FIRST RECORD OF BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS IN THE NORTHERN NETHERLANDS

Area of Science:

• Amphibian disease ecology
• Mycology
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogenic fungus responsible for significant declines in amphibian populations globally.
• Previous surveys indicated that the province of Groningen, Netherlands, was free of Bd.
• Understanding Bd distribution is crucial for amphibian conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in the province of Groningen, Netherlands.
• To establish the first record of Bd infection in this region.
• To inform future amphibian monitoring and conservation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys were conducted at 12 locations in Groningen during 2020 and 2021.
• Environmental and amphibian samples were collected for pathogen detection.
• Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were employed to quantify Bd presence.

Main Results:

• Bd was detected in 13 out of 359 samples (3.6%) collected across 4 of the 12 surveyed sites.
• Prevalence was estimated at approximately 4% for the combined 2020 and 2021 sampling periods.
• This study marks the first confirmed record of Bd in Groningen.

Conclusions:

• The presence of Bd in Groningen indicates a broader distribution of this pathogen within the Netherlands than previously recognized.
• Current "Bd-free" designations for some regions may be inaccurate due to limited or outdated sampling.
• Continued and comprehensive monitoring is essential for accurate Bd surveillance and effective amphibian conservation.