Major
Biology
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Graduate
Recommended Citation
Strong, Jennifer, "High prevalence of Ranavirus infection in permanent constructed wetlands in Eastern Kentucky, USA" (2014). University Presentation Showcase Event. 8.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2014/2014/8
Abstract
Two important drivers of global amphibian declines are land-use change and infectious diseases. Hundreds of permanent wetlands have been constructed on ridge tops for wildlife management in eastern Kentucky within the same landscape as natural, ephemeral wetlands. Constructed wetlands support a different amphibian community than natural wetlands, and some of these species have been associated with ranavirus outbreaks. Our objective was to test for occurrence of ranavirus and amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibian populations of natural and constructed wetlands in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. We selected Eastern Newts (Notopthalmus viridescens) and Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) as representative species of constructed and natural wetland amphibian communities. Samples taken from 10 adult newts from five constructed wetlands and 10 Wood Frog larvae from one natural wetland in May 2012 were tested to determine the presence of ranavirus and chytrid fungus. No Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was detected, but 9 samples from two constructed wetlands were positive for ranavirus (prevalence = 70% and 33%). Adult newts are known to move among wetlands in close proximity including permanent and ephemeral wetlands and are a potential reservoir species for transmitting ranavirus to natural wetlands.
Presentation format
Poster
Expected Graduation Date
2014
High prevalence of Ranavirus infection in permanent constructed wetlands in Eastern Kentucky, USA
Two important drivers of global amphibian declines are land-use change and infectious diseases. Hundreds of permanent wetlands have been constructed on ridge tops for wildlife management in eastern Kentucky within the same landscape as natural, ephemeral wetlands. Constructed wetlands support a different amphibian community than natural wetlands, and some of these species have been associated with ranavirus outbreaks. Our objective was to test for occurrence of ranavirus and amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibian populations of natural and constructed wetlands in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. We selected Eastern Newts (Notopthalmus viridescens) and Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) as representative species of constructed and natural wetland amphibian communities. Samples taken from 10 adult newts from five constructed wetlands and 10 Wood Frog larvae from one natural wetland in May 2012 were tested to determine the presence of ranavirus and chytrid fungus. No Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was detected, but 9 samples from two constructed wetlands were positive for ranavirus (prevalence = 70% and 33%). Adult newts are known to move among wetlands in close proximity including permanent and ephemeral wetlands and are a potential reservoir species for transmitting ranavirus to natural wetlands.
