Tracking Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infection Across the Globe

AbstractInfection records ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a pathogen that has devastated amphibian populations worldwide, have rapidly increased since the pathogen ’s discovery. Dealing with so many records makes it difficult to (a) know where, when and in which species infections have been detected, (b) understand how widespread and pervasiveBd is and (c) prioritize study and management areas. We conducted a systematic review of papers and compiled a database withBd infection records. Our dataset covers 71 amphibian families and 119 countries. The data revealed how widespread and adaptableBd is, being able to infect over 50% of all tested amphibian species, with over 1000 confirmed host species and being present in 86 countries. The distribution of infected species is uneven among and within countries. Areas where the distributions of many infected species overlap are readily visible; these are regions whereBd likely develops well. Conversely, areas where the distributions of species that tested negative overlap, such as the Atlantic Coast in the USA, suggest the presence ofBd refuges. Finally, we report how the number of tested and infected species has changed through time, and provide a list of oldest detection records per country.
Source: EcoHealth - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research