The Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) is an IUCN red-listed species affected by habitat destruction and emerging infectious diseases. We tested for the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in a breeding population of toads in southwestern British Columbia. Although the toads showed no physical signs of infection, 28% of 32 toads tested positive for Bd. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of the chytrid fungus in a population of Western Toads in British Columbia. We also compared body condition to infection prevalence and found no significant relationship. Monitoring population trends and further testing for Bd prevalence are required throughout the province.
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1 April 2009
Prevalence of the Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in Western Toads in Southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Isabelle Deguise,
John S. Richardson
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Anaxyrus boreas
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Bd prevalence
body condition
British Columbia
Canada
chytrid fungus