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Survival of chytrid fungus on bare hands and gloves: hygiene implications for amphibian handling

Hygiene protocols for handling amphibians in the field and in laboratories have been proposed to decrease the transmission of chytridiomycosis caused by infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is responsible for global amphibian declines. However, these protocols are mainly based on theoretical principles. The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based approach to amphibian handling hygiene protocols by testing the survival of B. dendrobatidis on human hands and various gloves. Bare or gloved human fingers were exposed to cultured zoospores and zoosporangia of B. dendrobatidis. Survival of B. dendrobatidis on hands and gloves was tested for up to 10 minutes post-exposure by inoculation onto agar plates. The effects of repeated hand washings with water and with 70% ethanol and of washing gloves with water were also tested. Bare human skin demonstrated a fungicidal effect on B. dendrobatidis by 2 minutes and killed 100% of cells by 6 minutes, but this killing effect was reduced by repeated washing with water and ethanol. Nitrile gloves killed all B. dendrobatidis on contact, but washing in water decreased this effect. Latex and polyethylene gloves had no killing effect, and B. dendrobatidis survived for over 6 minutes. The killing effect of vinyl gloves varied with brands and batches. These results support the use of an unused pair of gloves for each new amphibian handled in either the field or the laboratory, and if this is not possible, bare hands are a preferable, although imperfect, alternative to continual use of the same pair of gloves.

Survival of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on bare hands and gloves: hygiene implications for amphibian handling. Dis Aquat Organ. 2008 Nov 20;82(2): 97-104

In Berkshire? Got newts?

Group seeks help with survey of newts via kwout

First reports of chytrid in Asia and Bolivia

First report of spontaneous chytridiomycosis in frogs in Asia. Dis Aquat Organ. 2008 Nov 20;82(2):157-60
This is the first report of amphibian chytridiomycosis in Asia. We discovered a lethal outbreak in Japan, among 45 exotic frogs from 18 species kept for breeding by a private owner. Of these 45 frogs, 16 died and another 7 were found to be infected by chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) but survived after treatment. Bd was detected in frogs from 9 species (Lepidobatrachus laevis, Ceratophrys cornuta, C. cranwelli, C. ornata, C. calcarata, Chacophrys pierotti, Occidozyga lima, Leptodactylus pentadactylus and Plethodontohyla tuberata).

First record of chytridiomycosis in Bolivia (Rhinella quechua; Anura: Bufonidae). Dis Aquat Organ. 2008 Nov 20;82(2):161-3
The finding of tadpoles of Rhinella quechua (Huayramayu River, Carrasco National Park, Cochabamba, Bolivia) with oral abnormalities caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis constitutes the first record of this fungal infection reported for Bolivian amphibians.

Frog population hit by severe frost

The Lizard, frogs, wildlife, severe weather via kwout

DEFRA Research Call

Epidemiological aspects of amphibian chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytridium dendrobatidis

This project will address the need to further develop understanding of the extent and threat of chytridiomycosis to UK amphibian (frog, toad & newt) populations and to provide information for development of potential intervention strategies against spread of B. dendrobatidis. The main objectives of this project will be: 1) to determine the extent of chytridiomycosis in amphibian populations in the UK and infection patterns around known infected populations, particularly where this can be compared with long-term population monitoring data to assess potential population effects; 2) to assist with the development of biosecurity measures by assessment of the potential routes of introduction and factors influencing establishment potential and spread; 3) to investigate potential strain differences amongst B. dendrobatidis to assess the possibility of multiple incursions into the UK and 4) to determine the virulence of different strains for UK amphibian species.

Defra invites proposals for projects that will deliver the following outputs:

1. Mapping data of B. dendrobatidis distribution across the UK;
2. Assessment of the potential long-term impact on amphibian populations;
3. Analysis of the likely importance of introductions and anthropogenic movements of amphibians for spread of B. dendrobatidis;
4. Identification of options for the potential control of B. dendrobatidis

For further information, please telephone: 0207 238 2289.

Space Newts

Space experiment has a sting in the tail for newts via kwout

Less is More

Most of us have been there - keeping more animals than we really have time for. The best antidote for this I have ever read is Large Herp Collections, The Pitfalls, written years ago by "Cyberlizard" and well worth reading.

My new year resolution was to reduce my frog collection, not from any hair shirt self-flagellation motive, but merely to spend more time enjoying the animals I keep rather than resenting the time I have to spend looking after them. Good for me and good for the animals. Not that that makes it any easier when the time comes and long term "friends" have to go out of the door, or when I walk into the frogroom and see the empty vivarium.

Yesterday I let my group of Epipedobates aff. hahneli go. This was made a little easier by the fact that they went to an enthusiastic and dedicated keeper, and I'm sure they will do well. Although the motivation wasn't financial, over the years I've found that giving frogs away doesn't generally work. Often, "free" frogs don't get looked after as well as they should, and setting a fair price usually results in both parties feeling much better about the deal.

But the money doesn't matter when you can't hear the frogs singing in the frogroom. So to cheer myself up today, I'm going to spend some time with my remaining frogs. Not cleaning, feeding or doing anything other than looking at them and marveling at these little natural jewels.