ; 3%), bovine‐respiratory syncytial virus (3%), bovine‐viral‐diarrhea virus type 1 (25%), infectious‐bovine rhinotracheitis (58%), and bovine parainfluenza‐3 (32%). Serum urea nitrogen, GGT, GG, and IGF‐1 varied with year; T4, SUN, and GG varied with age ( P ≤ 0.01); and SUN varied by capture area ( P = 0.02). Annual survival was 0.22 (SE = 0.035, n = 149) and varied by calving area but not year. Neonates captured in the Stephens Creek/Mammoth area of Yellowstone National Park, USA, had annual survival rates >3× higher (0.54) than those captured in the Lamar Valley area (0.17), likely due to the higher predator density in Lamar Valley. Summer survival (20 weeks after radiotagging) was 0.29 (SE = 0.05, n = 116), and calving area, absolute deviation from median birth date, and GG were important predictors of summer survival. Survival during winter (Nov‐Apr) was 0.90 (SE= 0.05, n = 42), and it did not vary by calving area or year. Sixty‐nine percent ( n = 104) of calves died within the first year of life, 24% ( n = 36) survived their first year, and 7% ( n = 11) had unknown fates. Grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ) and black bears ( Ursus americanus ) accounted for 58–60% ( n = 60–62) of deaths, and wolves accounted for 14–17% ( n = 15–18). Summer predation (95% of summer deaths) increased, and winter malnutrition (0% of winter deaths) decreased, compared with a similar study during 1987–1990 (72% and 58%, respectively). Physiological factors (e.g., low levels of GG) may predispose calves to predation. Also, the increase in bear numbers since wolf restoration and spatial components finer than the northern range should be considered when trying to determine the causes of the northern Yellowstone elk decline. This is the first study to document the predation impacts from reintroduced wolves on elk calf mortality in an ecosystem already containing established populations of 4 other major predators (i.e., grizzly and black bears, cougars [ Puma concolor ], and coyotes [ Canis latrans ]). The results are relevant to resource managers of the Yellowstone ecosystem in understanding the dynamics of the elk population, in providing harvest quota recommendations for local elk hunts to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service regarding wolf and grizzly bear recovery, and to all areas worldwide where predators are increasing, by providing managers with information about potential carnivore impacts on elk populations.

Idaho, Montana, Wyoming↗

USGS1978

Avian cholera and organochlorine residues in an American oystercatcher

Pasteurella multocida , the causative bacterium of avian cholera, was isolated from cultures of the liver and heart blood of a female, adult American oystercatcher ( Haematopus palliatus ) found dead on the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, in May 1973. This is apparently the first record of avian cholera in the oystercatcher. Low levels of DDE were identified in tissues of the oystercatcher.

South Carolina↗

USGS1984

Lead concentrations and reproduction in highway-nesting barn swallows

Swallows (Hirundo rustica) collected within the right-of-way of a major Maryland highway were greater than those found in Barn Swallows nesting within a rural area. Lead concentrations in the feathers of adults from the highway colony were also greater than Lead concentrations in the carcasses and stomach contents of adult and nestling Barn those of rural adults, but concentrations in the feathers of nestlings from the two locations were similar. Activity of u-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in red blood cells was lower in highway-nesting adults and their young than in their rural counterparts, although hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits did not differ. The number of eggs, nestlings, and body weights of the latter at 16-18 days of age were similar in the two colonies, as were body weights of adults from the two areas. These results suggest that contamination of roadside habitats by lead from automotive emissions does not pose a serious hazard to birds that are aerial feeders.

Condor↗

USGS1996

Haemoproteus iwa n. sp. in great frigatebirds (Fregata minor [Gmelin]) from Hawaii: Parasite morphology and prevalence

We describe a new species of Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 from great frigatebirds ( Fregata minor [Gmelin]) captured on Tern Island-French Frigate Shoals and Laysan Island in Hawaii. Parasite prevalence on Laysan Island (35%) was not significantly different than that of Tern Island (36%). On Laysan, prevalence was highest in juveniles (52%), followed by adult males (29%) and adult females (19%). Prevalence on Tern was 36% both for adult females and juveniles, and 28% for adult males. Parasitemia was low (mean < 2 parasites/10,000 red blood cell). Parasitized red cells had significantly greater areas than unparasitized cells. We named this parasite Haemoproteus iwa after the Hawaiian name for frigatebirds (iwa). This is the first documentation of a hemoparasite from tropical pelagic seabirds in Hawaii and the first description of an endemic hemoparasite in the archipelago.

Hawai'i↗

USGS1965

Adverse effects on birds of Phosphamidon applied to a Montana forest

A field trial of Phosphamidon applied by aircraft in Montana against spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana ) had immediate adverse effects on birds. A 5,000-acre block of forested land was sprayed at the rate of 1 pound per acre. Some birds, including blue grouse ( Dendragapus obscurus ), were killed by the insecticide. Bird activity on the sprayed plot dropped to about one-quarter of the prespray level of activity while it increased on an unsprayed plot. Two sick blue grouse were caught by hand and held in captivity; one died and the other recovered. Analysis of grouse blood samples showed a marked inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the sick birds, followed by return of cholinesterase to normal in the surviving bird.

Montana↗

USGS1978

Erythrocyte δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity in Mallard Ducks: Duration of Inhibition after Lead Shot Dosage

Inhibition of a lead-specific blood enzyme, 8-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), has been utilized to indicate the incidence and degree of lead contamination in canvasback ducks ( Aythya valisineria ) (Dieter et al. 1976). This variable was found to be more sensitive to lead than previous tests that have been employed with waterfowl (Locke et al. 1966, 1967), and has proved to be completely reliable (Finley et al. 1976a,b). However, it is not yet known how long ALAD enzyme inhibition persists after a source of high head contamination is removed. The duration of inhibition is critical because too brief a response would result in underestimating the extent of lead contamination in a given year's survey. Moreover, the ALAD enzyme bioassay can be used to identify ducks that have ingested lead shot, as well as those that have ingested low levels of lead in their forage, and this information used to help remove the source of the environmental contamination.

Maryland↗

USGS1987

Microbial infections in a declining wild turkey population in Texas

A survey was conducted at 5 locations in Texas for avian pathogens that might adversely affect wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) productivity and survival. At 1 site, the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge (WWR), turkeys have declined precipitously in recent years. During the winters of 1983-85, 442 wild turkeys were caught with cannon and drop nets, 161 of these on WWR. Blood samples were drawn for serologic evaluation, and cloacal and tracheal swabs were collected for isolation attempts. Salmonella spp. bacteria, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and avian influenza virus (AIV) were not detected in any samples tested. Serologic tests for antibodies to NDV and AIV also were negative. Many mycoplasma isolates were recovered from turkeys from every location. Characterization of these isolates indicated that several species were present. None were species typically associated with mycoplasmosis in domestic turkeys, such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), M. meleagridis (MM), or M. synoviae (MS), although antibodies to these pathogens were detected in turkeys at every location sampled. There was no evidence to link any of these disease causing agents to the decline observed in the population of wild turkeys on the WWR.

Texas↗

USGS1997

Site-specific lead exposure from lead pellet ingestion in sentinel mallards

We monitored lead poisoning from the ingestion of spent lead pellets in sentinel mallards (Anas platyhrynchos) at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR), Willows, California for 4 years (1986-89) after the conversion to steel shot for waterfowl hunting on refuges in 1986. Sentinel mallards were held in 1.6-ha enclosures in 1 hunted (P8) and 2 non-hunted (T19 and TF) wetlands. We compared site-specific rates of lead exposure, as determined by periodic measurement of blood lead concentrations, and lead poisoning mortality between wetlands with different lead pellet densities, between seasons, and between male and female sentinels. In 1986, the estimated 2-week rate of lead exposure was significantly higher (P < 0.005) in P8 (43.8%), the wetland with the highest density of spent lead pellets (>2,000,000 pellets/ha), than in those with lower densities of lead pellets, T19 (18.1%; 173,200 pellets/ha) and TF (0.9%; 15,750 pellets/ha). The probability of mortality from lead poisoning was also significantly higher (P < 0.01) in sentinel mallards enclosed in P8 (0.25) than T19 (0) and TF (0) in 1986 and remained significantly higher (P < 0.001) during the 4-year study. Both lead exposure and the probability of lead poisoning mortality in P8 were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the fall of 1986 (43.8%; 0.25), before hunting season, than in the spring of 1987 (21.6%; 0.04), after hunting season. We found no significant differences in the rates of lead exposure or lead poisoning mortality between male and female sentinel mallards. The results of this study demonstrate that in some locations, lead exposure and lead poisoning in waterfowl will continue to occur despite the conversion to steel shot for waterfowl hunting.

California↗

USGS1998

Effect of lead poisoning on spectacled eider survival rates

Spectacled eider ( Somateria fischeri ) populations on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Y-K Delta), Alaska, declined rapidly through the 1980s, and low adult female survival was suggested as the likely cause of the decline. We used mark-resighting techniques to study annual survival rates of adult female spectacled eiders at 2 sites on the Y-K Delta during 1993-96. Our data suggest survival rates may differ among sites. However, a model fit to a subset of data on females for which we knew lead levels in blood suggests lead exposure influences survival. Adult females exposed to lead prior to hatching their eggs survived at a much lower rate (0.44 ?? 0.10) each year than females not exposed to lead before hatch (0.78 ?? 0.05). We suggest most mortality from lead exposure occurs over winter, and the related reduction in adult survival may be impeding recovery of local populations. We encourage managers to curtail input of lead shot into the environment.

Alaska↗

USGS2000

Lead exposure in American black ducks after implementation of non-toxic shot

Lead poisoning from the ingestion of spent shotgun pellets has been recognized as an important disease of North American waterfowl since Bellrose's (1959) research >40 years ago. Nation-wide regulations banning the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting were established in 1991. We compared the prevalence of lead exposure in American black ducks ( Anas rubripes ) wintering on 2 areas in Tennessee before (1986-88) and after the ban (1997-99) to assess the effect of the ban on lead shot on this species. Prevalence of elevated blood lead in black ducks declined by 44% from before (11.7% prevalence) to after (6.5% prevalence) the implementation of non-toxic shot. The reduction in lead exposure was pronounced in adult black ducks (from 14.3% to 5.3%). However, prevalence in lead exposure remained similar in juvenile black ducks (from 8.2% to 8.3%). Additional evidence from lead ingestion and lead poisoning mortality events also indicates that lead exposure has declined in waterfowl in the Mississippi flyway. We believe that lead ingestion will continue to decline, despite the persistence of lead shot in some wetlands. The impact of reduced lead exposure on waterfowl populations needs to be assessed.

Tennessee↗

USGS1982

Responses of Siberian ferrets to secondary zinc phosphide poisoning

The hazard of operational-type applications of zinc phosphide (Zn 3 P 2 ) on a species closely related to the black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ), was evaluated by feeding 16 Siberian ferrets ( M. eversmanni ) rats that had been killed by consumption of 2% zinc phosphide treated bait or by an oral dose of 40, 80, or 160 mg of Zn 3 P 2 . All ferrets accepted rats and a single emesis by each of 3 ferrets was the only evidence of acute intoxication. All ferrets learned to avoid eating gastrointestinal tracts of the rats. Subacute zinc phosphide toxicity in the ferrets was indicated by significant decreases (18-48%) in hemoglobin, increases of 35-91% in serum iron, and elevated levels of serum globulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hemoglobin/iron, urea nitrogen/creatinine, and albumin/globulin ratios also were altered by the treatments. This study demonstrated that Siberian ferrets, or other species with a sensitive emetic reflex, are afforded a degree of protection from acute zinc phosphide poisoning due to its emetic action. The importance of toxicity associated with possible respiratory, liver, and kidney damage indicated by altered blood chemistries is not known.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗

USGS1963

Endothal derivatives as aquatic herbicides in fishery habitats

The disodium salt of 3,6-endoxohexahydrophthalic acid (disodium endothal) and the derivative identified by the manufacturer as the di- N,N ′-dimethylococoamine salt of endothal (coded as TD-47) were particularly effective upon submersed species of aquatic vegetation as contact herbicides. Disodium endothal at concentrations of 0.5 to 10.0 ppmw was effective in controlling approximately 50 per cent of the 19 species of plants involved in 270 tests. TD-47 at concentrations of 0.02 to 10.0 ppmw trolled 77 per cent of the 11 plant species in 94 tests. Algae ( Chara, Cladophora, Pithophora , and Spirogyra ) were more effectively controlled by TD-47 than by disodium endothal. Although TD-47 was at least 10 times more herbicidal than disodium endothal, it was about 100 times more toxic to fish. Disodium endothal was more than 50 per cent effective on submersed aquatic plants at rates in excess of 2.5 ppmw with a wide margin of safety in fish (4- to 10-fold). Disodium endothal had a median tolerance limit ranging from 95 to 150 ppmw in the aggregate of nine fish species tested extensively. Median tolerance limits for TD-47 ranged from about 0.06 to 0.3 ppmw for five species of fish. TD-47 applied at a concentration lethal to fish (0.3 to 1.0 ppmw) was effective as a dual management tool in controlling vegetation and achieving partial or complete renovation of stunted fish populations. Young, growing vegetation was most susceptible to control, and best results were achieved at water temperatures exceeding 60 F. Higher rates were required to kill plants as they matured and stands became dense. Endothal liquid formulations were superior to granules in controlling algal mats, floating and emergent plants. Granules were more effective on submersed rooted plants. TD-47 residues were of short duration. The rate of disappearance depended on time and concentration. Detectable residues disappeared within 8 days following application of 0.3 ppmw and within 2 weeks for 0.6 ppmw. However, 1.0 to 3.0 ppmw took up to 25 days to disappear. Some residues were found in fish-food organisms from treated enclosures 3 weeks after application. Fish flesh showed no absorption of endothal-armeens at sublethal concentrations. Intraperitoneal injection of endothal into fish produced a disturbance of the osmoregulation. The physiological effect of endothal was measured by chemical analysis of blood serum.

Weeds↗

USGS2014

Pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone hydrochloride after intravenous and intramuscular administration of a single dose to American kestrels (Falco sparverius)

Objective —To determine the pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone hydrochloride after IV and IM administration in American kestrels ( Falco sparverius ). Animals —12 healthy adult American kestrels. Procedures —A single dose of hydromorphone (0.6 mg/kg) was administered IM (pectoral muscles) and IV (right jugular vein); the time between IM and IV administration experiments was 1 month. Blood samples were collected at 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours (n = 4 birds); 0.25, 1.5, and 9 hours (4); and 0.5, 2, and 6 hours (4) after drug administration. Plasma hydromorphone concentrations were determined by means of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a noncompartmental model. Mean plasma hydromorphone concentration for each time was determined with naïve averaged pharmacokinetic analysis. Results —Plasma hydromorphone concentrations were detectable in 2 and 3 birds at 6 hours after IM and IV administration, respectively, but not at 9 hours after administration. The fraction of the hydromorphone dose absorbed after IM administration was 0.75. The maximum observed plasma concentration was 112.1 ng/mL (5 minutes after administration). The terminal half-life was 1.25 and 1.26 hours after IV and IM administration, respectively. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance —Results indicated hydromorphone hydrochloride had high bioavailability and rapid elimination after IM administration, with a short terminal half-life, rapid plasma clearance, and large volume of distribution in American kestrels. Further studies regarding the effects of other doses, other administration routes, constantrate infusions, and slow release formulations on the pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone hydrochloride and its metabolites in American kestrels may be indicated.

American Journal of Veterinary Research↗

USGS2008

Factors influencing predation on juvenile ungulates and natural selection implications

Juvenile ungulates are generally more vulnerable to predation than are adult ungulates other than senescent individuals, not only because of their relative youth, fragility, and inexperience, but also because of congenital factors. Linnell et al.'s (Wildl. Biol. 1: 209-223) extensive review of predation on juvenile ungulates concluded that research was needed to determine the predisposition of these juveniles to predation. Since then, various characteristics that potentially predispose juvenile ungulates have emerged including blood characteristics, morphometric and other condition factors, and other factors such as birth period, the mother’s experience, and spatial and habitat aspects. To the extent that any of the physical or behavioral traits possessed by juvenile ungulates have a genetic or heritable and partly independent epigenetic component that predisposes them to predation, predators may play an important role in their natural selection. We review the possible influence of these characteristics on predisposing juvenile ungulates to predation and discuss natural selection implications and potential selection mechanisms. Although juvenile ungulates as a class are likely more vulnerable to predation than all but senescent adults, our review presents studies indicating that juveniles with certain tendencies or traits are killed more often than others. This finding suggests that successful predation on juveniles is more selective than is often assumed. Because we are unable to control for (or in some cases even measure) the myriad of other possible vulnerabilities such as differences in sensory abilities, intelligence, hiding abilities, tendency to travel, etc., finding selective predation based on the relatively few differences we can measure is noteworthy and points to the significant role that predation on juveniles has in the natural selection of ungulates. Future research should compare characteristics, especially those known to influence survival, between animals killed by predators versus those killed by other sources as well as survivors versus non-survivors to better understand predation's role in natural selection.

Wildlife Biology in Practice↗

USGS2021

Effects of stocking density on stress response and susceptibility to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in rainbow trout

The goals of this study were to examine the effect of stocking density on the stress response and disease susceptibility in juvenile rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). Fish were sorted into one of 2 stocking densities (high density "HD", 20-40 kg/m 3 ) or (low density, "LD", 4-8 kg/m 3 ) and 3 stress indices (cortisol levels in serum and water, and neutrophil: lymphocyte (N:L) ratios from blood smears) were measured at multiple time points over 21 d. Serum cortisol was significantly increased at 1 h in LD samples and at 14 d in HD samples. Water cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in LD tanks as compared with HD tanks on day 14. N:L ratios were significantly higher in HD tanks on day 14 as compared with LD tanks and with baseline. The effect of stocking density on mortality after exposure to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) was compared between fish held in HD or LD conditions, with or without prior acclimation to the different density conditions. No significant differences in survival were found between HD and LD treatments or between acclimated and nonacclimated treatments. Cumulative results indicate that 1) 1 to 4 gram rainbow trout did not generally demonstrate significant differences in stress indices at the density conditions tested over a 21-d period, 2) independent differences were found in 3 stress indices at day 14 after sorting into LD and HD holding conditions; and 3) LD and HD stocking densities did not have a significant effect on mortality due to IHNV.

Journal of the American Association for Laboratory↗

USGS2002

Occurrence of bacteria in Blue Marsh Lake and selected tributaries, Berks County, Pennsylvania: September-October 2001

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has water-quality standards that limit the number of specific bacteria in water that is considered safe for recreational use. Bacteria such as fecal streptococci, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli (E. coli ) are used to assess recreational water quality because they usually live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Fecal indicator bacteria commonly are associated with waterborne disease-causing organisms (pathogens). These indicator bacteria are used routinely as a measure of the quality of water for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and water skiing. If the indicator bacteria are present, effective measures could be taken to prevent the transmission or epidemic outbreak of waterborne diseases as a result of contamination of these waters from human or animal waste. Blue Marsh Lake is on Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County, Pa., and drains a largely agricultural basin. Land use in the basin is approximately 60 percent cropland, and 85 percent of the farms are livestock and poultry farms. The potential sources of fecal bacteria are: geese that inhabit the recreational areas of the lake, humans that visit the Dry Brooks Day Use Area (swimming area), and farm animals, wastewater facilities, and household septic systems in the basin (bacteria from these sources could enter the lake through tributaries). To meet the recreational water-quality standard, lake water may not have more than 200 colony-forming units (CFU) of fecal coliforms per 100 milliliters (mL). During the week of July 23, 2001, data collected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at the swimming area at Blue Marsh Lake showed concentrations of fecal coliforms in the water exceeding the standard. To determine the extent of elevated concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria, further study of the lake and selected tributaries was needed.

Pennsylvania↗