[APWG] Bald Eagle deaths due to Aquatic Algae and Hydrilla associated with a virus

[ialm at erols.com]

Subject: Bald Eagle deaths due to Aquatic Algae and Hydrilla (an aquatic
invasive weed) which are associated with a virus

This meeting may be important for those of us in the Washington metro area.

Where: 311, Crystal Mall 2, Office of pesticide programs 

When: Wed 10/27/2004 09:00 AM


Marc


Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy (AVM) Linked to Exotic Aquatic 
Plants and a Novel Cyanobacterial Species 

by: Susan B Wilde, Ph.D. 
University of South Carolina 
Location: 311, Crystal Mall 2, Office of pesticide
programs 
Begins: Wed 10/27/2004 09:00 AM

Entry type: | [Meeting | [ ] Appointment| [ ] A |
Day Event 
Anniversary Reminder| 
Ends: Wed 10/27/2004 10:30 AM


Chair: James Breithaupt/DC/USEPA/US 

Invitations already sent 
To: OPP ALL 
cc: getsink at wes.army.mil; Kurt Getsinger/DC/USEPA/US at EPA 


Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy (AVM) Linked to Exotic Aquatic Plants and a
Novel Cyanobacterial Species

Susan B. Wilde, PhD
Assistant Research Professor
Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of
South Carolina,

Address:
Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources,
Charleston, SC 29412 wildes at mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

ABSTRACT: Invasions of exotic species have created environmental havoc
through competition and displacement of native plants and animals. The
introduction of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) into the United States in
the 1960's has been detrimental to navigation, power generation, water
intakes and water quality. Our field surveys and feeding studies now
implicate exotic hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and an associated
epiphytic cyanobacteria species as a link in an emerging avian disease to
herbivorous waterbirds and their avian predators. Avian vacuolar
myelinopathy (AVM), first reported in 1994, has been the cause of death for
at least 100 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and 1000's of American
coots (Fulica americana) at 11 sites from Texas to North Carolina. Our
current working hypothesis is that the disease agent is an uncharacterized
neurotoxin produced by a novel cyanobacterial epiphyte in the order
Stigonematales. This undescribed species covers up to 95% of the surface
area of hydrilla leaves in reservoirs where bird deaths have occurred from
the disease. In addition, this species is rare or not found on hydrilla
collected at sites where AVM disease has not been diagnosed. Laboratory
feeding trials and a sentinel bird study using naturally occurring blooms of
cyanobacteria on hydrilla leaves and farm-raised mallard ducks (Anas
platyrhynchos) induced the
disease experimentally. Since 1994, AVM has been diagnosed in
additional sites from Texas to North Carolina. Specific site
characteristics that produce the disjunct distribution of AVM are unknown,
but it is probable that occurrences of this disease will increase with the
introduction of hydrilla and associated cyanobacteria species into
additional ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.

H. Glenn Williams
For routine mail:
Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511C)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
U.S. EPA
Ariel Rios
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20460-0001

For Fed Ex or Express Mail:
H. Glenn Williams
USEPA/OPP (7511C)
Crystal Mall 2/Room 910
1801 S. Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Tel 703-308-8287
Fax 703-308-7026 



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