Chrysosporium in the Massasauga Rattlesnake

A deadly threat has been identified in a Southern Illinois population of Massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus).  In 2008, biologists found 3 eastern massasaugas with disfiguring lesions on and around their head.  In addition, the snakes had multiple growths and ulcers, and experienced swelling that extended throughout the skin and skeletal muscle.  Another massasauga with a similar condition was documented in the same area in 2010.  Unfortunately, all snakes died.  Cultures taken from infected individuals identified the disease causing pathogen as Chrysosporium, a soil dwelling fungus commonly found in pet reptiles but rarely seen in the wild.  To date, Chrysosporium has …

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Chytrid Fungus and the Global Decline of Amphibians

Recently, I had the privilege of spending time with a biologist studying the impact of the chytrid fungus on amphibian populations, as well as some of the beautiful Panamanian Golden Frogs (Atelopus zeteki) in her study.  Chytrid is a type of fungus that is exclusively found in water or in moist environments.  Although there are over 1,000 identified chytrid species it is the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis that has been traversing the globe decimating amphibian populations.  First identified in 1998, the B. dendrobatids species of chytrid has been found to infect the skin of amphibians; infection causes the skin to thicken.  The …

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