The alaska sealife center will work with collaborators to investigate the effectiveness of different methods to detect, diagnose, vaccinate, and treat aspergillosis, an environmental fungus causing…

The Alaska Sealife Center received a $499,345 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for April 30, 2028. The project will develop and disseminate evidence-based methods for detecting, diagnosing, vaccinating, and treating aspergillosis—an environmental fungal respiratory disease affecting birds in professional care settings. Working with collaborators, the Center will investigate the effectiveness of various mitigation and monitoring approaches across multiple species, with particular focus on seabirds and waterfowl, to establish best practices adaptable across the aviary profession.

The primary deliverables will include comparative research findings, published materials, and presentations designed for wide adoption by aviaries and bird care facilities nationwide. By establishing which intervention methods prove most effective for different species and environments, the project will generate replicable tools and protocols to help professional bird care institutions minimize morbidity and mortality. This aligns with the National Leadership Grants program's emphasis on producing models, research findings, and practices that can be widely adapted and scaled across professional disciplines to extend the benefits of federal investment.

The alaska sealife center will work with collaborators to investigate the effectiveness of different methods to detect, diagnose, vaccinate, and treat aspergillosis, an environmental fungus causing respiratory disease in birds under human care. The team will study how best to monitor and mitigate this pathogen across many species to determine which methods work best for seabirds and waterfowl while providing meaningful comparative data, shared via publications and presentations, to help any aviary decide what works best for them. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the morbidity and mortality of birds under professional care across the country.