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13 June 2019 SEASONALITY IN BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS DETECTION IN AMPHIBIANS IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, USA
Jessa L. Watters, Shelby L. McMillin, Elizabeth C. Marhanka, Drew R. Davis, Jillian K. Farkas, Jacob L. Kerby, Cameron D. Siler
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Abstract

Chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid or Bd), has not been well studied in Oklahoma. This is of particular concern regarding the connection between seasonality and chytrid infection. To further investigate this connection, chytrid prevalence and infection load were quantified within amphibians in central Oklahoma from March to October, across two sites in Oklahoma Co. and two sites in Cleveland Co. The results show a trend between seasonality and chytrid, with spring and fall showing higher prevalence and summer showing lower prevalence, which coincides closely with the preferred chytrid growth temperatures. Additionally, periods of high rainfall in May 2015 are linked to increased chytrid prevalence, as has been suggested by other research. Additionally, species exhibiting high chytrid prevalence follow the results of previous studies: Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris blanchardi), American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), and southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala).

Copyright 2019 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Jessa L. Watters, Shelby L. McMillin, Elizabeth C. Marhanka, Drew R. Davis, Jillian K. Farkas, Jacob L. Kerby, and Cameron D. Siler "SEASONALITY IN BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS DETECTION IN AMPHIBIANS IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, USA," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 50(2), 492-497, (13 June 2019). https://doi.org/10.1638/2018-0103
Accepted: 14 January 2019; Published: 13 June 2019
KEYWORDS
amphibian decline
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
chytrid
Chytridiomycosis
infectious disease
weather
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