Overview of emerging amphibian pathogens and modeling advances for conservation-related decisions
One of the leading causes of global amphibian decline is emerging infectious disease. We summarize the disease ecology of four major emerging amphibian infectious agents: chytrids, ranaviruses, trematodes, and Perkinsea. We focus on recently developed quantitative advances that build on well-established ecological theories and aid in studying epizootic and enzootic disease dynamics. For example, we identify ecological and evolutionary selective forces that determine disease outcomes and transmission pathways by borrowing ideas from population and community ecology theory. We outline three topics of general interest in disease ecology: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and disease risk, (ii) individual, species, or environmental transmission heterogeneity, and (iii) pathogen coinfections. Finally, we identify specific knowledge gaps impeding the success of conservation-related decisions for disease mitigation and the future of amphibian conservation success.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
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Title | Overview of emerging amphibian pathogens and modeling advances for conservation-related decisions |
DOI | 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.05.034 |
Authors | Evan H. Campbell Grant, Direnzo G |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Biological Conservation |
Index ID | 70205848 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |