Current Research

The study focuses on the potential impact of pesticides on the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), a threatened species in Texas, through their consumption of potentially pesticide-exposed ants. The research will document the presence of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, common ant-control insecticides, in ants and lizard feces and examine the correlation between pesticide exposure and lizard health metrics. The findings will provide insights into the broader impacts of pesticide use on ecosystems, informing future pest control and conservation decisions. 

This project investigates the potential role of invasive Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) in zoonotic disease transmission, reflecting a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The research focuses on the prevalence of selected zoonotic pathogens in gecko populations and their potential impacts on human health. The findings will contribute to broader disease management strategies, wildlife conservation, and invasive species control. The study aims to enhance our understanding of disease transmission dynamics, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive, One Health approach to safeguard global public health. 

Abstract
Brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), BHCOs, are native North American blackbirds that are obligate brood parasites. They pose a significant threat to the federally endangered golden- cheeked warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia) in central Texas. BHCOs may also play a role in disease ecology as short-distance migrators known to carry ectoparasites. This study investigated the presence of ectoparasites and their associated pathogens in BHCOs from Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas, where active warbler management includes cowbird control. We examined 117 BHCOs culled in May 2023 for ectoparasites, dissected to collect organ samples, and conducted molecular screening for Rickettsia spp. in both mite specimens and avian tissues. Specimens underwent thorough parasitological examination, with ectoparasites preserved in 70% ethanol and tissue samples stored dry at -80°F. Ectoparasites were taxonomically grouped as ticks (n=1), mites (n=88), and lice (n=590) and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. One larval tick of the genus Ixodes was found along with 4 species of mites; Ornithonyssus sylviarum, Tinaminyssus columbae, Pellonyssus reedi, and Ptilonyssus toxostomae. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed Rickettsia spp. DNA presence in one mite specimen, Ornithonyssus sylviarum and 5 out of 100 spleen samples. We considered a cycle threshold (Ct) value of > 38 as negative. This suggests that BHCO and the mites they carry may play a role in pathogen transmission dynamics. This ongoing research provides novel insights into the role of mites as potential pathogen reservoirs and the role cowbirds have in disease ecology emphasizing the need for continued wildlife and public health surveillance.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite causing Chagas disease, which causes a devastating cardiac disease for humans and animals. Until recently, this parasite was thought to be restricted to mammalian reservoirs. However, in 2022 a barn owl (Tyto furcata) in Mexico was discovered to have a systemic T. cruzi infection, challenging the long-standing paradigm. We aim to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in two owl species using opportunistic collections from rehabilitation centers, museums, and road-killed owls within the known range of triatomine bugs, the vectors for T. cruzi. The samples will be analyzed using qPCR. This disease ecology avian research will contribute to avian health and conservation. 

We are investigating the prevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild passerine bird populations. By studying these birds' ecology and behavior and their interactions with other avian species and the environment, we aim to understand better the mechanisms of HPAI transmission and its potential impact on wild bird health and populations.

In collaboration with Lights Out Texas and TAMU's Bird Collections at the Biodiversity Research Teaching Collections, we investigate the impact of bird window strike deaths. By analyzing bird mortality data from building collision surveys and studying the effectiveness of Lights Out Texas in reducing bird mortality rates, we aim to understand better the factors that influence bird-window collision and the effectiveness of bird-friendly building design and lighting strategies in mitigating this problem. Through this work, we hope to inform evidence-based policies and management strategies for bird conservation and building design and lighting practices. Ultimately, our research aims to promote the protection and conservation of bird populations and to inform effective strategies for reducing bird mortality rates caused by building collisions.