National Wildlife Health Center

Scientists detected six types of coronaviruses in numerous wild and domestic mammals sampled on and near mink farms in Utah, according to a U.S. Geological Survey-led study available today.

Case History: In July, approximately 45 red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) exhibited lethargy and were later found dead around bird feeders at several houses in a neighborhood in Montana, U.S.A.

A recent study of museum snake specimens shows that snake fungal disease, a skin infection threatening many important snake populations, existed in the U.S. over 50 years earlier than previously thought. 

History: In May 2021, a morbidity and mortality event involving California newts (Taricha torosa) was reported at a national park in California, USA. 

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is excited to announce usability enhancements to WHISPers, the Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership – event reporting system. The enhancements include a more secure and streamlined registration process and a re-envisioned home page with an integrated search and...

Case History: Approximately 30 sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) were found dead during a winter cold snap in Indiana, U.S.A. One bird was noted to have a mass on its leg.

Import regulations and a large surveillance effort have reduced the risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) introduction to the United States. A new study evaluated the impact of these actions and updated a previous Bsal risk assessment to provide information for adaptive decision-making.

In late May, wildlife managers in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. 

Case History: An adult female 4315-g raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found sick in Texas, US, and was euthanized. 

In late May, wildlife managers in Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.

If you are a private individual or entity with a wildlife morbidity and/or mortality event to report, please contact your state department of natural resources or state agency of game and fish.