Amphibian Diseases
Amphibian diseases are emerging as an important concern in the study of amphibian declines. While NE ARMI does not focus intensively on amphibian disease research, the issue plays an important role in our activities.
What we have found
In
2001, we submitted a total of 112 amphibians of 11 species from the USGS Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center and Acadia National Park.
The majority of these were submitted because of suspected disease outbreaks
and mortality events. For more information on amphibian disease, see
the Amphibian Disease List (Ranavirus,
Ichthyophonus fungus, Chytrid
fungus, Water Mold (Saprolegniasis),
Mesomycetozoan organism).
What we are doing
ARMI researchers enter amphibian disease data into the ARMI database and
send diseased or recently dead amphibians to the USGS
National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI, where Dr. David E. Green
examines and diagnoses the amphibians.As we learn more about amphibian diseases,
concern has grown that field scientists may be vectors for transmitting diseases
among study sites. 
We
follow standard protocols developed by the Declining
Amphibian Populations Task Force (DAPTF) to reduce the risk of carrying
disease accidentally between habitats. These protocols should be used by anyone
conducting fieldwork in and around amphibian habitat, including wetlands,
breeding sites, or upland areas known to be used by amphibians. In general,
these protocols recommend disinfection of all equipment, including, but not
limited to, waders, nets, and calipers in a > 10% bleach solution between
drainages. Chytrid fungus spreads through waterborne zoospores. These spores,
and the fungal thalli in which they are formed, can remain viable in mud or
any damp place. For example, zoospores have been found in mud caked between
the treads of boots and waders. Thorough scrubbing with a bleach solution
is critical for proper disinfection of equipment. We use equipment specifically
designated for certain sites (e.g., dip nets) and disinfect equipment between
all discrete sites. In addition to following the protocols suggested by the
DAPTF and the linked presentation, we are especially alert for apparent mass
mortality or die-off events. We collect any sick, dying, or recently dead
amphibians and submit them to USGS-NWHC for pathological examination.
What you can do
We encourage partners and the general public to report amphibian disease outbreaks or mortality events to NWHC or their local wildlife department. We also encourage all amphibian surveyors to pratice sterile techniques to help protect local amphibian populations.
Related Information
National Wildlife Health Center
Amphibian
Diseases Homepage
Host-pathogen Biology
and the Global Decline of Amphibians
Rocky
Mountain ARMI Site