National Wildlife Health Center

...advancing wildlife and ecosystem health

New and Ongoing Wildlife Mortality Events Nationwide

USGS and a network of partners across the country work on documenting wildlife mortality events in order to provide timely and accurate information on locations, species and causes of death.  This information is used by natural resource managers, researchers, public health officials and  legislators  to help design disease prevention and mitigation strategies, to address interconnections between human, domestic animal and wildlife disease, and to assist in identification of 'normal' disease issues vs. biosecurity concerns.

These data are not all-inclusive. Information on some outbreaks may not be received until months or years after the event, but efforts continue to make the information as complete as possible. For information on previous wildlife mortality events and events that used to be on this page, please see the Quarterly Mortality Reports.

New The Recent Mortality Events Map visualizes the data on this page in an interactive map. Watch for trends and filter events based on type and location.

For additional information on mortalities

  • Western U.S.: Barb Bodenstein, 608-270-2447, bbodenstein@usgs.gov
  • Central U.S.: Dr. LeAnn White, 608-270-2491, clwhite@usgs.gov
  • Eastern U.S.: Dr. Anne Ballmann, 608-270-2445, aballmann@usgs.gov
  • Hawaii, Pacific Islands: Dr. Thierry Work, 808-792-9520, thierry_work@usgs.gov
  • Nationwide, single animal cases only: Jennifer Buckner, 608-270-2443, jBuckner@usgs.gov

More information on reporting an event can be found at the event reporting page.

Date last updated : Jun 11, 2013

Mortality Begin Date End Date State County Species Diagnosis Estimated Mortality to Date Reported By
05/30/2013ongoingDENEW CASTLESpring Peeper Frog, Wood FrogViral Infection suspect~ 1000USGS NWHC
05/26/2013ongoingMTYELLOWSTONERed CrossbillSalmonellosis suspect< 10- no diagnostics pursued -
05/15/201305/30/2013CASAN DIEGOGull-billed TernParasitism: acanthocephaliasis< 75USGS NWHC
05/13/2013ongoingCALOS ANGELESUnidentified DuckBotulism suspect~ 10- no diagnostics pursued -
05/08/201305/09/2013MDWORCESTERClapper RailTrauma: impact< 50MD Dept of Agriculture, USGS NWHC
05/06/201305/17/2013VAACCOMACKMuscovy DuckDuck plague< 25USGS NWHC
05/05/201305/12/2013ALBALDWINBrown PelicanUndetermined~ 10- no diagnostics pursued -
05/03/201305/27/2013DENEW CASTLEWood Frog, Spring Peeper Frog, American Toad, Unidentified FrogOpen~ 100USGS NWHC
04/27/201305/06/2013SDBROWNCanada Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Unidentified Domestic Or Hybrid Goose, MallardAvian cholera< 25USGS NWHC
04/16/2013ongoingSDBROWNMallard, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead Duck, Lesser Snow GooseAvian cholera~ 25USGS NWHC
04/15/2013ongoingAZMARICOPAMourning DoveParasitism: trichomoniasis, Bacterial infection< 25USGS NWHC
04/15/201305/25/2013SDBRULERedhead Duck, Canvasback, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, MallardAvian cholera~ 1750USGS NWHC
04/15/201304/15/2013UTTOOELEEared GrebeTrauma< 5000USGS NWHC, UT Div of Wildlife Resources, DoD
04/14/201304/16/2013OHBROWNEuropean Starling, House Sparrow, American RobinAvian cholera suspect< 10USGS NWHC
04/12/201305/08/2013IACALHOUNAmerican Coot, Greater White-fronted Goose, Lesser Snow Goose, Gadwall, Green-winged TealAvian cholera~ 300USGS NWHC
04/10/2013ongoingWIJUNEAUUnidentified Junco, Fox SparrowToxicosis: carbamate suspect< 75USGS NWHC
04/08/2013ongoingMNHOUSTONLesser Scaup, American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, BuffleheadParasitism: Sphaeridiotrema sp., Parasitism: Cyathocotyle bushiensis, Parasitism: Leyogonimus polyoo~ 4000USGS NWHC
04/08/2013ongoingWILA CROSSELesser Scaup, American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Redhead DuckParasitism: trematodiasis< 350USGS NWHC
04/03/201304/03/2013TXTERRYUnidentified Sandhill CraneElectrocution suspect< 50
04/01/2013ongoingAZMARICOPAMourning DoveParasitism: trichomoniasis< 50USGS NWHC
04/01/2013ongoingNEHALLUnidentified Sandhill CraneBacterial infection suspect< 25USGS NWHC
04/01/201304/10/2013MAESSEXCanada GooseLead poisoning< 10USGS NWHC
03/27/201304/15/2013WYTETONTrumpeter SwanEmaciation, Parasitism: coccidiosis (Eimeria sp.), Avian tuberculosis suspect< 25USGS NWHC, WY State Veterinary Lab
03/19/2013ongoingVA / NCVIRGINIA BEACH / PENDER, ONSLOW, CURRITUCK, DARECommon Loon, Razorbill, Horned Grebe, Greater Shearwater, Northern Gannet, DovekieEmaciation< 150USGS NWHC, SCWDS
03/15/201304/30/2013MTYELLOWSTONENorthern Pintail, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Northern ShovelerParasitism: trematodiasis suspect~ 150- no diagnostics pursued -
03/11/201303/31/2013CAIMPERIALMourning DoveParasitism: trichomoniasis~ 50USGS NWHC
03/10/201303/12/2013GAGILMERAmerican RobinTrauma< 50SCWDS
03/09/201304/05/2013NECLAY, PHELPSLesser Snow Goose, Northern Pintail, Mallard, Ross' Goose, Redhead DuckAvian cholera< 1900USGS NWHC
03/05/201303/10/2013UTDAVISTundra Swan, CanvasbackEmaciation, Lead poisoning~ 300USGS NWHC
03/03/201303/06/2013OKMCCLAINRed-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Mourning DoveToxicosis: strychnine< 100SCWDS
02/27/2013ongoingONTSUDBURY COLittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 10Canadian Coop Wildlife Health
02/26/201302/26/2013WAOKANOGANBald EagleElectrocution< 5- no diagnostics pursued -
02/25/2013ongoingGADADEEastern Pipistrelle (AKA Tri-colored)Fungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 10SCWDS
02/22/201302/22/2013GACLARKECedar WaxwingTrauma, Toxicosis: ethanol suspect< 10SCWDS
02/21/2013ongoingSCPICKENSEastern Pipistrelle (AKA Tri-colored)Fungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 5SCWDS
02/21/201302/28/2013GACOLUMBIABrown-headed Cowbird, American GoldfinchSalmonellosis< 10Sea World of San Diego
02/20/2013ongoingILHARDINLittle Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome0University of IL
02/20/201302/22/2013LAACADIABrown-headed CowbirdOpen~ 100USGS NWHC
02/19/201304/15/2013CAKINGSRuddy Duck, Unidentified Waterfowl, American Avocet, Unidentified Goldeneye, Peregrine FalconAvian cholera~ 100USGS NWHC
02/15/201302/17/2013NHMERRIMACKMallard, Domestic Black DuckPredation< 50USGS NWHC
02/14/2013ongoingPEIPRINCE COLittle Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 5Canadian Coop Wildlife Health
02/13/2013ongoingILMONROELittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome0University of IL
02/11/201302/19/2013MOHOLTLesser Snow Goose, Ross' GooseAvian cholera< 75USGS NWHC
02/09/201304/15/2013KYHARTEastern Pipistrelle (AKA Tri-colored), Little Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome, Fungal Infection: white-nose syndrome suspect0SCWDS
02/07/201302/07/2013TNLAWRENCECommon GrackleUndetermined< 25SCWDS
02/01/201304/08/2013CASISKIYOULesser Snow Goose, American Wigeon, Unidentified Swan, Northern Pintail, CanvasbackAvian cholera< 1250USGS NWHC
02/01/201304/20/2013FLBREVARDEastern Brown PelicanEmaciation, Parasitism: intestinal~ 100USGS NWHC
02/01/201302/20/2013WIWALWORTHAmerican CootEmaciation: starvation suspect< 25USGS NWHC
02/01/2013ongoingINJENNINGSEastern Pipistrelle (AKA Tri-colored)Fungal Infection: white-nose syndrome suspectunknown
01/31/2013ongoingILPOPELittle Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome0USGS NWHC
01/30/2013ongoingVALEEUnidentified BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndromeunknown
01/30/201304/15/2013KYLETCHEREastern Pipistrelle (AKA Tri-colored), Northern Long-Eared Bat, Little Brown Bat, Indiana BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndromeunknownSCWDS
01/30/201304/15/2013KYCARTERIndiana Bat, Little Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndromeunknownSCWDS
01/30/2013ongoingILLA SALLENorthern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome0USGS NWHC, University of IL
01/28/201304/24/2013NY** multiple countiesCommon RedpollSalmonellosis (S. typhimurium)< 50Cornell University, NY Dept Env Cons
01/27/201305/01/2013WALINCOLNRed-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, European StarlingToxicosis: Famphur< 150USGS NWHC
01/25/201303/16/2013CARIVERSIDERuddy Duck, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested CormorantAvian cholera~ 1400USGS NWHC
01/24/2013ongoingOHMEDINALittle Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 25USGS NWHC
01/24/2013ongoingONTNORTHUMBERLAND COLittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 5Canadian Coop Wildlife Health
01/20/2013ongoingOHGEAUGALittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 5USGS NWHC
01/20/201302/15/2013CAIMPERIALNorthern Pintail, MallardUndetermined, Unsuitable< 50USGS NWHC
01/14/201301/14/2013WAWHATCOMPine SiskinTrauma: impact~ 200USGS NWHC
01/12/201303/30/2013WIWAUKESHAPine Siskin, American GoldfinchSalmonellosis suspect< 50- no diagnostics pursued -
01/10/2013ongoingPEIQUEENS COLittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 10Canadian Coop Wildlife Health
01/09/201301/09/2013FLSUWANNEEBrazilian Free-tailed Bat, Southeastern myotisTrauma, Pneumonia< 50SCWDS
01/09/201304/21/2013FLSARASOTA, LEE, CHARLOTTEManateeToxicosis: brevetoxin, Toxicosis: brevetoxin suspect< 300FL Fish & Wildlife Cons Comm
01/07/201301/07/2013NVCLARKGambel's QuailTrauma, Pulmonary hemorrhage< 10USGS NWHC
01/04/201304/15/2013KYEDMONSONLittle Brown Bat, Northern Long-Eared BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndromeunknownSCWDS
01/04/201301/04/2013WAPIERCEPine SiskinTrauma suspect~ 10- no diagnostics pursued -
01/03/201301/07/2013TXHASKELLUnidentified Sandhill CraneToxicosis: organophosphorus cmpd. suspect< 5USGS NWHC
01/03/201301/16/2013UTSALT LAKE, WEBER, DAVISEared GrebeAvian cholera~ 2000USGS NWHC
01/02/201301/02/2013OHCUYAHOGACanada Goose, MallardTrauma: gunshot, Trauma: malicious< 50USGS NWHC
01/02/201301/12/2013WASKAGITPine SiskinTrauma: impact~ 1250USGS NWHC
01/01/2013ongoingMOCRAWFORDLittle Brown BatFungal Infection: white-nose syndrome< 5USGS NWHC
11/15/201205/15/2013CAALAMEDAUnidentified WaterfowlAvian cholera< 450CA Animal Health/Food Safety L, CA Fish & Game Disease Lab

Explanation of fields:

Mortality begin date is the date the mortality began -- for most wildlife disease events, this is an estimate only, as carcasses may not be noticed immediately.

End date is again usually an estimate of the last day new carcasses were found.

State and country identify the area in which the mortality is occurring.  NOTE:  avian mortality events may cover several counties and possibly multiple states given the migratory nature of many species.

Species shown on the table include up to 5 of the species involved in the event.  In some cases, group identifiers like 'waterfowl' or 'shorebirds' have been used instead of specific names when a large number of different species are involved.

Diagnosis includes a final diagnosis, if known, with no qualifiers; a suspected diagnosis once preliminary investigations have been made; or an indication that tests are still in process.  NOTE:  In some instances, where mortality occurred but no specimens were sent to NWHC or another diagnostic laboratory or -- in rare instances -- where tests could not definitely identify a trigger for the mortality, the cause of death may never be determined.  Such events are identified with the word 'open' in the diagnosis column.

The estimated mortality provides some indication of the severity of the event.  Numbers may change rapidly from one week to the next.

The 'reported by' field indicates the lab(s) or agencies who reported or are working on the mortality event.

USGS NWHC = USGS National Wildlife Health Center
USDA NVSL = USDA National Veterinary Services Lab
SCWDS = Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study

NOTE: If you find a dead bird, mammal, reptile or amphibian, please contact your state natural resource agency first.  They will know the proper reporting procedures for your area.  Contact information may be found online or in the government pages of your local telephone book.

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Page Last Modified: May 21, 2013