Letter to the Editor  Courrier des lecteurs Front-line action to protect amphibian biodiversity Dear Editor, In terms of its effect on biodiversity, chytridiomycosis may be the worst disease in recorded history. It has been responsible for mass declines of frogs around the world and has been linked to the extinction or decline of over 200 species. A new threat, salamander chytridiomycosis, is on the horizon. The recently discovered fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), was translocated from Asia to Europe with devastating effects on local salamander populations. North America is a hotspot for salamander biodiversity and introduction of the fungus would have catastrophic consequences on native populations. Efforts are underway to prevent its entry into Canada and to ensure it can be found early, if introduced. Veterinarians working with pet stores and amphibian owners are encouraged to be vigilant for this disease because of concerns regarding the possible importation, movement, and release of this pathogen into Canada via the pet trade. Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans infects only the skin, never going into deeper tissues. In the skin it can cause reddening and ulceration, often followed by secondary bacterial infection. Skin lesions are not always obvious, especially in Asian salamanders that act as carriers. Even in susceptible salamanders, clinical signs sometimes consist only of severe lethargy, weight loss, followed by a quick death. To diagnose salamander chytridiomycosis it is necessary to confirm the concurrent presence of skin lesions and Bsal fungus. Microscopic examination of skin, fixed in either formalin (10%) or ethanol (70%), confirms the lesions while a PCR test on skin swabs or tissue confirms the presence of Bsal. Fact
sheets and links to further information on this disease can be found on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) website (http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/bsal.php). Besides investigating mortality events in wild salamanders, the CWHC can assist in diagnosing the disease in captive individuals. Veterinary clinicians are ideally placed to inform pet owners about salamander chytridiomycosis, including its clinical signs and the importance of never releasing captive amphibians into the wild. Another key preventive step is treating water and waste from amphibian cages properly: wastewater should be disinfected with bleach (1/4 to 1/2 cup per liter of water) for at least 10 minutes before disposal. Veterinarians and pet owners should discuss salamander chytridiomycosis with pet shop staff to promote sourcing animals only from suppliers known to screen for the disease or have adequate biosecurity in place to prevent importation of infected animals. Salamander chytridiomycosis is not yet a reportable disease, but because of the devastating effects that its introduction into North America would entail, suspicious deaths of salamanders both in the wild and in captivity should be investigated. Veterinarians are at the front line of prevention by helping monitor possible introductions via the pet trade and by helping pet stores and pet owners understand their responsibilities in terms of preventing release of potentially infected animals and their waste products. Craig Stephen, DVM, PhD Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Constructive and professional comments made in the spirit of intellectual debate are welcomed by the Editor. Writers are expected to be respectful of others and to ensure that letters are considerate and courteous. The Editor reserves the right to remove comments deemed to be inflammatory or disrespectful. CVJ / VOL 57 / AUGUST 2016
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sheets and links to further information on this disease can be found on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) website (http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/bsal.php). Besides investigating mortality events in wild salamanders, the CWHC can assist in diagnosing the disease in captive individuals. Veterinary clinicians are ideally placed to inform pet owners about salamander chytridiomycosis, including its clinical signs and the importance of never releasing captive amphibians into the wild. Another key preventive step is treating water and waste from amphibian cages properly: wastewater should be disinfected with bleach (1/4 to 1/2 cup per liter of water) for at least 10 minutes before disposal. Veterinarians and pet owners should discuss salamander chytridiomycosis with pet shop staff to promote sourcing animals only from suppliers known to screen for the disease or have adequate biosecurity in place to prevent importation of infected animals. Salamander chytridiomycosis is not yet a reportable disease, but because of the devastating effects that its introduction into North America would entail, suspicious deaths of salamanders both in the wild and in captivity should be investigated. Veterinarians are at the front line of prevention by helping monitor possible introductions via the pet trade and by helping pet stores and pet owners understand their responsibilities in terms of preventing release of potentially infected animals and their waste products. Craig Stephen, DVM, PhD Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Constructive and professional comments made in the spirit of intellectual debate are welcomed by the Editor. Writers are expected to be respectful of others and to ensure that letters are considerate and courteous. The Editor reserves the right to remove comments deemed to be inflammatory or disrespectful. CVJ / VOL 57 / AUGUST 2016
809
