Detection of the emerging amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus in Russian amphibians

Abstract/Summary

In a population of the European common toad Bufo bufo from a rural pond in the region of Lake Glubokoe Regional Reserve in Moscow province, Russia, unexplained mass mortality events involving larvae and metamorphs were observed in several years. We tested toads from this and a nearby site for the emerging amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Ranavirus (Rv). Both pathogens were detected, and at the site with noted losses and declining toad breeding success, 40% of B. bufo metamorphs were Bd positive, 46% were Rv positive; 20% were co-infected with the both pathogens. Toad metamorphs from the neighbouring water body were also Bd and Rv positive (25 and 55% respectively). This is the first confirmation of these pathogens in Russia. Questions remain as to the origins of these pathogens in Russia and their roles in documented mass mortality events.

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