Treating for chytrid fungus

[Tzunu un]

I wouldn't say there is no need to. In some ways, it couldn't hurt to be safe. It's just like getting any other new frog, you want them quarantined and get them tested to make sure they won't infect any of the other inhabitants in the enclosure.

Strider is correct here. Bd is widespread, can infect American toads, can be asymptomatic in some species/populations. This makes it a concern for introducing any new animals into a collection or if breeding.

Here is some info:

great overview in practical and layman terms (mentions presence in American toads):
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/...ts/chytrid.pdf

https://chytridcrisis.wordpress.com/...dendrobatidis/

http://www.amphibiaweb.org/chytrid/c...iomycosis.html


Before you take the toad to the vet (saving costs) you could test for Bd yourself using the kit from Josh's Frogs, Genesis Exotics, or similar. The test involves swabbing the animal with a sterile swab and then sending the sample to a test lab (PCR test).

http://www.joshsfrogs.com/amphibian-...-test-kit.html
https://www.genesisexotics.com/herp-health.html

The testing in these kits is usually both for Bd and ranavirus and both kits have you send it to Research Associates Lab. The cost of each test is $18 additional so total cost is kit + shipping + test fees. You can also send your own samples (not buy the kit) if you have sterile swabs and gloves and download the sample submission form from Research Associates Lab (use the reptile one) One swab is needed for each test requested.
http://www.vetdna.com/application/fo...issionform.pdf

Josh's Frogs has a You Tube video demonstrating how to use the swabs to get samples for testing, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L4DYlcxOYo

If you have multiple animals in one enclosure to test then you can just swab a couple of the animals in the enclosure with the swab. All animals in the enclosure with have Bd if present.


Treatment for Bd varies depending on the animal and it's tolerances. The most popular are heat treatment (for heat tolerant species), or itraconazole (requires prescription from vet) baths. Instead of using itraconazole , others have used over the counter Lamisil Foot Spray (Terbinafine) baths.

see:
http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Chytrid_fungus

and the other references I gave above describing treatment and hygiene practices during testing/treatment to prevent spread/reinfection.


Dr. David Frye is a vet in the midwest that specializes in frogs/amphibians. I've never used him but he apparently will answer emails and I think that he may also write or order prescriptions that can be sent to your local vet / picked up there even if you don't live in MI.
Here is his info:
http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/ven...al-fecals.html


Testing fecals is the second type of test that you should run and will test for parasites.
http://www.doylesdartden.com/AGD_31.html
Treatment is usually with fenbendazole (Panacur®) or ivermectin (Ivomec®)


I hope that this helps you make up your mind and decide your plans. I wouldn't risk infecting other captive animals with WC specimens by not testing/treating.