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Emerging infectious diseases and amphibian population declines
P Daszak1, L Berger, A A Cunningham
1Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. daszak@arches.uga.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 22, 1999
Summary
This review examines two emerging infectious wildlife diseases, chytridiomyomycosis and ranaviral disease, and their impact on amphibian populations. It explores their origins, spread, and the broader threat of wildlife infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife pathology
- Disease ecology
- Amphibian population biology
Background:
- Amphibian populations are declining globally.
- Emerging infectious diseases, such as chytridiomycosis and ranaviral disease, are significant threats.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for wildlife conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on chytridiomycosis and ranaviral disease.
- To analyze the ecological and biogeographical factors influencing these diseases.
- To propose hypotheses on the origins and impact of these panzootics and discuss emerging infectious diseases as a global threat.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research.
- Analysis of host-parasite population biology.
- Examination of ecological and biogeographical data.
Main Results:
- Chytridiomycosis and ranaviral disease are key drivers of amphibian declines.
- These diseases exhibit complex ecological and biogeographical patterns.
- Hypotheses regarding disease origins and panzootic impacts are proposed.
Conclusions:
- Emerging infectious diseases pose a substantial threat to global wildlife.
- Further research into disease ecology and host-parasite dynamics is needed.
- Conservation strategies must address the impact of infectious diseases on wildlife populations.