FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] BKY: article: Bald Eagle deaths due to Aquatic Algae and Hydrilla

[Jason.Weese@xxxxxx]

Interesting article below.  And just when they're delisted.
                
Zeb Weese
Park Naturalist
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Rd.
Slade, KY  40376
ph: 1-606-663-2214, ext 2104     fax: 1-606-663-5037

http://parks.ky.gov/natbridg.htm
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-----Original Message-----
From: APWG-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:APWG-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: None
To: APWG@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: APWG Digest, Vol 13, Issue 5
Subject: Bald Eagle deaths due to Aquatic Algae and Hydrilla (an aquatic
invasive weed) which are associated with a virus


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@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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.



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