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. This project takes these findings further by examining new pathogens, demographic impacts, and new host populations.

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. 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.