Environmental Drivers of Ranavirus in Free-Living Amphibians in Constructed Ponds.

ABSTRACT: Amphibian ranaviruses occur globally, but we are only beginning to understand mechanisms for emergence. Ranaviruses are aquatic pathogens which can cause > 90% mortality in larvae of many aquatic-breeding amphibians, making them important focal host taxa. Host susceptibilities and virulence of ranaviruses have been studied extensively in controlled laboratory settings, but research is needed to identify drivers of infection in natural environments. Constructed ponds, essential components of wetland restoration, have been associated with higher ranavirus prevalence than natural ponds, posing a conundrum for conservation efforts, and emphasizing the need to understand potential drivers. In this study, we analyzed 4 years of Frog virus 3 prevalence and associated environmental parameters in p

SUBMITTER: Youker-Smith TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6245063 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature