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Amphibian respiratory diseases
1Department of Pathology, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA. dnichols@nzp.si.edu
Abstract:
This article describes the diseases that commonly affect the lungs, gills, and nasal passages of frogs, toads, and salamanders. Although these organs often are affected by systemic infections, only diseases that are limited to the respiratory system are discussed. Gills of aquatic amphibians commonly are affected by poor water quality, infestations by protozoa or trematodes, or infections by water molds. Nematodes in the genus Rhabias are significant pulmonary pathogens in frogs and toads. The nasal passages of frogs, toads, and salamanders may be parasitized by Bufolucilia fly larvae.