A first screening of chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium in amphibians in French zoos. Issue 1 (25th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marquis, O.; Miaud, C.; Gibault, C.; Chai, N.
• Is Part Of: International zoo yearbook. Volume 53:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2019-03-25
• Subjects: amphibians -- Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis -- Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans -- captivity -- fungi -- infectious diseases -- pathogens; Zoos -- Periodicals; 590.73
• DOI: 10.1111/izy.12210
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0074-9664

Abstract

Abstract : Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ) screening was carried out in captive amphibians in order to establish the presence of these fungal pathogens in French zoos. Over a period of 3 years, 437 skin swabs were collected at eight French zoos and one private breeding centre [38 species of Anura, 7 species and 2 subspecies of Urodela (salamanders and newts), and 1 caecilian species] and these were analysed using qPCR. None of the samples revealed the presence of Bsal . Bd was detected four times on three species – American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus, Common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans and Yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata – all of which originated from or were in contact with the natural environment. Abstract : Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ) screening was carried out in captive amphibians in order to establish the presence of these fungal pathogens in French zoos. Over a period of 3 years, 437 skin swabs were collected at eight French zoos and one private breeding centre [38 species of Anura, 7 species and 2 subspecies of Urodela (salamanders and newts), and 1 caecilian species] and these were analysed using qPCR. None of the samples revealed the presence of Bsal . Bd was detected four times on three species, all of which originated from or were in contact with the natural environment. (Photo: Mallorcan midwife toad Alytes muletensis . F.‐G. Grandin, MNHN)