Announcing a 12/17/15 Webinar that provides a timely update of new information about Bsal, development of the Strategic Plan, and related research and management progress.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is an amphibian chytrid fungus that has caused mortality episodes of European salamanders in the wild and captivity. It is believed to have been introduced to Europe, and has been traced to Asian newts, with trade suggested as a transmission route out of Asia. Concerns were raised for the potential threat of Bsal to native salamanders in other areas when several species were shown to be vulnerable to Bsal infection in laboratory challenge experiments. Using both trade ports and vulnerable taxa as input variables, North America risk maps show several areas of potential susceptibility to this apparently novel fungal pathogen. Using lessons-learned from other emerging infectious diseases causing mass mortality episodes, a North American Bsal Strategic Plan was proposed, and efforts were initiated to help prevent inadvertent introduction of a potentially lethal novel pathogen. A Bsal Task Force was organized to maintain communication about new information relative to the disease and its management, and to develop several sections of a Strategic Plan.
Dr. Deanna H. (Dede) Olson
Research Ecologist and Team Leader
Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
Thursday, December 17th, 2015
2 PM Eastern time
To join the webinar:
Step 1: Dial-In: 800.768.2983
Access Code: 8383462
Step 2: Web Login: https://cc.callinfo.com/r/149cs39s4xsdg&eom
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Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is an amphibian chytrid fungus that has caused mortality episodes of European salamanders in the wild and captivity. It is believed to have been introduced to Europe, and has been traced to Asian newts, with trade suggested as a transmission route out of Asia. Concerns were raised for the potential threat of Bsal to native salamanders in other areas when several species were shown to be vulnerable to Bsal infection in laboratory challenge experiments. Using both trade ports and vulnerable taxa as input variables, North America risk maps show several areas of potential susceptibility to this apparently novel fungal pathogen. Using lessons-learned from other emerging infectious diseases causing mass mortality episodes, a North American Bsal Strategic Plan was proposed, and efforts were initiated to help prevent inadvertent introduction of a potentially lethal novel pathogen. A Bsal Task Force was organized to maintain communication about new information relative to the disease and its management, and to develop several sections of a Strategic Plan.
Dr. Deanna H. (Dede) Olson
Research Ecologist and Team Leader
Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
Thursday, December 17th, 2015
2 PM Eastern time
To join the webinar:
Step 1: Dial-In: 800.768.2983
Access Code: 8383462
Step 2: Web Login: https://cc.callinfo.com/r/149cs39s4xsdg&eom
________________________________
