Global News - March 2008

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Researchers deliver insights into the spread of frog-killing fungus

Thu 27 March 2008 17:00 UK — South America,Reptiles

Researchers have said they may have moved a step closer to understanding a deadly fungus that is killing off frogs throughout Central and South America.

A team from Southern Illinois University Carbondale reported that the batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus is thought to affect 43 per cent of known amphibian species and could threaten the survival of many animals.

The fungus wipes out frog populations by essentially blocking their skin. As amphibians depend on their skin to provide oxygen and moisture, the fungus leads to an electrolyte imbalance that can cause cardiac arrest.

The newest research looked at how the disease has spread across South America. It showed that the fungus followed a 'wave-like spread' typical of an emerging infectious disease.

Previously, some scientists had claimed that the fungus was the result of climate change. However, the new research showed that this was not the case.

Zoologist Karen Lips explained: "What makes the study really relevant is we can now generalise how the fungus is spread.

"We know from our research, that if we start looking in the right time and place in an area where the fungus is, we're probably going to see it affecting frog populations. This helps us understand what's going on, and it can potentially help us get out in front of it."

The researcher said that governments and environmental agencies need to focus on ways to prevent the fungus' spread through more regulation of potential infection routes.

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