MORE ON CHYTRID INFECTION OF FROGS

Jack Frenkel
(From text dated June 2000)

The presence of Chytrid-infected dendrobatid frogs in Germany; has recently been diagnosed by the Australian Chytrid research centre. I would not import from Germany till there has been more time for the problem to become better recognised.

In addition to its presence in Panamanian, Costa Rican and Australian frogs, Chytrid infection has also been observed in Ecuadorian frogs by Coloma. It has also been found in frogs in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois and Maryland for which it may be less pathogenic.

Because Chytrid-infected Dendrobatids have also been found in a US zoo (from where it was recognised and described), I feel all exchanges should be considered problematical for the present. I would hate to think that a Frog Day would be a vehicle to disseminate a potentially fatal infection of amphibians. One has to take this infection seriously, and must prevent its spread.