GLOUCESTERSHIRE ECHO (Cheltenham, UK) 04 December 07 Disease Leaves Toads In A Hole
Toads in Gloucestershire are at risk from a killer infection that has driven many amphibians to extinction. Chytridiomycosis is caused by a fungus which infects frogs, toads, and newts.
It causes their skin to flake, makes them so lethargic they don't respond when threatened by predators and can cause whole groups of newly-hatched toadlets to die.
Research by the Institute of Zoology showed that left uncheck-ed, the disease could wipe out the British toad population in a decade.
The infection is responsible for wiping out 40 species of amphibian in the past 20 years.
Last month it was confirmed that the disease was present in a group of wild bullfrogs in Kent.
Experts say it could easily spread to other parts of the country.
Colin Twissell, is amphibian and reptile recorder for the Gloucestershire Naturalist Society.
He said: "Toads are vital to this country.
"They are natural predators and keep down garden pests including slugs and flies.
"They form part of our rich diversity and natural wildlife."
He added: "We should not be importing species of frogs from other countries.
"We're decimating other populations and introducing diseases into this country.
"This infection has been around for about 12 months now.
"The general public needs to be aware of it and should report any untoward problems with toads including strange behaviour and lethargy."
A spokesman for wildlife charity Froglife added: "It is thought that the infection could have been brought to the UK by exotic pet species, such as the African clawed toad, that have escaped or been deliberately released.
"It is vital strict controls on the health of imported animals are in place to help limit the spread of this devastating disease."
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=19150597&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888
