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CHYTRID

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What Is chytrid?

Chytridiomycosis, often referred to as just Chytrid, is an infectious disease caused by the waterborne fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in frogs and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (B-Sal) in salamanders. The effects of this outbreak have led to the greatest biodiversity decline due to a pathogen in history.
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How bad is it?

Chytrid has caused a significant population decline in over 500 frog species, 124 of which have seen declines greater than  90%, and has led to the presumed extinction of over 90 species making it the single most biodiversity destructive pathogen known to science. No other documented pathogen has eliminated as many species in such a short stretch of time.
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Where is Chytrid?

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MAP SOURCE: Fisher & Garner 2020

As you can see from this map, the answer is almost everywhere. First discovered in Australia in 1993, Chytrid is now on every continent except Antartica, with the greatest impact in South and Central America, North America, and Australia. It has the lowest impact in Asia, where it is thought to have originated from.
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How is Chytrid Spread?

The fungi responsible for Chytrid is spread via spores in water. It can hitchhike on unaware travelers gear. Any article or item that touches the ground can potentially be a vector to spreading it.
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​What does it look like?  

Frogs affected will appear withered and lethargic, with an opaque or off white coloration. They can also have reddened skin, dislocation around the mouth, and an inability to right themselves when flipped over.

What do I do if I suspect I see an effected frog?

Immediately alert the local property owners and if possible local biologists of the situation. You can also email info@herpconservation.com for more assistance.
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How do we stop the spread?

Disinfecting articles of clothing like shoes, hiking sticks, and anything else that touches the ground, can help ensure we lessen the chances of spreading the fungus responsible for Chytrid. Also remembering not to touch frogs unless entirely necessary, and if necessary using disposable gloves between frogs. Touching an infected frog, can also be a vector for spreading this illness.

How do you disinfect?

All applicable gear, including shoes or any other boject that can make contact with the ground can and should be disinfected using any of the following commonly available cleaning products:

Option 1: 4% concentration of  household bleach (chlorine bleach) - 
leave on object(s) for 5 minutes.

Option 2: 1% concentration of Lysol (benzalkonium chloride)  - leave on object(s) for 5 minutes.

Option 3: 70% concentration of  rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) - allow to dry on object(s).
​

Option 4: 1:20 dillution of Detol Medical (Chloroxylenol 4.8%) - leave on object(s) for 5 minutes.


​Sources
 “Chytridiomycosis,” Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, 21-Mar-2018. [Online]. Available: https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/chytridiomycosis#collapse3. [Accessed: 27-Mar-2021]
​
Fisher, M.C., Garner, T.W.J. Chytrid fungi and global amphibian declines. Nat Rev Microbiol 18, 332–343 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-0335-x

JOHNSON, M., BERGER, L., PHILIPS, L., & SPEARE, R. (2003). FUNGICIDAL EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS, UV LIGHT, DESICCATION AND HEAT ON THE AMPHIBIAN CHYTRID BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS, 57, 255–260. DOI:10.3354/DAO057255 

Scheele, B. C., Pasmans, F., Skerratt, L. F., Berger, L., Martel, A., Beukema, W., … Canessa, S. (2019, March 29). Amphibian fungal panzootic causes catastrophic and ongoing loss of biodiversity. Science. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6434/1459.
​
 Stuart S. N.; Chanson J. S.; et al. (2004). "Status and trends of amphibian declines and extinctions worldwide". Science. 306 (5702): 1783–1786. doi:10.1126/science.1103538. 

Van Rooij, Pascale et al. “Efficacy of chemical disinfectants for the containment of the salamander chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans.” PloS one vol. 12,10 e0186269. 12 Oct. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186269

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MAILING ADDRESS:
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57556 29 Palms Hwy #467,
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  • Home
  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • The Team
    • Contact
    • PUBLICATIONS
    • Check out our FACEBOOK
  • DONATE
    • Ways To Contribute
    • Donate Via Paypal
    • Secure Online Donations
    • FUNDRAISERS >
      • Teespring Store
      • Fundraiser Auction FB Group
      • Auction Donation
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • About Membership
    • Membership Sign Up
    • Membership Login
    • Members Discounts >
      • Discount Directory
      • Vendor Discount Sign Up
  • Grants
    • The Michael Dee Grant >
      • About The Michael Dee Grant
      • Grant Recipients >
        • Maritz 2017
        • McGee 2018
        • Gatto 2019
        • Larson 2019
        • Thonis 2020
        • Weaver 2020
        • Webster 2021
        • Gross 2021
        • Adam 2022
        • Rolón 2022
        • Ripa 2023
        • Bieri 2023
      • Dee Grant Application
      • Donate To The Dee Grant >
        • Donate To The Dee Grant
        • Donate w/ Paypal
        • Donate By Credit Card
        • Donate By Mail
    • The Harold K. Voris Aquatic Snake Grant >
      • About The HKV Grant
      • Grant Recipients >
        • Lake Buhi Bockadam Project
      • HKV Grant Application
      • Donate To The HKV Grant >
        • Donate w/ Paypal
        • Donate By Credit Card
        • Donate By Mail
  • AQUATIC SNAKE BOOK
    • HARDBOUND EDITION
    • E-Book
  • PROJECTS
    • CARE: Chytrid Awareness >
      • The Campaign
      • Chytrid Information
      • sponsor
      • Property Contact
    • RUSSELL'S VIPER TELEMETRY PROJECT
    • ALL PROJECTS
  • Volunteer
  • Contact