The Natural History, Ecology, and Epidemiology of Ophidiomyces Ophiodiicola and its Potential Impact on Free-Ranging Snake Populations

Daniel Raudebaugh, Matthew C Allender, Frank H. Gleason, Andrew N. Miller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease, is a serious emerging fungal pathogen of North American-endemic and captive snakes. The impact Ophidiomyces has on snake populations is unknown, but understanding the ecology is the first step to determining the approach to management and characterizing the epidemiology. Our research focused on a historical literature review, in vitro assays to elucidate ecological and biological information, and proposed aspects of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola that need further investigation. Our findings suggest that Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola can persist as an environmental saprobe in soils without the host association. Ophidiomyces was observed to be active at a range of temperatures and pH, in addition to its ability to utilize complex carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur resources. Unfortunately, many fundamental questions such as the origin of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, mode of transmission, environmental influences, and effective treatment options still need to be investigated.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGreat Waters, Great Lands, Great Responsibilities: 76th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference, January 24-27, 2016, Grand Rapids Michigan
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • INHS

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