First Cases of Deadly Amphibian Fungus Disease Confirmed in Japan

The first cases of frog deaths from chytridiomycosis, a fungus disease, were confirmed in Japan in December 2006. Although the disease does not affect humans, it is believed to be causing serious declines in amphibian populations and the extinction of certain species around the world. Once the infection spreads, it is impossible to eradicate it. The World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (WWF Japan) and other organizations are calling on pet dealers, amphibian pet owners and others to take necessary precautions.

The fungus causes skin infections and kills amphibians, with a mortality rate of about 90 percent or more. When the disease spreads in the natural environment, there is no way to control it because it is transmitted through water. In the cases reported in Japan, chytridiomycosis was found in imported frogs that had been kept as pets.

Drastic declines in frog populations may have significant impacts on ecosystem food chains. Without frogs that eat insects, outbreaks of insect pests could occur, resulting in damage to agricultural and forestry industries.

WWF Japan urges frog owners to consult a veterinarian if there is something wrong with their frogs, and never to leave dead frogs outside. To raise people's awareness, WWF Japan is providing information on chytridiomycosis on its website (in Japanese).

http://www.wwf.or.jp/eng/index.htm
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Posted: 2007/05/26 11:04:10 PM
Japanese version