Viruses in long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) molting in the Beaufort Sea

Project Number: 9

Year Funded: 2004

Lead Institution(s): USGS National Wildlife Health Center

Project Lead: J. Christian Franson

Email:

Collaborator(s): Tuula Hollmen (ASC), Lee Skerratt (USGS), BPAK,

Location: Alaska

Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

Project Description: Breeding populations of long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) have declined in Alaska since the 1970s. The identification of causes of mortality is critical to an understanding of the population declines, but little information is available regarding infectious diseases that may affect this species. During the summer of 2000, a die-off occurred in long-tailed ducks molting in the Beaufort Sea and laboratory evaluation of tissues from carcasses collected at the mortality site resulted in the isolation of an adenovirus. Antibodies to the virus were found in a high percentage of long-tailed ducks trapped near the mortality site, but few ducks at a reference area. We are collecting serum samples and cloacal swabs from long-tailed ducks in the Beaufort Sea to follow year-to year changes in the status of the virus in the population.