Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamanderivorans introduction in the United States

Abstract/Summary

A newly identified fungal pathogen, <i>Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans</i> (<i>Bsal</i>), is responsible for mass mortality events and severe population declines in European salamanders. The eastern USA has the highest diversity of salamanders in the world and the introduction of this pathogen is likely to be devastating. Although data is inevitably limited for new pathogens, disease risk assessments utilize best available data to inform management decisions. Using characteristics of <i>Bsal</i> ecology, spatial data on imports and pet trade establishments, and salamander species diversity, we identify high risk areas with both a high likelihood of introduction and severe consequences for local salamanders. We predict that the Pacific coast, southern Appalachian Mountains, and mid-Atlantic regions will have the highest relative risk from <i>Bsal</i>. Management of invasive pathogens becomes difficult once they are established in wildlife populations; therefore, import restrictions to limit pathogen introduction and early detection through surveillance of high risk areas are priorities for preventing the next crisis for North American salamanders

Publication details
Published Date: 2016-02-17
Outlet/Publisher: Royal Society Open Science 3:150616
Media Format: .PDF

ARMI Organizational Units:
Pacific Northwest - Biology
Northeast - Biology
National Wildlife Health Center
Topics:
Disease
Stressors
Place Names:
United States
Keywords:
amphibians
chytrid fungus
Chytridiomycosis
disease
stressors
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