The distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians of Erie County, Ohio

Location

CELA & Mary Church Terrell Library, First Floor

Document Type

Poster - Open Access

Start Date

4-25-2025 12:00 PM

End Date

4-25-2025 2:00 PM

Research Program

Old Woman Creek NERR Friends of Old Woman Creek summer internship (Huron, OH)

Abstract

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the highly infectious fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has devastating impacts on amphibian populations worldwide. Despite a growing body of knowledge about the global distribution of Bd, its prevalence and impact on amphibians in the Midwest are still relatively unknown. Although data on the geographic distribution of Bd and its infection of various taxa in Ohio is gradually increasing, no publicly available information exists regarding its presence or absence in Erie County, Ohio. To begin building a picture of the distribution of Bd, and thus chytrid, in Erie County, we conducted nocturnal surveys for amphibians at nine different sites and collected swab samples from any amphibians found. In addition to biological samples, water samples were collected for Bd environmental DNA analysis. Following DNA extraction from collected swabs and water samples, we used real-time PCR to detect the presence of Bd. At least one positive sample was positive from all of the nine survey sites and across all four species encountered (Lithobates clamitans, Lithobates pipiens, Lithobates catesbeianus, Eurycea bislineata). These findings indicate that the chytrid-causing fungus is widespread in Erie County, Ohio, and has infected multiple orders of amphibians and species of anurans. This emphasizes the importance of further monitoring of both overall Bd prevalence and species-specific chytrid response in order to develop effective conservation strategies for amphibian populations in Erie County and throughout Northern Ohio.

Keywords:

Herpetology, Disease ecology, Amphibians, Conservation

Notes

Presenter: Kate Boutell

Major

Biology
Environmental Studies

Project Mentor(s)

Andrew Pike, Biology

2025

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Apr 25th, 12:00 PM Apr 25th, 2:00 PM

The distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians of Erie County, Ohio

CELA & Mary Church Terrell Library, First Floor

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the highly infectious fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has devastating impacts on amphibian populations worldwide. Despite a growing body of knowledge about the global distribution of Bd, its prevalence and impact on amphibians in the Midwest are still relatively unknown. Although data on the geographic distribution of Bd and its infection of various taxa in Ohio is gradually increasing, no publicly available information exists regarding its presence or absence in Erie County, Ohio. To begin building a picture of the distribution of Bd, and thus chytrid, in Erie County, we conducted nocturnal surveys for amphibians at nine different sites and collected swab samples from any amphibians found. In addition to biological samples, water samples were collected for Bd environmental DNA analysis. Following DNA extraction from collected swabs and water samples, we used real-time PCR to detect the presence of Bd. At least one positive sample was positive from all of the nine survey sites and across all four species encountered (Lithobates clamitans, Lithobates pipiens, Lithobates catesbeianus, Eurycea bislineata). These findings indicate that the chytrid-causing fungus is widespread in Erie County, Ohio, and has infected multiple orders of amphibians and species of anurans. This emphasizes the importance of further monitoring of both overall Bd prevalence and species-specific chytrid response in order to develop effective conservation strategies for amphibian populations in Erie County and throughout Northern Ohio.