Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance for a Reintroduction Programme: the Pool Frog Pelophylax...

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Health
• Amphibian Ecology

Background:

• Wild animal reintroduction programs face disease risks.
• Disease risk analysis (DRA) and post-release surveillance are key mitigation tools.
• Empirical data on DRA effectiveness in reintroductions remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a DRA for the reintroduction of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae) to England.
• To implement and evaluate disease mitigation strategies, including quarantine.
• To assess the effectiveness of post-release health surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and diagnostic testing of Swedish pool frogs and native amphibians.
• Identification of high-risk pathogens: Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
• Implementation of a quarantine barrier and post-release field health surveillance.

Main Results:

• Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis were identified as high-risk agents.
• Quarantine effectively managed risks from these specific pathogens.
• No significant health or disease problems were detected in reintroduced pool frogs, though dead amphibian detection rates were low.

Conclusions:

• Disease risk analysis and quarantine are valuable tools for managing disease risks in amphibian reintroductions.
• Post-release surveillance is essential but requires improved methods for detecting deceased animals.
• Further research is needed to enhance surveillance effectiveness for reintroduction programs.