Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the reporting period, the target audience reached by this effort included the scientific community, the regional wildlife agency, the biotechnology sector, recreationists (including hunters, guides and wildlife enthusiasts), and the general public. In total 11 presentations were delivered at regional, national and international venues. Four presentations were delivered by graduate students at large national conferences, which reached scientists, wildlife biologists and managers across the United States; these included 3 presentations at the Wildlife Society (TWS) Annual Conference (October 2019, Reno, NV), and 1 at the Ecological Society of America Conference (August 2020, Virtual). Two graduate presentations were also delivered at the Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) Fall Conference (October 2019, Augusta, ME), which is attended by public health professionals and clinicians in the state of Maine. In addition, I co-authored 3 presentations delivered at the The Zoological Society of Israel Annual Conference (December 2019, Jerusalem, Israel) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Conservation Conference (February 2020, Nashville, TN). Furthermore, I delivered an invited talk in the New England Biolab's Seminar Series (June 2020, Virtual). Finally, research results were shared in a report and through regular meetings with our partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as through publications in peer-reviewed journals. Changes/Problems:We were unable to obtain sufficient sample sizes of pathogen isolates from our captured wild birds. Therefore, we have abandoned our objective to conduct whole genome sequencing of pathogens from migratory birds for examining transmission dynamics. Instead, we are now focused on identifying pathogens using microbiome data (Choi et al, in preparation), and using these data to evaluate dynamics of parasite transmission in multi-host communities, as well as to examine relationships between infection status and the host-associated microbiome. In addition, over the past reporting period, we have experienced some setbacks in laboratory analyses due to both poor data quality from a sample batch sent to the Argonne National Laboratory for microbiome sequencing. The re-running of these samples coincided with the temporary shutdown of the laboratory due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and this together has collectively resulted in significant delays in the progress of our avian microbiome-based analyses. This has also resulted in delays in the progress of a graduate student's PhD thesis (Choi). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Over the past year, this project has provided research training opportunities for 4 graduate (3 PhD, 1 MS) and 8 undergraduate students (4 research assistants, 4 capstone students). All students were involved in independent research projects focused on wildlife disease topics. These students gained experience in animal handling, field and disease sampling, laboratory safety, and/or laboratory methods (e.g., DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification and optimization, sequencing, necropsy, microscopy). They also received training in the critical review of scientific literature, problem solving (i.e., optimizing genetic protocols), as well as writing of proposals, literature reviews, and research papers/reports. Both undergraduate and graduate students attended weekly laboratory meetings, during which research activities and biological principles related to these activities were discussed. Students presented their work regularly at laboratory meetings and participated in discussions on related literature. Students also were encouraged to present their research results in scientific symposiums or conferences; for example, 9 out of 11 presentations over the past year were delivered by graduate students. A technical report on the turkey project was led by two graduate students and provided to our partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Lastly, all graduate students had the opportunity to gain mentoring experience by working with undergraduate students to guide them through independent research projects. Additional training-related outputs include the following: In Summer 2020, one graduate student (Carly Dickson) presented her Masters proposal to her committee and a UMaine audience. One undergraduate (Shannon O'Grady) was awarded an academic year Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) fellowship to support her research project; this same student was later accepted and matriculated in Fall 2020 into the Glasgow University, School of Veterinary Medicine Facilitated Early Entry Program (FEEPASS). In addition, an AVS capstone student (Claudia Desjardines) presented her research at the 2020 UMaine Student Symposium, winning an award for the best student presentation in the Natural Sciences category. One graduate student led paper was published (Turjeman et al. 2020), and 7+ more are currently in preparation for submission within the next year. Finally, in addition to supporting students within my lab group on independent research, this project helped support the development of the NRT One Health graduate training program at UMaine, which welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2020. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Over the last reporting period, results were disseminated through 11 presentations at local, regional and national meetings, 3 peer-reviewed publications, a technical report, and a research website. Presentations were given at local (UMaine Student Symposium, 2020, Virtual), regional (Maine Public Health Association Fall Conference, 2019, Augusta, ME), national (The Wildlife Society, 2019, Reno, NV; National Wild Turkey Federation Convention, 2020, Nashville, TN; Ecological Society of America, 2020, Virtual), and international (The Zoological Society of Israel Annual Conference, 2019, Jerusalem, Israel) meetings. These meetings were attended by scientists from academic, government, and non-governmental organizations, as well as clinicians, public health officials, and wildlife managers. Two peer-reviewed journal articles were published in Molecular Ecology that examined the role of movement (Corl et al. 2020) and migration (Turjeman et al. 2020) on microbial communities associated with wild birds. One additional paper was published on a related topic, evaluating disease transmission among multiple animal hosts, in Scientific Reports (Kamath et al. 2019). For the wild turkey project, a technical report detailing the data collected and preliminary results obtained from the first year of data was provided to our state agency partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. A research website has also continued to be used to disseminate information about the turkey project to the public, as well as aid in tag recovery (https://wildturkeyme.org). Finally, I have maintained information on all mentioned ongoing research projects on my lab website (https://kamathlab.weebly.com/). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To accomplish the goals outlined, we intend complete the laboratory analyses to address project objectives #1-3, which were generally focused on understanding pathogen prevalence, distribution and transmission dynamics in wild birds. Both the field and the lab work for the wild turkey project have been completed. In addition, sampling of birds in a stopover site along the Palearctic Flyways in Israel has been completed (part of a collaborative NSF-EEID funded project). Therefore in the next year, we expect to analyze the data, using statistical, phylogenetic, and survival modeling and bioinformatic approaches. Two graduate students involved in the turkey project are expected to complete their Ph.D. theses in 2021. Together, our team is expecting to publish and/or submit 4+ papers for publication within the next reporting period. Additional field sampling of waterfowl and loon populations (to obtain pathogen, host genetic, and microbiome data) in Maine will continue over the next year, if possible. Molecular and microscopy-based screening of blood parasites of both birds in Maine and Israel will be completed. Additional samples will be sent for microbiome 16S rRNA sequencing to complete our data set of paired pathogen infection and microbiome data, which will be analyzed to evaluate the role of the microbiome in host resistance to pathogens. Finally, bioinformatics and statistical analyses will be completed to determine risk factors for infection as well as evaluate relationships between pathogen infection state and host-associated microbial communities. For the moose project, a newly recruited PhD student (Alaina Woods) will join this project in January 2021, and will participate in a new NSF graduate research training program (NSF-NRT) in One Health at UMaine. The student's project will examine the drivers and impacts of parasite infections in moose, and use social science tools to facilitate communication and participatory planning. Further discussions with the moose biologist at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are underway to identify key priorities for the state with regards to moose management. Four undergraduates are expected to complete independent projects related to the stated objectives, and will be encouraged to present their results at local, regional, or national meetings. As noted previously, a number of publications are in preparation and are expected to be submitted for peer-review and publication.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the previous reporting period (Oct. 2019-Sept. 2020), I made progress towards these goals through three ongoing research projects: (1) tick-borne pathogens in moose and winter tick, (2) wild turkey disease ecology and evolution, and (3) avian pathogens, microbiomes, and migration ecology. In summary, outputs included 11 presentations at local, regional and international meetings and the publication of three peer-reviewed articles. In addition, 4 grants were awarded (~$240,000) to support these research efforts, and to support student training. Both graduate and undergraduate students were recruited and conducted research on wildlife diseases. Specific goals accomplished for each project are detailed below. Parasites in moose This project evaluates the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in moose (Alces alces) and winter ticks (Dermacentor albopictus), along with the risk factors and impacts of infection in moose. Genetic-based assays to detect bacterial pathogens (Anaplasma, Borrelia) were developed and used in screening both moose and winter ticks in Maine. Results revealed that a large proportion (~54%) of moose calves in Maine are infected with Anaplasma bacteria, with a significant difference in Anaplasma prevalence between northern and southern study sites, as well as between males and females. While winter tick parasitism was found to significant reduce calf over-winter survival, Anaplasma infections were also found to further reduce survival. We also found that the Anaplasma strain identified in moose was genetically divergent from the strain detected in winter ticks. Now, a capstone student is screening Tabanid flies across Maine to quantify the prevalence of Anaplasma in flies across Maine, and to determine whether they are a potential vector for pathogen transmission among moose. Over the reporting period, I gave an invited talk in the New England Biolabs Seminar, during which the results of this work were presented. One paper on the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for Anaplasma infection in moose has been revised and will be resubmitted to the Journal of Wildlife Diseases in Dec. 2020. Also, I was recently awarded a Morris Animal Foundation grant ($148,492) to expand upon this research. Two graduate students (Tegwin Taylor, Alaina Woods) were recruited for this project, both of which are jointly in both the Ecology and Environmental Sciences PhD and the One Health NRT programs at the University of Maine. 2. Wild turkey disease ecology and evolution In 2019-2020, live capture, tagging, and biological sampling of wild turkeys (n=258) was conducted across four areas in Maine. These data are being used to examine the transmission dynamics and fitness effects of an oncogenic virus (lymphoproliferative disease virus, LPDV) in Maine's wild turkey population. Data were collected on pathogen infection status of turkeys; in addition to our focal pathogen, we also performed assays to detect additional bacterial (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, MG; Salmonella), and viral (reticuloendotheliosis virus, REV) infections. Results suggest widespread transmission and establishment of LPDV, with an infection prevalence of 59% in Maine's wild turkey population over our sampling period (from 2017-2020). MG prevalence was 74%, REV was 16%, and Salmonella was 3.4%. Further analyses identified risk factors (e.g., age) predicting individual infection, and a significant effect of LPDV infection on fitness. Results from our second year of data were delivered in a report to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), and also disseminated to local, regional, and national audiences through 7 presentations, 5 of which were led by graduate students. Furthermore, a supplemental grant was awarded by MDIFW (Pittman-Robertson Funds; $69,196) to build on this work. In addition, two graduate-led papers were accepted for publication in the National Wild Turkey Federation Proceedings (to be held in 2021); another graduate-led publication examining risk factors of LPDV infection in wild turkeys is currently being prepared and will be submitted for publication by the end of 2020. Lastly, a documentary video of the project is in production by the National Wild Turkey Federation. 3. Avian pathogens, microbiomes, and migration ecology The goal of this project is to better understand bird-mediated disease dynamics in a multi-host resident-migratory system. As of Sept. 2020, we have extracted DNA from blood samples collected from 38 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 36 common buzzards (Buteo buteo), 8 common cranes (Grus grus), and 130 barn owls (Tyto alba) collected in Israel. Blood samples from 90 barn owls collected last year have not yet been processed. Continued from last year, we have collected and begun extractions for additional avian blood samples from the Atlantic Flyway (in Maine) to expand the geographic scope of this study. New samples include 21 American black ducks (Anas rubripes), 1 European starling (Sturnis vulgaris), 6 green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis), 9 house sparrows (Passer domesticus), 85 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 50 wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and 41 wood ducks (Aix sponsa) from Maine. Microscopy for avian blood parasite detection was completed for 32 mallards and 33 buzzards from Israel as well as all birds from Maine. Based on microscopy, 29 of 33 buzzards (88%) and 3 of 32 mallards (9%) were positive for avian blood parasites with low levels of parasitemia (1 to 134 infected blood cells/10,000 red blood cells) from Israel. From Maine birds, 47 of 68 wood ducks (69%), 9 of 16 teals (56%), 79 of 205 mallards (39%), 13 of 29 black ducks (45%), 6 of 72 turkeys (8%), 0 of 62 pigeons (0%), 0 of 11 sparrows (0%), and 0 of 1 starling (0%) were infected. In total, 186 of 529 (35%) birds were infected based on microscopic examination of blood smears. When comparing the two mallard populations (across flyways), the difference in blood parasite prevalence was statistically significant (p=0.04). Quantitative PCR, which will be used to determine the relative parasite intensities in individual birds, is still in progress and in the early stages of optimization. Thus far, we have been able to generate a detection sensitivity of as little as 10-4 ng/µl concentration of DNA. Of the samples tested in preliminary work, 50 out of 86 samples (58%) were positive for blood parasites through qPCR. Of those samples, all but 1 sample that was positive in microscopy (21 samples) was also positive in qPCR. Furthermore, 24 samples that were negative via microscopy tested positive in qPCR. Quantitative PCR results will also be analyzed in conjunction with the microbiome data collected to examine relationships between host-associated microbial communities and pathogen infection status. In addition to blood parasites, Salmonella was cultured from a subset of our cloacal and fecal samples from wild birds. By pairing these data with microbiome data from the same individual birds, these data are being used to evaluate the potential for microbiome data to be used for pathogen surveillance in wildlife populations. Scholarly products associated with this project include the delivery of 5 presentations, 4 of which were led by students. Two manuscripts from this project were published in the journal Molecular Ecology (Corl et al. 2020, Turjeman et al. 2020); both papers highlight how movement in avian hosts, including on the local and global scales, can affect the host-associated microbial community. Three additional papers are currently being revised or being prepared for submission within the next few months; one of these papers is led by a graduate student (Olivia Choi) and will be considered for publication in a special issue on "Disease Ecology: Novel Concepts and Methods to Track and Forecast Disease Emergence, Transmission, Spread, and Endemization" in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Turjeman, S., A. Corl, A. Wolfenden, M. Tsalyuk, A. Lublin, O. Choi, P.L. Kamath, W.M. Getz, R. Bowie, R. Nathan (2020) Migration, pathogens, and the avian microbiome: a comparative study in sympatric migrants and residents. Molecular Ecology 29: 4706-4720. doi: 10.1111/mec.15660
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Kamath, P.L., K. Manlove, E.F. Cassirer, P.C. Cross, T.E. Besser (2019) Genetic structure of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae informs pathogen spillover dynamics between domestic and wild Caprinae in the western United States. Scientific Reports 9: 15318. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51444-x
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Kamath, P.L. Wildlife Disease Genetics Laboratory Website, https://kamathlab.weebly.com/
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Kamath, P.L. (2020) A One Health approach to understanding and managing infectious diseases in wildlife. New England Biolabs Seminar, Virtual, Jun. 18 (Invited Talk).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Blomberg, E., M. Gonnerman , S. Shea , P.L. Kamath, K. Sullivan (2020) Wild turkey population and harvest estimation, disease ecology, and demographics in Maine. National Wild Turkey Federation Convention, Nashville, TN, Feb. 12 16
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Choi, O., A. Bryant, S. OGrady, M. Bangs, P. L. Kamath (2019) Wild avian microbiomes and parasites on a farm environment. Maine Public Health Association Fall Conference, Augusta, ME, Oct. 8 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Shea, S., M. Gonnerman, E. Blomberg, K Sullivan, P. L. Kamath (2019) Assessing the effect of lymphoproliferative disease virus on fitness metrics in Maines wild turkey population. Maine Public Health Association Fall Conference, Augusta, ME, Oct. 8 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Choi, O., R. Bowie, N. Thie, A. Bryant, K. Sullivan, R. Nathan, P. L. Kamath (2019) Utilization of quantitative PCR for evaluating parasitemia in avian species. Joint Annual Conference of The American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV, Sept. 29 Oct. 3 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Gonnerman, M., E. Blomberg, K. Sullivan, S. Shea, P. L. Kamath (2019) Seasonal resource use and landscape connectivity for Eastern wild turkeys in Maine. Joint Annual Conference of The American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV, Sept. 29 Oct. 3 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Shea, S., M. Gonnerman, E. Blomberg, K Sullivan, P. L. Kamath (2019) Assessing the effect of lymphoproliferative disease virus on fitness metrics in Maines wild turkey population. Joint Annual Conference of The American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV, Sept. 29 Oct. 3 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Gonnerman, M., E. Blomberg, K. Sullivan, S. Shea, P. L. Kamath (2019) Influences of multi-scale habitat quality and female behavior on nest success of eastern wild turkeys. American Ornithology Society Meeting, Anchorage, AK, Jun. 24 28 (Poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Desjardines, C., S. Shea, M. Gonnerman, K. Sullivan, E. Blomberg, P.L. Kamath (2020) Retroviral strain diversity and spatial distribution in wild turkeys to assess agricultural spillover. UMaine Student Symposium, Virtual, Oct. 2 (Talk).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Pekarsky, S., A. Corl, P.L. Kamath, W.M. Getz, R.C.K. Bowie, Y. Markin, R. Nathan (2019) Change versus stability in gut microbiota of an omnivorous long-distance migrant. The Zoological Society of Israel Annual Conference, Jerusalem, Israel, Dec. 29 (Talk).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Turjeman, S., A. Corl, A. Wolfenden, M. Tsalyuk, A. Lublin, P.L. Kamath, W.M. Getz, R.C.K. Bowie, Y. Markin, R. Nathan (2019) Migration status and microbiome composition: a comparative study in sympatrically co-occurring migrants and residents. The Zoological Society of Israel Annual Conference, Jerusalem, Israel, Dec. 29 (Talk).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Gonnerman, M., S. Shea, P.L. Kamath, E. Blomberg, K. Sullivan (2019) Population estimation, harvest management, and landscape-scale spatial ecology of wild turkeys in Maine. Year 2 Progress Report to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Management.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Corl, A., M. Charter, G. Rozman, S. Toledo, S. Turjeman, P.L. Kamath, W.M. Getz, R. Nathan, R. Bowie (2020) Movement ecology and sex are linked to barn owl microbial community composition. Molecular Ecology 29: 1358-1371. doi: 10.1111/mec.15398
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the reporting period, the target audience reached by this effort included the regional, national, and international scientific community through publications and presentations at conferences. Two presentations were delivered at the North American Moose Meeting, which reached scientists and wildlife managers focused on moose from both North America and Europe. A presentation was also delivered at the Northeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA) conference in Groton, CT (April 2019), which is attended by wildlife biologists and managers from state agencies across the Northeastern U.S. In addition, research results were shared in a report and through regular meetings with our partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. I also delivered an invited keynote talk at a One Health Catalyst Group meeting that involved discussions on One Health issues among a diverse group of scientists, clinicians, public health officials, NGOs, and students. Furthermore, participation in a new UMaine REU summer program in One Health provided research training and professional development opportunities for a diverse group of undergraduates from around the country. Finally, public outreach included participation in a public panel discussion at the Maine Science Festival, and maintenance of research websites. Changes/Problems:No major changes have been made to the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided research training opportunities for 3 graduate (2 PhD, 1 MS) and 6 undergraduate students (3 research assistants, 3 capstone students). In May 2019, the MS student completed and defended his thesis, and four undergraduates graduated with the BSc. degrees (in Zoology or Animal Sciences). Both PhD students took and passed their qualifying exams to advance to candidacy. Two of the undergraduates matriculated at veterinary schools, and another undergraduate has continued in my research group as a MS student in the Ecology and Environmental Sciences Program. All students were involved in independent research projects focused on wildlife disease topics. These students gained experience in animal handling, field and disease sampling, laboratory safety, and laboratory methods (e.g., DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification and optimization, sequencing, necropsy, microscopy). They also received training in the critical review of scientific literature, problem solving (i.e., optimizing genetic protocols), as well as writing of proposals, literature reviews, and research papers/reports. Both undergraduate and graduate students attended weekly laboratory meetings, during which research activities and biological principles related to these activities were discussed. Students presented their work regularly at laboratory meetings and participated in discussions on related literature. Students also were encouraged to present their research results in scientific symposiums or conferences; for example, all 9 students presented their research results at the 2019 UMaine Student Symposium. In addition, one graduate student delivered a talk at a regional meeting (Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Conference, April 2019, Groton, CT), and both an undergraduate and graduate student gave talks at a national-level meeting (North American Moose Conference, June 2019, Sugarloaf, ME). A technical report on the turkey project was led by two graduate students and provided to our partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Furthermore, two graduate student-led papers are in preparation and are expected to be submitted for publication by early 2020. Lastly, all graduate students had the opportunity to gain mentoring experience by working with undergraduate students to guide them through independent research projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through 15 presentations at local, regional and national meetings, 2 peer-reviewed publications, a published MS thesis, a technical report, and 2 research websites. Presentations given at regional (Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, Groton, CT) and national (North American Moose Meeting, Sugarloaf, ME) meetings were attended by scientists (from academic and government institutions) and wildlife managers. I delivered a keynote presentation at a regional meeting of the One Health Catalyst Network, which was held as a joint meeting with the Planetary Health Alliance and was attended by academic researchers as well as public health, veterinary, and medical practitioners with interests in One Health. Furthermore, I presented results of the moose-winter tick project and participated in a public forum on "The Ecology of Infectious Disease: How the Environment Shapes Human and Animal Health," at the Maine Science Festival (March 2019, Bangor, ME). Two peer-reviewed journal articles were published reviewing related topics on pathogen transmission of environmental pathogens (Blackburn et al. 2019) and the use of genomic approaches for wildlife disease research (Fitak et al. 2019). In addition, a MS thesis on socio-ecological evaluation of disease risk in moose was published (Elliott, 2019). For the wild turkey project, a technical report detailing the data collected and preliminary results obtained from the first year of data was provided to our state agency partners at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. A research website was also published to disseminate information about the turkey project to the public, as well as aid in tag recovery (https://wildturkeyme.org). Finally, I have maintained information on all mentioned ongoing research projects on my lab website (https://kamathlab.weebly.com/). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To accomplish the goals outlined, we intend to continue field sampling and laboratory analyses to address project objectives #1-4. In particular, one more field season is planned for the wild turkey project. Lab work is also expected to continue for this project, which will result in data on viral strain types, distribution, prevalence, and transmission in wild turkeys. In addition, associated data on fitness metrics, demographics, co-infections, and movement will continue to be collected and integrated into our analyses to evaluate drivers and fitness impacts of LPDV infection on wild turkeys.We will also complete the sampling of wild birds for the migratory bird pathogens project. Molecular and microscopy-based screening of blood parasites will be completed. Furthermore, we plan to extend our analysis to screen for avian influenza viruses in wild birds, working together with the Runstadler Lab (Tufts University). The remaining samples will be sent for microbiome 16S rRNA sequencing to complete our data set of paired pathogen infection and microbiome data, which will be analyzed to evaluate the role of the microbiome in host resistance to pathogens. In addition, Salmonella will be cultured from a subset of our data, strains will be isolated and identified, and a genomic analysis will be conducted to examine potential pathogen transmission pathways among migrant and resident bird populations. For the moose project, I intend to recruit a PhD student to build on our preliminary data. The student will participate in a new NSF graduate research training program (NSF-NRT) in One Health at UMaine. The student's project will examine the drivers and impacts of parasite infections in moose, and use social science tools to facilitate communication and participatory planning. Further discussions with the moose biologist at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are underway to identify key priorities for the state with regards to moose management. In addition, grant proposals to further fund this research will be submitted (e.g. Morris Animal Foundation) Four undergraduates are expected to complete independent projects related to the stated objectives, and will be encouraged to present their results at local, regional, or national meetings. As noted previously, a number of publications are in preparation and are expected to be submitted for peer-review and publication.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the previous reporting period (October 2018 to September 2019), I made progress towards these goals through three ongoing research projects on (1) tick-borne pathogens in moose and winter tick, (2) wild turkey disease ecology and evolution, and (3) avian pathogens, microbiomes, and migration ecology. In summary, outputs included 15 presentations at local, regional and international meetings, and the publication of three peer-reviewed articles and 1 Masters thesis (Elliott, 2019). In addition, 5 grants were awarded (totaling ~$3.4 million) to support these research efforts, as well as to build undergraduate (NSF-REU) and graduate training (NSF-NRT) in One Health at UMaine. Both graduate and undergraduate students were recruited and conducted research on wildlife diseases (see details on training opportunities). Specific goals accomplished for each project are detailed below. Tick-borne pathogens in moose and winter ticks This project has been evaluating the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in moose (Alces alces) and winter ticks (Dermacentor albopictus), along with the risk factors and impacts of infection in moose. Genetic-based assays to detect bacterial pathogens (Anaplasma, Borrelia) were developed and used in screening both moose and winter ticks in Maine. Results revealed that a large proportion (~54%) of moose calves in Maine are infected with Anaplasma bacteria, with a significant difference in Anaplasma prevalence between northern and southern study sites, as well as between males and females. While winter tick parasitism was found to significant reduce calf over-winter survival, Anaplasma infections were also found to further reduce survival. These results were published in a MS student's thesis, and 9 presentations were delivered at local, regional, and national meetings. One paper, led by a graduate student, on the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for Anaplasma infection in moose is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in January 2020. Wild turkey disease ecology and evolution Live capture, tagging, and biological sampling of wild turkeys (n = 519) were conducted at four sites in Maine in 2018-2019, data which we are using to examine the transmission dynamics and fitness effects of an oncogenic virus (lymphoproliferative disease virus, LPDV) in Maine's wild turkey population. Tracking of tagged birds is ongoing, and field sampling will continue at these sites through 2020. Preliminary data suggests widespread transmission and establishment of LPDV, with an infection prevalence of 69% in Maine's wild turkey population. Further analyses revealed risk factors (e.g., age) predicting individual infection, and a significant effect of pathogen infection on both survival and reproduction. A NSF-REU student participated in this project in Summer 2019, and this student conducted research focused on the fitness effects of co-infection pathogens on wild turkeys. In Jan. 2019, results from our first year of data were delivered in a report to the state wildlife agency, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Preliminary results were also disseminated to local and regional audiences through 4 presentations, and a project website was published (https://wildturkeyme.org/). Furthermore, a grant was awarded by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund to further examine relationships between LPDV infection and other co-infecting pathogens in turkeys. Finally, two graduate-led papers are now in preparation and will be submitted in Feb. 2020 for review and publication in the National Wild Turkey Federation Proceedings. 3. Avian pathogens, microbiomes, and migration ecology The primary goal of this NSF-funded project is to better understand bird-mediated disease transmission in a multi-host resident-migratory system. As of September 2019, over 1,500 samples were collected from 5 wild avian species in Israel (barn owl, barn swallow, mallard duck, Eurasian crane, steppe buzzard) and 7 species in Maine (house sparrow, rock pigeon, American woodcock, wood duck, blue-winged teal, mallard duck, American black duck). Biological samples are being used to quantify avian malaria infection intensities and examine the relationships between parasite infections and microbiome characteristics. Major laboratory accomplishments over the reporting period include microbiome sequencing of >900 birds across all target species, and development of a genetic-based method to quantify blood parasite infection intensities in wild birds. Validation of these method is currently being conducted, through contrasts with results obtained through microscopy-based parasite quantification methods. Data analysis is ongoing, and preliminary results were delivered in 3 presentations at the UMaine Student Symposium (April 2019). Three manuscripts related to this project have been submitted for publication and are currently under peer review in Molecular Ecology and Methods in Ecology and Evolution.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Blackburn, J.K., H.H. Ganz, J.M. Ponciano, W.C. Turner, S.J. Ryan, P.L. Kamath, C.A. Cizauskas, K.L. Kausrud, R.D. Holt, N.C. Stenseth, W.M. Getz (2019) Modeling R0 for pathogens with environmental transmission. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6): 954. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16060954
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Elliott, J.A (2019) A socio-ecological approach to wildlife disease risk. University of Maine MS Thesis, 3032. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/3032
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tweedie, B., S. Shea, M. Gonnerman, K. Sullivan, E. Blomberg, P.L. Kamath (2019) Fitness effects of pathogen co-infection on Maines wild turkey population. UMaine REU One Health Symposium, Aug 10. Poster/Speed Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Kamath, P.L., W.C. Turner (2019) A genomic approach for evaluating host adaptation to Bacillus anthracis in two anthrax endemic systems. Etosha Symposium, Mokuti Lodge, Etosha National Park, Namibia, Jun. 11 14, Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Elliott, J.A., C.C. Dickson, L.E. Kantar, A. Lichtenwalner, A. Bryant, W. Jakubas, P.J. Pekins, S.M. De Urioste-Stone, P.L. Kamath (2019). Detection of Anaplasma species in the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) and in Eastern moose (Alces alces americana) in Maine, USA. 53rd Annual North American Moose Conference, Sugarloaf Resort, Carrabassett Valley, ME, Jun 10-14, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Bowker, J., J.A. Elliot, A. Bryant, L.E. Kantar, A. Lichtenwalner, P.L. Kamath (2019). Screening for Borrelia spp. bacterial infections in moose and winter tick populations in Maine. 53rd Annual North American Moose Conference, Sugarloaf Resort, Carrabassett Valley, ME, Jun 10-14, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Elliott, J.E, C. Dickson, J. Bowker, K. Pinto, A. Lichtenwalner, L.E. Kantar, W.J. Jakubas, A. Bryant, S. De Urioste-Stone, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Detection of Anaplasma species in winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) and in Eastern moose (Alces alces americana) in Maine, USA. 75th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, Groton, CT, Apr. 14 16, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Bangs, M., O. Choi, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Avian microbiome composition and diversity in wild birds on the Witter Farm, UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Bowker, J., J. Elliott, A. Bryant, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Screening for Borrelia spp. bacterial infections in moose and winter tick populations in Maine, UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Fitak, R.R., J. Antonides, E. Baitchman, E. Bonaccorsco, J. Braun, S. Kubiski, E. Chiu, A. Fagre, R. Gagne, J. Lee, J. Malmberg, M. Stenglein, R. Dusek, D. Forgacs, N. Fountain-Jones, M. Gilbertson, K. Worsley-Tonks, W.C. Funk, D. Trumbo, B.M. Ghersi, W. Grimaldi, S. Heisel, C. Jardine, P.L. Kamath, D. Karmacharya, C. Kozakiewicz, S. Kraberger, D. Loisel, C. McDonald, S. Miller, D. ORourke, C. Ott-Conn, M. P�ez-Vacas, A. Peel, W. Turner, M. VanAcker, S. VandeWoude, J. Pecon-Slattery (2019). The expectations and challenges of wildlife disease research in the era of genomics: forecasting with a horizon scan-like exercise. Journal of Heredity, 261-274. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esz001
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Choi, O., R. Bowie, N. Thie, R. Nathan, K. Sullivan, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Utilization of quantitative PCR for evaluating parasitemia in avian species, UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Cleary, J., S. Shea, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Identifying risk factors of parasitic helminth infection in the ruffed grouse, UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dickson, C., J. Elliott, L. Kantar, S. De Urioste-Stone, A. Lichtenwalner, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Prevalence, patterns, and potential health impacts of a tick-borne pathogen in Maine moose (Alces alces), UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
DiMatteo-LePape, A., S. De Urioste-Stone, P.L. Kamath, A. Lichtenwalner, J. Elliott. (2019) A qualitative study of the perceived risks of the impacts of moose-winter tick interactions on human health, Maine economy, and Maine culture. UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Poster
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Elliott, J., A. DiMatteo-LePape, C. Dickson, J. Bowker, K. Pinto, S. De Urioste-Stone, A. Lichtenwalner, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Socio-ecological approach to wildlife disease risk: moose, winter ticks, and disease, UMaine Student Symposium, IURC Special Session, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
OGrady, S., O. Choi, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Avian blood parasite prevalence and diversity in wild birds residing on the Witter Farm, UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Shea, S., M. Gonnerman, E. Blomberg, K. Sullivan, P.L. Kamath. (2019) Prevalence, risk factors, and health impacts of lymphoproliferative disease virus in Maine's wild turkey population. UMaine Student Symposium, Bangor, ME, Apr. 10, Talk.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Kamath, P.L. (2019) Disease in Maine moose: climate change, ticks, and bacteria - oh my! Maine Science Festival, Bangor, ME, Mar. 19, Invited Talk and Panel discussion on The Ecology of Infectious Disease: How the Environment Shapes Human and Animal Health.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Kamath, P.L. (2018) Interdisciplinary approaches for assessing the transmission and impacts of infectious disease in wild animal populations. One Health Catalyst Meeting, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, Nov. 3, Invited Keynote Talk.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
https://wildturkeyme.org
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Gonnerman, M., S. Shea, P.L. Kamath, E. Blomberg, K. Sullivan. 2018. Population estimation, harvest management, and landscape-scale spatial ecology of wild turkeys in Maine Year 1 Technical Progress Report to Maines Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
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