Katie Richgels
Dr. Richgels is the Chief of the Ecology and Epidemiology Branch at the National Wildlife Health Center.
She received her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2014 and her Bachelor's degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Since joining the USGS in 2016, she has devoted her career to supporting project leaders who study wildlife diseases with the goal of helping state and federal partners better manage wildlife disease.
Professional Experience
2016 – Present Chief, Ecology and Epidemiology Branch, U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2016 – 2014 Postdoctoral Researcher, U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, and University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
2014 – 2011 Graduate Research Fellow, Graduate Research Fellowship Program, National Science Foundation, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
2011 – 2008 Teaching and Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
2006 –2007 Spatial Analyst, First American Spatial Solutions, Madison, WI
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2014
Certificate, GIS, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2006
B.NS., Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2005
Affiliations and Memberships*
Bsal Task Force Decision Support Team
Interagency Committee on Invasive Terrestrial Animals and Pathogens, Invasive Pathogens Subcommittee
Black-footed Ferret Recovery Implementation Team – Executive Committee
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Impact of sylvatic plague vaccine on non-target small rodents in grassland ecosystems
Oral vaccination is an emerging management strategy to reduce the prevalence of high impact infectious diseases within wild animal populations. Plague is a flea-borne zoonosis of rodents that often decimates prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies in the western USA. Recently, an oral sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) was developed to protect prairie dogs from plague and aid recovery of the...
Authors
Gebbiena M. Bron, Katherine Richgels, Samuel. Michael D., Julia E. Poje, Faye Lorenzsonn, Jonathan P. Matteson, Jesse T. Boulerice, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke
Determinants of Pseudogymnoascus destructans within bat hibernacula: Implications for surveillance and management of white-nose syndrome
Fungal diseases are an emerging global problem affecting human health, food security and biodiversity. Ability of many fungal pathogens to persist within environmental reservoirs can increase extinction risks for host species and presents challenges for disease control. Understanding factors that regulate pathogen spread and persistence in these reservoirs is critical for effective...
Authors
Michelle L. Verant, Elizabeth A. Bohuski, Katherine Richgels, Kevin J. Olival, Jonathan H. Epstein, David S. Blehert
Factors influencing uptake of sylvatic plague vaccine baits by prairie dogs
Sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) is a virally vectored bait-delivered vaccine expressing Yersinia pestis antigens that can protect prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) from plague and has potential utility as a management tool. In a large-scale 3-year field trial, SPV-laden baits containing the biomarker rhodamine B (used to determine bait consumption) were distributed annually at a rate of...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Robin E. Russell, Katherine Richgels, Daniel W. Tripp, Marc R. Matchett, Dean E. Biggins, Tonie E. Rocke
Sylvatic plague vaccine partially protects prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in field trials
Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, frequently afflicts prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), causing population declines and local extirpations. We tested the effectiveness of bait-delivered sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) in prairie dog colonies on 29 paired placebo and treatment plots (1–59 ha in size; average 16.9 ha) in 7 western states from 2013 to 2015. We compared relative abundance...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Daniel W. Tripp, Robin E. Russell, Rachel C. Abbott, Katherine Richgels, Marc R. Matchett, Dean E. Biggins, Randall Griebel, Greg M. Schroeder, Shaun M. Grassel, David R. Pipkin, Jennifer Cordova, Adam Kavalunas, Brian Maxfield, Jesse T. Boulerice, Michael W. Miller
Using decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
Despite calls for improved responses to emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, management is seldom considered until a disease has been detected in affected populations. Reactive approaches may limit the potential for control and increase total response costs. An alternative, proactive management framework can identify immediate actions that reduce future impacts even before a disease...
Authors
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T.H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M.Scott Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake Hossack, Kathryn Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn White
A framework for modeling emerging diseases to inform management
The rapid emergence and reemergence of zoonotic diseases requires the ability to rapidly evaluate and implement optimal management decisions. Actions to control or mitigate the effects of emerging pathogens are commonly delayed because of uncertainty in the estimates and the predicted outcomes of the control tactics. The development of models that describe the best-known information...
Authors
Robin E. Russell, Rachel A. Katz, Katherine Richgels, Daniel P. Walsh, Evan H. Campbell Grant
Non-USGS Publications**
Richgels, K.L.D., R.E. Russell, G.M. Bron, T.E. Rocke. 2016. Evaluation of Yersinia pestis transmission pathways for sylvatic plague in black-tailed prairie dogs in the Western U.S. Online First DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1133-9.
Richgels, K.L.D., R.E. Russell, M.J. Adams, C.L. White, E.H.C. Grant. 2016. Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA. Royal Society Open Science 3:150616.
White, C.L., M.J. Forzan, A.P. Pessier, M.C. Allender, J.R. Ballard, A. Catenazzi, H, Fenton, A. Martel, F. Pasmans, D.L. Miller, R.J. Ossiboff, K.L.D. Richgels, J.L. Kerby. 2016. Amphibian: A case definition and diagnostic criteria for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans chytridiomycosis. Herpetological Review 47:207-209.
Richgels, K.L.D., J.T. Hoverman, P.T.J. Johnson. 2013. Evaluating the role of regional and local processes in structuring a larval trematode metacommunity of Helisoma trivolvis. Ecography 36:854-863. DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.07868.x
Peterson, A.C., K.L.D. Richgels, P.T.J. Johnson, and V.J. McKenzie. 2013. Investigating the dispersal routes used by an invasive amphibian, Lithobates catesbeianus, in human-dominated landscapes. Biological Invasions 15:2179-2191. DOI 10.1007/s10530-013-0442-y.
Johnson, P.T.J., D.L. Preston, J.T. Hoverman, K.L.D. Richgels. 2013. Biodiversity reduces disease through functional changes in host community composition. Nature 494:230-233.
Hoverman, J.T., J.R. Mihaljevic, K.L.D. Richgels, J.L. Kirby, P.T.J. Johnson. 2012. Widespread co-occurrence of virulent pathogens within California amphibian communities. EcoHealth 9:288-292.
Johnson P.T.J., J.T. Hoverman, V.J. McKenzie, A.R. Blaustein, K.L.D. Richgels. 2012. Urbanization and wetland communities: applying metacommunity theory to understand the local and landscape effects. Journal of Applied Ecology 50:34-42.
Johnson P.T.J., D.L. Preston, J.T. Hoverman, J.S. Henderson, S.H. Paull, K.L.D. Richgels, M.D. Redmond. 2012. Species diversity reduces parasite infection through cross-generational effects on host abundance. Ecology 93:56-64.
Johnson, P.T.J., J.M. Chase, K.L. Dosch, R.B. Hartson, J.A. Gross, D.J. Larson, D.R. Sutherland, and S.R. Carpenter. 2007. Aquatic eutrophication promotes pathogenic infection in amphibians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 104:15781-86.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Impact of sylvatic plague vaccine on non-target small rodents in grassland ecosystems
Oral vaccination is an emerging management strategy to reduce the prevalence of high impact infectious diseases within wild animal populations. Plague is a flea-borne zoonosis of rodents that often decimates prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies in the western USA. Recently, an oral sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) was developed to protect prairie dogs from plague and aid recovery of the...
Authors
Gebbiena M. Bron, Katherine Richgels, Samuel. Michael D., Julia E. Poje, Faye Lorenzsonn, Jonathan P. Matteson, Jesse T. Boulerice, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke
Determinants of Pseudogymnoascus destructans within bat hibernacula: Implications for surveillance and management of white-nose syndrome
Fungal diseases are an emerging global problem affecting human health, food security and biodiversity. Ability of many fungal pathogens to persist within environmental reservoirs can increase extinction risks for host species and presents challenges for disease control. Understanding factors that regulate pathogen spread and persistence in these reservoirs is critical for effective...
Authors
Michelle L. Verant, Elizabeth A. Bohuski, Katherine Richgels, Kevin J. Olival, Jonathan H. Epstein, David S. Blehert
Factors influencing uptake of sylvatic plague vaccine baits by prairie dogs
Sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) is a virally vectored bait-delivered vaccine expressing Yersinia pestis antigens that can protect prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) from plague and has potential utility as a management tool. In a large-scale 3-year field trial, SPV-laden baits containing the biomarker rhodamine B (used to determine bait consumption) were distributed annually at a rate of...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Robin E. Russell, Katherine Richgels, Daniel W. Tripp, Marc R. Matchett, Dean E. Biggins, Tonie E. Rocke
Sylvatic plague vaccine partially protects prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in field trials
Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, frequently afflicts prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), causing population declines and local extirpations. We tested the effectiveness of bait-delivered sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) in prairie dog colonies on 29 paired placebo and treatment plots (1–59 ha in size; average 16.9 ha) in 7 western states from 2013 to 2015. We compared relative abundance...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Daniel W. Tripp, Robin E. Russell, Rachel C. Abbott, Katherine Richgels, Marc R. Matchett, Dean E. Biggins, Randall Griebel, Greg M. Schroeder, Shaun M. Grassel, David R. Pipkin, Jennifer Cordova, Adam Kavalunas, Brian Maxfield, Jesse T. Boulerice, Michael W. Miller
Using decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
Despite calls for improved responses to emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, management is seldom considered until a disease has been detected in affected populations. Reactive approaches may limit the potential for control and increase total response costs. An alternative, proactive management framework can identify immediate actions that reduce future impacts even before a disease...
Authors
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Erin L. Muths, Rachel A. Katz, Stefano Canessa, M. J. Adams, Jennifer R. Ballard, Lee Berger, Cheryl J. Briggs, Jeremy T.H. Coleman, Matthew J. Gray, M.Scott Harris, Reid N. Harris, Blake Hossack, Kathryn Huyvaert, Jonathan E. Kolby, Karen R. Lips, Robert E. Lovich, Hamish I. McCallum, Joseph R. Mendelson, Priya Nanjappa, Deanna H. Olson, Jenny G. Powers, Katherine Richgels, Robin E. Russell, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Mary Kay Watry, Douglas C. Woodhams, C. LeAnn White
A framework for modeling emerging diseases to inform management
The rapid emergence and reemergence of zoonotic diseases requires the ability to rapidly evaluate and implement optimal management decisions. Actions to control or mitigate the effects of emerging pathogens are commonly delayed because of uncertainty in the estimates and the predicted outcomes of the control tactics. The development of models that describe the best-known information...
Authors
Robin E. Russell, Rachel A. Katz, Katherine Richgels, Daniel P. Walsh, Evan H. Campbell Grant
Non-USGS Publications**
Richgels, K.L.D., R.E. Russell, G.M. Bron, T.E. Rocke. 2016. Evaluation of Yersinia pestis transmission pathways for sylvatic plague in black-tailed prairie dogs in the Western U.S. Online First DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1133-9.
Richgels, K.L.D., R.E. Russell, M.J. Adams, C.L. White, E.H.C. Grant. 2016. Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA. Royal Society Open Science 3:150616.
White, C.L., M.J. Forzan, A.P. Pessier, M.C. Allender, J.R. Ballard, A. Catenazzi, H, Fenton, A. Martel, F. Pasmans, D.L. Miller, R.J. Ossiboff, K.L.D. Richgels, J.L. Kerby. 2016. Amphibian: A case definition and diagnostic criteria for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans chytridiomycosis. Herpetological Review 47:207-209.
Richgels, K.L.D., J.T. Hoverman, P.T.J. Johnson. 2013. Evaluating the role of regional and local processes in structuring a larval trematode metacommunity of Helisoma trivolvis. Ecography 36:854-863. DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.07868.x
Peterson, A.C., K.L.D. Richgels, P.T.J. Johnson, and V.J. McKenzie. 2013. Investigating the dispersal routes used by an invasive amphibian, Lithobates catesbeianus, in human-dominated landscapes. Biological Invasions 15:2179-2191. DOI 10.1007/s10530-013-0442-y.
Johnson, P.T.J., D.L. Preston, J.T. Hoverman, K.L.D. Richgels. 2013. Biodiversity reduces disease through functional changes in host community composition. Nature 494:230-233.
Hoverman, J.T., J.R. Mihaljevic, K.L.D. Richgels, J.L. Kirby, P.T.J. Johnson. 2012. Widespread co-occurrence of virulent pathogens within California amphibian communities. EcoHealth 9:288-292.
Johnson P.T.J., J.T. Hoverman, V.J. McKenzie, A.R. Blaustein, K.L.D. Richgels. 2012. Urbanization and wetland communities: applying metacommunity theory to understand the local and landscape effects. Journal of Applied Ecology 50:34-42.
Johnson P.T.J., D.L. Preston, J.T. Hoverman, J.S. Henderson, S.H. Paull, K.L.D. Richgels, M.D. Redmond. 2012. Species diversity reduces parasite infection through cross-generational effects on host abundance. Ecology 93:56-64.
Johnson, P.T.J., J.M. Chase, K.L. Dosch, R.B. Hartson, J.A. Gross, D.J. Larson, D.R. Sutherland, and S.R. Carpenter. 2007. Aquatic eutrophication promotes pathogenic infection in amphibians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 104:15781-86.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government