Chytridiomycosis

• What is Chytridiomycosis?

  An infectious disease of amphibians caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd).
• What layer of the skin does Bd infect?

  Keratin layer
• How long can zoospores live in the water?

  Weeks, depending on the temperature
• What are the early signs of chytrid disease?

  Tend to be anorexia and lethargy
• What do most frogs experience as well?

  Excessive shedding of skin, which appears opaque and grey-white or tan colour
• Common signs of Chytrid disease


  Red skin, convulsions, lack of the righting reflex, abnormal feeding behaviour, and discolouration near the mouth.
• How does Bd find its host?

  It travels through water sources until it finds a new host as its a waterborne virus
• How is Chytridiomycosis diagnosed?

  Requires histopathologic examination of tissues from dead animals.
• When was Chytrid first discovered?

  1993
• How long has Bd been present in Australia?

  1978
• Where was the origin of Bd?

  In Africa 1938
• What is Chytrid believed to be responsible for?

  One of the most significant losses of biodiversity from diseases
• Where is Chytrid present?

  In every continent except Antarctica
• How does transmission happen?

  Direct contact