Hi all,

Some of you may know about amphibian deaths due to chytrid fungus in the wild. It is a rapidly expanding global problem. Now there is evidence that chytrid is much more common in CAPTIVE amphibians and that some commonly kept pet species such as horned frogs and pacmans are silent carriers.

We can't just assume our captives are free of it, because a high percentage of pet shops animals are infected, dealer and breeder popoulations have it, and spreading it even farther unintentionally. We don't know who has it and who doesn't. Specialist dealers are starting to test and treat. There are false test negatives possible and most vets, pet shops, dealers, and breeders aren't really looking for it yet. When a pet dies the necropsy lab isn't testing for it either.

Here is my point...don't assume you're safe. Researchers have developed a fairly simple treatment for it that hasn't shown to be harmful to pet animals. I posted the original thread about this below, with the suggested treatment. We could do our part to eliminate it in captive animals if we start treating as a standard for all new animals. First, treat the animals you have. Then assume any new amphibian you buy carries it and treat them. Here's the link. Scroll down to Steve Busch's March 2 message and you'll find it. Lots of stores carry the med you'll need.

http://talkto.thefrog.org/index.php?action=vthread&forum=4&topic=14799

Pass this on, OK?

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