Meeting Abstract

P1.27  Sunday, Jan. 4  High infection rates of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in biological supply and wild-caught frogs in central Washington State, USA. GAULKE, Christopher A.*; IRWIN, Jason T.; Central Washington Univ.; Central Washington Univ. gaulkec@cwu.edu

The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been linked to mass mortality events and population declines in amphibians worldwide. To describe the distribution and prevalence of Bd in central Washington State we sampled three montane ponds between June and September 2008 (1430-1550m). Each anuran was swabbed with a sterile cotton tipped swab to dislodge epithelial cells. The cells were then visualized using differential interference contrast microscopy for the presence of zoosporangia. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was found at all sample locations with a total prevalence of 49%. Species-specific infection rates were not significantly different: 52% in the Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris) (n=15), 53% in the Cascade Frog (Rana cascadae) (n=67), and 40% in the Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) (n=10). There were also no significant differences in infection rates between sites and all frogs appeared healthy. In addition, Northern Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens) shipped to Central Washington University in October 2006 and July 2007 were screened for Bd. All frogs tested positive for Bd (n=38). These data confirm the presence of Bd in central Washington and in the amphibian trade. We urge the use of proper sterilization techniques when handling and disposing of amphibian wastes to reduce the risk of accidental spread of the pathogen.