RACE: Risk Assessment of Chytridiomycosis to European amphibian biodiversity

Lead Research Organisation: Imperial College London
Department Name: School of Public Health

Abstract

Detailed in VR main application
 
Description RACE has undertaken an assessment of the disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), in Europe's amphibians. The project has mapped the current distribution of Bd (www.bd-maps.eu) and shown that the pathogen's distribution is widespread across Europe and infecting multiple amphibian species. Risk assessment identified the most at-risk amphibian taxa, geographic regions, realised/potential vectors, and pathways of disease introduction into Europe. The project has identified a complex epidemiology with host, pathogen and environmental factors all playing a role in determining whether populations persist, or decline, when infected. Key findings show that multiple Bd lineages occur in Europe that vary in their virulence. However, the viability of an amphibian community following introduction of infection depends on a suite of environmental and host - dependent variables that include abiotic (altitude, temperature) and biotic (host and microbial community composition) factors. By manipulating these factors, progress has been made in lessening the burden of disease in infected populations suggesting that stabilising infected amphibian populations, and in some cases complete clearance of infection, is possible. The finding that novel Bd lineages occur in trade-associated animals as well as widely infecting introduced non-native species raises the likelihood that the international trade plays a role in vectoring Bd. The recent emergence of a new species of chytrid, B. salamandrivorans, that is highly pathogenic to European fire salamanders is likely to be caused by ongoing introductions of amphibian-infecting chytrids into Europe. There is a clear need to continue ongoing surveillance and assessments of the health of Europe's amphibians, as well as to tighten biosecurity in traded species. However, our results clearly show that disease introductions have occurred, and will occur again. The progress that we have made in understanding what facilitates serious disease versus endemic infection provides routes to applied strategies for mitigating disease. Further work needs to be undertaken to put these principles into practice in order to conserve Europe's amphibian biodiversity. However, the threat that amphibian-infecting chytrids pose to Europes amphibians is increasing and urgent action at the national and international level is needed if further losses of biodiversity are to be avoided.
Exploitation Route Control of trade in infected wildlife; European Parliament and UK Government
Sectors Environment
URL http://www.biodiversa.org/552
 
Description Our findings have been used to develop a policy brief to the EU Parliament http://www.biodiversa.org/552
First Year Of Impact 2010
Sector Environment
Impact Types Societal,Policy & public services
 
Description Conference talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk given at the British Society for Parasitology Conference in London
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://bsp.uk.net/2016/05/02/blog-bsp-2016-spring-meeting/
 
Description Presentation at ZSL scientific event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation regarding the potential impact of invasive species on emergence of threatening amphibian infectious diseases, delivered as part of the ZSL Scientific Event launching the 2016 Living Planet Report
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/the-living-planet-report-2016-threats-pressures-and-addressing-...
 
Description WILDLIFE DISEASES ON THE INCREASE: A MAJOR THREAT FOR EUROPE'S BIODIVERSITY 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact IUCN policy brief to the European Parliament

Change to incoming EU 'Animal Health' Law
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.biodiversa.org/552
 
Description Washington Post article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Washington Post article featuring front-page Science article 'Exotic pet trade linked to invasive fungus that's killing frogs globally'
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/05/10/exotic-pet-trade-linked-to-inv...