Laura Scott, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
This data set describes results for two laboratory experiments to validate a quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface waters. Data are also provided for the application of the assay surface water samples collected from three national parks in Alaska.
Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses
This data set describes serological data collected from mammals in Alaska and seropositivity to influenza A, clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), North American lineage H5 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), and N1 antigens.
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models
This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss at a Louisiana coastal salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain in 2019
This dataset provides the water content, bulk density, carbon concentrations, nitrogen concentrations, and carbon content of all fourteen cores sampled in coastal Louisiana (CRMS 0224) in October of 2019. Each sample is identified by a unique identifier that corresponds to each site by depth increment combination. The pond age range associated with each site is provided. The depth...
Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, David T. Saafeld, Kerry Nicholson, Buck A. Mangipane, Laura Celeste Scott, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination
The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, Megan L. Boldenow, Evan James Buck, Bryan L. Daniels, Krista E. Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela C. Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons
The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from...
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Ethan Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie McKeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison R. Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
ObjectivesA variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have analysed...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
A model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss applied to a Louisiana salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain
The potential for carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands is high due to protection of carbon (C) in flooded soils. However, excessive flooding can result in the conversion of the vegetated wetland to open water. This transition results in the loss of wetland habitat in addition to the potential loss of soil carbon. Thus, in areas experiencing rapid wetland submergence, such as the...
Authors
Donald R. Schoolmaster, Camille L. Stagg, Courtney Creamer, Claudia Laurenzano, Eric Ward, Mark P. Waldrop, Melissa Millman Baustian, Tiong Gim Aw, Sergio Merino, Rachel Katherine Villani, Laura Celeste Scott
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Validation and Application of a Standardized Quantitative PCR Assay for the Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
This data set describes results for two laboratory experiments to validate a quantitative PCR assay for the assessment of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface waters. Data are also provided for the application of the assay surface water samples collected from three national parks in Alaska.
Data on Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to H5N1 Influenza A Viruses
This data set describes serological data collected from mammals in Alaska and seropositivity to influenza A, clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), North American lineage H5 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), and N1 antigens.
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models
This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss at a Louisiana coastal salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain in 2019
This dataset provides the water content, bulk density, carbon concentrations, nitrogen concentrations, and carbon content of all fourteen cores sampled in coastal Louisiana (CRMS 0224) in October of 2019. Each sample is identified by a unique identifier that corresponds to each site by depth increment combination. The pond age range associated with each site is provided. The depth...
Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, David T. Saafeld, Kerry Nicholson, Buck A. Mangipane, Laura Celeste Scott, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination
The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, Megan L. Boldenow, Evan James Buck, Bryan L. Daniels, Krista E. Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela C. Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons
The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from...
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Ethan Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie McKeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison R. Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
ObjectivesA variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have analysed...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
A model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss applied to a Louisiana salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain
The potential for carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands is high due to protection of carbon (C) in flooded soils. However, excessive flooding can result in the conversion of the vegetated wetland to open water. This transition results in the loss of wetland habitat in addition to the potential loss of soil carbon. Thus, in areas experiencing rapid wetland submergence, such as the...
Authors
Donald R. Schoolmaster, Camille L. Stagg, Courtney Creamer, Claudia Laurenzano, Eric Ward, Mark P. Waldrop, Melissa Millman Baustian, Tiong Gim Aw, Sergio Merino, Rachel Katherine Villani, Laura Celeste Scott