Phillott, A.D., Skerratt, L.F., Berger, L., Speare, R., McDonald, K.R., Cashins, S., Mendez, D., Hines, H.B., Alford, R.A., Rowley, J., Townsend, S., Campbell, R., Webb, R., Voyles, J., Puschendorf, R., and Young, S. (2006) Methodology for investigating the distribution and determinants of Chytridiomycosis. In: Proceedings of the 11th Symposium of the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics. From: ISVEE 11: 11th Symposium of the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, 6-11 August 2011, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Chytridiomycosis is an important emerging pandemic infectious disease of amphibians. Investigating this disease has been challenging due to a lack of knowledge and expertise in studying disease in amphibians in general, and because of the novel nature of the pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is the first chytrid fungus known to cause disease in vertebrates. Bd is difficult to isolate and has a diverse and wide host range, and frog population sizes are largely unknown and the ability to find frogs varies with climatic conditions. We have adapted veterinary and zoological methods and expertise to examine the distribution and determinants of chytridiomycosis. Our studies of the determinants of chytridiomycosis have involved research at multiple levels. We have examined correlations of disease prevalence with environmental, climatic and host variables. Within populations, we use mark-recapture methods to estimate incidence and mortality rates and relate these to possible determinants. At the level of the individual host, we use radio telemetry to examine the effects of host behaviour and microenvironment on infection and transmission mechanisms. In the laboratory, experimental infections are used to test and demonstrate relationships between determinants and chytridiomycosis. It is expected that understanding the epidemiology of this disease will lead to better management of chytridiomycosis and improved conservation for frogs.

Item ID:	51276
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISSN:	1177-360X
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2017 01:34
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0707 Veterinary Sciences > 070704 Veterinary Epidemiology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960405 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species at Regional or Larger Scales @ 100%
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