Meeting Abstract
Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis– Bd) is decimating amphibian populations globally by disrupting organismal osmotic regulation, leading to cardiac arrest. Many laboratory studies clear amphibians of internal parasites with Ivermectin before beginning disease trials. To date, no study has considered the long-term impacts of this treatment on animal health or long-term disease susceptibility. Consequently, we tracked the effects of early life Ivermectin treatment on growth and mortality rates in Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) from ages 1-3 years, quantified organ weights, and susceptibility to Bd infection. Untreated individuals had both higher absolute weights at all time points and higher growth rates, relative to treated individuals. At the conclusion of the long-term study, Cuban tree frogs were exposed to Bd for two weeks and the spleen, liver, heart, and other tissue samples were collected and weighed. While Ivermectin dosing is an effective anti-parasitic treatment, we found that early life exposure is likely to have unintended impacts on organismal growth and health.
