title: First evidence of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranavirus in Hong Kong amphibian trade.
abstract: The emerging infectious amphibian diseases caused by amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) and ranaviruses are responsible for global amphibian population declines and extinctions. Although likely to have been spread by a variety of activities, transcontinental dispersal appears closely associated with the international trade in live amphibians. The territory of Hong Kong reports frequent, high volume trade in amphibians, and yet the presence of Bd and ranavirus have not previously been detected in either traded or free-ranging amphibians. In 2012, a prospective surveillance project was conducted to investigate the presence of these pathogens in commercial shipments of live amphibians exported from Hong Kong International Airport. Analysis of skin (Bd) and cloacal (ranavirus) swabs by quantitative PCR detected pathogen presence in 31/265 (11.7%) and in 105/185 (56.8%) of amphibians, respectively. In addition, the water in which animals were transported tested positive for Bd, demonstrating the risk of pathogen pollution by the disposal of untreated wastewater. It is uncertain whether Bd and ranavirus remain contained within Hong Kong's trade sector, or if native amphibians have already been exposed. Rapid response efforts are now urgently needed to determine current pathogen distribution in Hong Kong, evaluate potential trade-associated exposure to free-ranging amphibians, and identify opportunities to prevent disease establishment.
authors.affiliation: One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Sciences and One Health Research Group, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jonathan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Kolby
authors.affiliation: EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America.
authors.forename: Kristine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Sciences and One Health Research Group, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America.
authors.forename: William B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Karesh
authors.affiliation: Amphibian Disease Laboratory, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Asa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Preston
authors.affiliation: Amphibian Disease Laboratory, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Allan P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pessier
authors.affiliation: One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Sciences and One Health Research Group, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Lee F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Skerratt
mesh_terms: D000663:Amphibians / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology*; D000818:Animals; D008411:Chytridiomycota / Q000502:physiology*; D003132:Commerce; D006723:Hong Kong; D017995:Ranavirus / Q000502:physiology*; D012767:Ships; D014481:United States; D014871:Water Microbiology