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Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians imported into the UK for the pet trade

Wombwell, Emma Louise, Garner, Trenton W. J., Cunningham, Andrew A., Quest, Robert, Pritchard, Susie, Rowcliffe, J. Marcus, Griffiths, Richard A. (2016) Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians imported into the UK for the pet trade. EcoHealth, 13 . pp. 456-466. ISSN 1612-9202. E-ISSN 1612-9210. (doi:10.1007/s10393-016-1138-4) (KAR id:55809)

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that the global spread of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been facilitated by the international trade in amphibians. Bd was first detected in the UK in 2004, and has since been detected in multiple wild amphibian populations. Most amphibians imported into the UK for the pet trade from outside the European Union enter the country via Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), where Bd positive animals have been previously detected. Data on the volume, diversity and origin of imported amphibians were collected for 59 consignments arriving at HARC between November 2009 and June 2012, along with a surveillance study to investigate the prevalence of Bd in these animals. Forty three amphibian genera were recorded, originating from 12 countries. It was estimated that 5000 – 7000 amphibians are imported through HARC into the UK annually for the pet trade. Bd was detected in consignments from the USA and Tanzania, in six genera, resulting in an overall prevalence of 3.6%. This suggests that imported amphibians are a source of Bd within the international pet trade.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s10393-016-1138-4
Uncontrolled keywords: Amphibians, Pet trade, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH541 Ecology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Funders: [37325] UNSPECIFIED
Race Equality Foundation (https://ror.org/02mwnrf70)
NERC Environmental Omics Facility (https://ror.org/036g3b009)
Depositing User: Richard Griffiths
Date Deposited: 06 Jun 2016 08:57 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 19:52 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/55809 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Wombwell, Emma Louise.

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CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Griffiths, Richard A..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5533-1013
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