Detection of the emerging amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and ranavirus in Russia

Dis Aquat Organ. 2014 Aug 11;110(3):235-40. doi: 10.3354/dao02757.

Abstract

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 have been observed over a monitoring period of >20 yr. 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 rural pond site, with the above-noted losses and decline in toad breeding success, 40% of B. bufo metamorphs were Bd positive, 46% were Rv positive and 20% were co-infected with both pathogens. Toad metamorphs from a 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bufo bufo*
  • Chytridiomycota*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging
  • DNA Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • DNA Virus Infections / veterinary*
  • DNA Virus Infections / virology
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Mycoses / epidemiology
  • Mycoses / veterinary*
  • Ranavirus*
  • Reproduction
  • Russia / epidemiology
  • Time Factors