Detection of high prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians from southern Oklahoma, USA

Oklahoma is home to 54 species of amphibians (31 species of frogs, 23 species of salamanders), a group of vertebrates shown to be highly susceptible to infectious pathogens, such as the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Bd has been documented in all states bordering Oklahoma, but little is known about Bd within Oklahoma. Previous studies sampled for Bd in four isolated sites spread out over four counties, with Bd detected in three of these sites. Recent research on historical museum specimens indicated that Bd has been present in Oklahoma since at least 1926, but little is known about current prevalence rates. Our study addresses the paucity of data for Bd infection in Oklahoma amphibians, where there is a great need to increase sampling efforts so that conservation actions can be implemented to mitigate potential negative effects of the pathogen on native species.