Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
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Biocomplexity of Introduced Avian Diseases:
PIERC Project Leader: Carter T. Atkinson, Ph.D. |
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Objectives: Determine whether low-elevation native species have evolved resistance to malaria Determine how pox and malaria interact during sequential infections Characterize genetic differences among pox isolates |
| Accomplishments: Low elevation Amakihi have lower morbidity and mortality from malaria Pox can increase the magnitude and impact of disease outbreaks by interacting with malaria At least 3 genetically distinct strains of pox virus are cycling in forest bird populations Feb’06 |
Significance: Low-elevation native forests are important for speeding co-evolution of introduced pathogens and native birds Pox may play a significant role in epizootic disease outbreaks, particularly if genetic variants differ in virulence USGS-BRD-PIERC Projects |
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://biology.usgs.gov/pierc/
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Page Last Modified: Friday, February 16, 2007
