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Chytridiomycosis Swabbing

Chytridiomycosis is an amphibian disease, which has been held responsible for catastrophic declines in some species around the globe. The current situation in Europe is not entirely clear due to a lack of data, although some species have already seriously declined in upland areas of Spain.

The disease is caused by a fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) that infects the skin of adult amphibians and the mouthparts of tadpoles.

The exact killing mechanism is unknown but currently there are two theories. One is that the fungus may release a toxin that poisons the host. The other being that changes to the host’s skin might interfere with respiration, ionic balance and water uptake.

Recently the fungus has been detected in two areas of the UK (coastal Cumbria, and around Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells in Kent), although it is not yet clear whether it is causing population declines.

In collaboration with a number of organisations (Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales, Herpetological Conservation Trust, Froglife, Amphibian and Reptile Groups-ARG's), the Institute of Zoology is investigating how widespread the chytrid fungus is across the Country. A nationwide survey has been taking place, the majority of the sampling has used the wealth of experience available amongst voluntary fieldworkers, who have been trained in the appropriate techniques for this study through workshops run by the HCT/ARG's.

NOTE: The chytrid fungus only infects amphibians and poses no risk to humans.

The Bryncoch Environmental Volunteer Group with the help of Peter Hill has already assisted in the swabbing ....

After swabbing has taken place, the amphibians are placed in an observation tray for a short period to check all is well.