Journal article
Rapid response to evaluate the presence of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranavirus in wild amphibian populations in Madagascar
JE Kolby, KM Smith, SD Ramirez, F Rabemananjara, AP Pessier, JL Brunner, CS Goldberg, L Berger, LF Skerratt
Plos One | PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE | Published : 2015
Abstract
We performed a rapid response investigation to evaluate the presence and distribution of amphibian pathogens in Madagascar following our identification of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) and ranavirus in commercially exported amphibians. This targeted risk-based field surveillance program was conducted from February to April 2014 encompassing 12 regions and 47 survey sites. We simultaneously collected amphibian and environmental samples to increase survey sensitivity and performed sampling both in wilderness areas and commercial amphibian trade facilities. Bd was not detected in any of 508 amphibian skin swabs or 68 water filter samples, suggesting pathogen prev..
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Awarded by National Geographic Society
Funding Acknowledgements
Funding for this project was provided to JEK by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (CCMC Emergency Fund) and the National Geographic Society (Committee for Research and Exploration Grant #9472-14). JEK is supported by a James Cook University Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.