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USGS2026

Toxoplasma gondii: Challenges and perspectives in interpreting longitudinal seroprevalence data for a chronic parasitic infection

Toxoplasma gondii —the causative agent of toxoplasmosis—is a zoonotic pathogen of warm-blooded hosts. Infection causes mild-to-severe symptoms, including lethargy, fever, muscle pain, abortion, ocular disease, and encephalitis. Toxoplasma affects many vertebrate species, although felids are the only known definitive hosts. Seroprevalence in wildlife is often assessed using cross-sectional data, but few studies have tracked individual-level infections through time. We present a 4-yr dataset from white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) with repeated sampling of individuals that highlights challenges associated with assigning serostatus to individuals. Using a modified agglutination test, we observed seroconversion from seronegative to seropositive within individuals, as expected. Although toxoplasmosis is known to be a chronic disease, we also found reversion from seropositive to seronegative. Accurate assignment of serostatus is necessary for evaluating effects of infection on behavioral and physiologic outcomes. However, longitudinal data from individuals whose titers oscillate around the positive threshold present novel challenges. Therefore, we discuss the implications for assigning serostatus for chronic toxoplasmosis infection for three proposed approaches: 1) ever positive, always positive; 2) negative until positive and then always positive; and 3) status by sampling period. Clarifying which approach is used to assign serostatus when analyzing longitudinal T. gondii data may enable more meaningful comparisons across systems and studies.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗

USGS2025

Environmental conditions influencing the abundance of the salmonid ectoparasite Salmincola californiensis across upper Willamette River Reservoirs, Oregon

The freshwater copepod Salmincola californiensis is an ectoparasite of Pacific salmon and trout ( Oncorhynchus spp.). High levels of infection by this parasite can significantly damage gills and result in blood loss, affecting the fitness and survival of hosts, and it may hinder recovery efforts of threatened and endangered salmonids. Juvenile salmonids that rear in reservoirs have been reported to experience higher rates of infection than their stream-dwelling counterparts. To date, the relationship between reservoir environmental conditions and infection rates remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated sampling methods designed to capture S. californiensis copepodids, the free-swimming infectious life stage of this parasitic copepod, and develop predictive models of parasite abundance in reservoirs . We used light traps to collect 675 zooplankton samples from various sites and depths in Cougar, Lookout Point, and Fall Creek reservoirs, Oregon, USA during five months in 2020. We tested several predictive models of parasite abundance using environmental covariates obtained concurrently during plankton surveys ( e.g. , temperature, ambient light and water clarity, reservoir plankton profiles, and water flow). Our models showed a strong influence of water temperature on abundance of copepodids, with maximum initial abundance occurring at the mean water temperature 15.2 °C. At that temperature, August abundance was estimated to be 58.6 copepodids per site in Cougar Reservoir, 43.8 copepodids per site in Fall Creek Reservoir, and 3.5 copepodids per site in Lookout Point Reservoir. Water temperature and reservoir outflow both affected population growth of copepodids: increased water temperature was associated with an increase in population growth rate while an increased reservoir outflow was associated with a decrease in population growth rate. The efficacy of our sampling method was influenced by percent of moon fullness, whether the sample site was above or below the thermocline, water temperature, and number of juvenile sculpin fishes ( Cottus spp.) captured in the trap. The mean probability of detecting a single copepodid if one was present was 0.042, but detection probability increased to 0.29 under ideal trap set conditions of warmer water, location above the thermocline, and a full moon. Biologists and managers could use these methods to assess the presence and abundance of S. californiensis in other locations, or to inform reservoir operations to reduce potential salmonid infections.

Oregon↗

USGS1953

War on lampreys

Vampire-like sea lampreys look somewhat like short sections of garden hose, swim like eels, and live solely on the blood of fishes. Their voracious appetites have been especially harmful to fish in the Great Lakes, and it is there that methods of underwater electrocution are being applied in their control.

Philadelphia Enquirer, 23 August 1953↗

USGS1983

Waterbird mortality from botulism type E in Lake Michigan: An update

Three outbreaks of botulism type E occurring in waterbirds on Lake Michigan since autumn 1976 are discussed. Natural ingestion of food containing type E toxin by Ring-billed Gulls ( Larus delawarensis ) and the presence of type E toxin in blood from moribund gulls were demonstrated. Concurrent presence of type C and type E botulinal toxins was found in a die-off of Common Loons ( Gavia immer ). In combination with previous reported outbreaks, these incidents suggest that this disease is geographically widespread in Lake Michigan, and that environmental conditions conducive to type E botulinal toxin production and consumption occur in both summer and autumn.

Lake Michigan↗

USGS2000

Restoration with smoke-dependent species

Examination of blood films from wood ducks (Aix sponsa) from several northeastern states revealed Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium and a typanosome. Haemoproteus occurred in all areas sampled and birds of the year from Massachusetts demonstrated the highest incidence during the last 2 weeks in August. Leucocytozoon was most prevalent in more northern areas. P. circumflexum and a trypanosome are reported for the first time from this host.

Ecological Restoration↗

USGS1991

Mitochondrial DNA in wildlife forensic science: Species identification of tissues

A common problem in wildlife law enforcement is identifying the species of origin of carcasses, meat, or blood when morphological characters such as hair or bones are not available. Immunological and protein electrophoretic (allozyme or general protein) procedures have been used in species identification with considerable success (Bunch et al. 1976, McClymont et al. 1982, Wolfe 1983, Mardini 1984, Pex and Wolfe 1985, Dratch 1986), However, immunological tests often are not sensitive enough to distinguish closely related species. Furthermore, electrophoretically detectable protein polymorphisms may be lacking in certain populations or species and may not be species-specific. Analysis of DNA in human and wildlife forensics has been shown to be a potentially powerful tool for identification of individuals (Jeffreys et al. 1985, Vassartet al. 1987, Thommasen et al. 1989). Differences in copy number and nucleotide sequence of repetitive sequences in the nuclear (chromosomal) DNA result in hypervariability and individual-specific patterns which have been termed DNA "fingerprints." However, these patterns may be too variable for species identification necessitating analyses of more conservative parts of the genome. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is haploid, maternally inherited, similar in nucleotide sequence among conspecifics from the same geographic region, and more suitable for species identification, in contrast to hypervariable DNA fingerprints. MtDNA has several characteristics which make it useful as a species-specific marker. In mammals, individuals have a single mtDNA genotype shared by all tissues. Because mtDNA is haploid and reflects only maternal ancestry, the mtDNA gene number in a population is 4 times less than the nuclear gene number (Birky et al. 1983). This can result in relatively rapid loss or fixation of mtDNA genotypes so that all individuals in a population may be descended from a single ancestral female in as few as 4N ( N = population size) generations (Avise et al., 1984). This suggests there is great potential for identification of species-specific or population-specific mtDNA genotypes, Within species, mtDNA genotypes are thought to be selectively neutral, i.e., there is little evidence that genotypes differ in fitness (Nigro and Prout 1990).

Wildlife Society Bulletin↗

USGS2000

Scientific meeting raises awareness of amphibian decline in Asia

Blood samples from 433 Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) during fall and spring migrations, 1976-80, indicated that most of their pesticide burden, primarily DDE, was accumulated on wintering grounds in Latin America. DDE in spring migrants returning from Latin America for the first time declined significantly from 1979 to 1980. Only about 10% of breeding-age females contained organochlorine residues likely to adversely affect reproduction. The organochlorine pesticide threat in Latin America may be diminishing.

Newsletter of the Declining Amphibian Populations ↗

USGS1982

Accumulation and loss of 2' ,5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide (Bayer 73) by fish: laboratory studies

Residues of the 2-aminoethanol salt of 2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide (Bayer 73), as determined by gas-liquid chromatography, were rapidly accumulated by fish exposed to the lampricide -in blood plasma, gallbladder bile, and muscle tissue of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), and in bile and muscle of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Muscle residue levels increased to near the treatment concentration during exposure. After 10 days of withdrawal, residues in plasma, bile, and muscle of rainbow trout and coho salmon decreased to less than 1% of their respective peak concentrations. In all four species, residues in muscle dropped below the limit of detection (0.01 ",gig) within 3 to 14 days. After an initial increase during early withdrawal, bile residues in all species declined steadily but had not dropped below initial levels in channel catfish in 14 days, or below detectable levels (0.01 ",g/mL) in coho salmon after 28 days of withdrawal.

Investigations in Fish Control↗

USGS1999

Heartworm of swans and geese

Heartworm in swans and geese is caused by a filarial nematode or a roundworm of the superfamily Filarioidea which is transmitted to the bird by a biting louse. The nematode and the louse both are parasites. Sarconema eurycerca is the only one of several species of microfilaria or the first stage juvenile of the parasite found in the circulating blood of waterfowl that is known to be pathogenic or cause clinical disease.

Information and Technology Report↗

USGS1999

Barbiturates

Barbiturate products are commonly used to euthanize domestic animals. The primary active component in euthanasia solutions is sodium pentobarbital, but some products also contain other minor ingredients (Fig. 48.1). Euthanasia solutions are generally injected intravenously in domestic animals; therefore, after death, the solutions will be most concentrated in the blood and the highly vascularized organs, such as the liver or spleen, of the euthanized animal. Euthanized carcasses that are available as carrion pose a hazard to scavenging birds and mammals. Large domestic animal carcasses, such as horses, that are not used for food or rendering but that are sufficiently valuable (monetarily or psychologically) to warrant veterinary services and euthanasia drugs are the most common sources of barbiturate poisoning in scavengers. In one instance in British Columbia, a single cow carcass was responsible for poisoning 29 bald eagles. Circumstances that interfere with burial, such as frozen winter soil or bulky carcasses, result in euthanized carcasses being available for scavenger species. This problem could increase in the future if more stringent air-quality standards restrict carcass incineration.

Information and Technology Report↗

USGS1999

Avian pox

Avian pox is the common name for a mild-to-severe, slowdeveloping disease of birds that is caused by a large virus belonging to the avipoxvirus group, a subgroup of poxviruses. This group contains several similar virus strains; some strains have the ability to infect several groups or species of birds but others appear to be species-specific. Mosquitoes are common mechanical vectors or transmitters of this disease. Avian pox is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird that has viremia or pox virus circulating in its blood, or when a mosquito feeds on virus-laden secretions seeping from a pox lesion and then feeds on another bird that is susceptible to that strain of virus. Contact with surfaces or exposure to air-borne particles contaminated with poxvirus can also result in infections when virus enters the body through abraded skin or the conjunctiva or the mucous membrane lining that covers the front part of the eyeball and inner surfaces of the eyelids of the eye.

Information and Technology Report↗

USGS1975

Wildlife and oil shale: a problem analysis and research program: volume 2, appendix and bibliography

This appendix is designed to apply to the program of studies recommended in the problem analysis and research program Volume I. It has two purposes: (1) to provide reference that may be used in the preparation of requests for proposals or for studies, and (2) to suggest a core group of references for a reference library for research. The references that follow are listed taxonomically as follows: A. Aquatic Ecosystems B. Water Quality C. Terrestrial Ecosystems D. Industrial Impacts on Wildlife E. Reptiles and Amphibians F. Blood-sucking Arthropods and Disease Vectors This bibliography is not integrated because it was believed that it would be more useful with the sources separate. It also does not attempt to cover the entire field. It is, however, a listing that will be most useful in the description of the region and its environmental processes.

FWS/OBS↗

USGS1989

Pentachlorophenol Hazards to Fish, Wildlife, and Invertebrates: A Synoptic Review

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is now widely used as a wood preservative, and this has contributed to the detection of PCP residues in air, rain, groundwaters, surface waters, fish and aquatic invertebrates, and in human urine, blood, and milk of nursing mothers. This report briefly reviews the technical literature on ecological and toxicological aspects of PCP in the environment, with emphasis on fishery and wildlife resources. Subtopics include sources and uses, chemical properties, fate, background concentrations, lethal and sublethal effects, and current recommendations for resource protection

Contaminant Hazard Reviews↗

USGS2001

Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition #12: Using Amphibians in Bioassessments of Wetlands

Because amphibians have both aquatic and terrestrial life stages they can serve in a unique way among vertebrates as sources of information for bioassessments of both wetlands and surrounding habitats. Although there are many data gaps in our knowledge about the habitat requirements and ecology of many amphibian species, it is apparent that community composition, presence and frequency of abnormalities, various mensural characteristics (e.g. snout vent length divided by body weight) and laboratory diagnostics (e.g. cholinesterase activity, blood chemistry) can be used in developing metrics for an index of biotic integrity. In addition, potential metrics can be derived from the various life stages that most amphibians experience such as egg clusters; embryonic development and hatching rates; tadpole growth, development, and survival; progress and success of metamorphosis; and breeding behavior and presence of adults. It is important, however, to focus on regional biodiversity and species assemblages of amphibians in the development of metrics rather than to strive for broadscale application of common metrics. This report discusses the procedures of developing an index of biotic integrity based on amphibians, explains potential pitfalls in using amphibians in bioassessments, and demonstrates where more research is needed to enhance the use of amphibians in evaluating wetland conditions.

Report↗

USGS2000

Single paternity of clutches in American Woodcock

Based on behavioral observations, the mating system of American Woodcock has been variously described as monogamous, a dispersed lek, or resource defense polygyny. Males perform elaborate mating displays that attract females to their display sites where copulations occur. We used microsatellite markers, developed for Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax), to assess paternity in American Woodcock. In 3 yr, we collected blood samples from 21 females and broods and 90 males. We found no evidence of multiple paternity within broods; paternity in all broods could be explained by 1 father. For 8 broods, we were able to infer probable fathers from males we sampled in the field. All 8 broods were found close to the singing site of the male or males that matched as possible fathers. Two males may have fathered 2 broods each, suggesting that polygyny may be a component of the woodcock mating system.

Book chapter↗

USGS1976

Chemical pollutants in field-collected canvasback tissues, eggs, and food materials

In 1972 studies began on the levels of environmental pollutants in canvasback tissues, eggs, and food items. The purpose of the studies were to determine if the levels of toxic chemicals found in canvasbacks were of the magnitude to cause problems affecting reproduction and survival. Overall, levels of organochlorine pesticides and PCB's were low in canvasbacks and their eggs. Some individual birds, however, laid eggs with elevated residues of DDE (12.1 ppm) or PCB's (28.6 ppm). There was no significant difference between eggshell thicknesses of 1972-73 and pre-1946 collections. About 12% of the canvasbacks analyzed had elevated levels of blood lead with reduced ALAD enzyme activity. Adult canvasbacks collected from the Chesapeake Bay in 1975 had moderate to high levels of cadmium in their kidneys. Cadmium, in excessive amounts is very toxic and can curtail spermatogenesis in male birds. Although no single toxic chemical found in wild canvasbacks appears to be a major factor in population declines, the cumulative effects of sublethal levels of all the pollutants may render birds susceptible to disease, hunting pressure or predation.

Book chapter↗

USGS1958

Birds and Dutch elm disease control

Brief, factual review of information on effect of DDT and other insecticides on birds. One program for control of elm disease caused 22% decrease in number of adult birds and 56% mortality of nestlings. Quail fed 3 oz. of DDT per ton of food had 16% reduction in young hatched and 500% increase in defective chicks. Quail fed same dosage during winter and breeding seasons had 30% decrease in fertile eggs and 800% increase in defective chicks. More than 90% of their chicks died in first 6 weeks although fed no insecticide. Almost equally bad results came from feeding Pheasants diets with about 1 oz. DDT per ton. Other common insecticides (chlorinated hydrocarbons) also caused lowered chick survival and higher percentages of crippled chicks. From field data we know that 2 lbs. DDT/acre can affect birds and has even worse effects on cold-blooded animals. Efforts to control elm disease have left as much as 196 lbs. DDT/acre in top 3 inches of soil. Earthworms concentrate DDT in their tissues. Thus the treated areas can be traps for birds and other animals. What can be done? 1) In control of elm disease, use minimum effective amount of insecticide; mist blowers use less than sprayers. 2) Avoid applications during migration and nesting seasons. It has been reported that adequate control can be obtained with dormant sprays and that foliar applications may not be required. Tables of this paper show effects of DDT on reproduction of Quail, relative toxicity to quail of 8 insecticides, and amounts of 7 insecticides required to cause 40% or more decrease in Quail reproduction. These comparisons demonstrate that Aldrin, Endrin, and Dieldrin are 20 to 200 times as toxic as DDT and that Heptachlor and Chlordane are only slightly less toxic than Dieldrin. Methoxychlor and Strobane are less toxic to Quail than is DDT.

Arborist's News↗

USGS1980

Secondary poisoning of owls by anticoagulant rodenticides

Anticoagulants-compounds that prevent clotting of the blood-are extensively used for control of small mammal pests. The potential secondary hazards of 6 anticoagulant rodenticides to birds of prey were examined in this study. Whole rats or mice were killed with each anticoagulant and were fed to 1-3 species of owls. Owls died of hemorrhaging after feeding on rats killed with bromadiolone, brodifacoum, or diphacinone; sublethal hemorrhaging occurred in owls fed rats killed with difenacoum. These results demonstrate potential secondary hazards of 4 anticoagulants to avian predators. No abnormalities were observed in owls fed rats killed with fumarin and chlorophacinone

Wildlife Society Bulletin↗