SOP 1.4.04 Sampling for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Occurrences in Amphibians
Byrne MW. 2012. SOP 1.4.04 Sampling for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Occurrences in Amphibians
Several pathogens affect amphibians, but a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is of particular interest because this pathogen is linked to localized amphibian population declines and extinction of species. Further, Bd is known to occur in SECN parks (Byrne et al. 2008, Byrne and Moore 2011). This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) details the swab sample collection procedures including: 1) field season preparation, 2) collection and storage of Bd samples from amphibians, and 3) submission of Bd samples for analysis. All field personnel must read SOP 3.1.5 Safe Handling Procedures and Decontamination Procedures for Amphibians. The amount of equipment (e.g., sample vials) necessary is dependent upon the number planned samples to be collected, which should be determined a priori. This SOP does not cover the procedures involved with the collection of tissue samples and analysis. It is important to note that this SOP outlines the process by which the Southeast Coast Network (SECN) surveys for Bd to address our objective of determining the occurrence of Bd for select species that occur in SECN parks, and the procedures presented here were chosen solely for that purpose.
- Type
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Authors
- Byrne, Michael
- Date of Issue
- 2012-03-29
- Units
- SECN
- Keywords
- Safety