Wildlife disease outbreaks are increasing in frequency and severity around the globe. Disease dynamics are governed by complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and the environment in which they interact. The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis (Bd), is one of the most devastating wildlife pathogens to date. Interestingly, while Bd devastates frog populations in some regions around the globe, it has less dramatic effects on the amphibians of the United States Midwest and east coast. Understanding why disease dynamics vary among species and populations affected by this pathogen is critical to mounting a management response to disease outbreaks. This project strives to determine if community interactions between Bd and aquatic macroinvertebrates and zooplankton may be moderating disease dynamics in this system.
dendrobatidis (Bd), is one of the most devastating wildlife pathogens to date. Interestingly, while Bd devastates frog populations in some regions around the globe, it has less dramatic effects on the amphibians of the United States Midwest and east coast. Understanding why disease dynamics vary among species and populations affected by this pathogen is critical to mounting a management response to disease outbreaks. This project strives to determine if community interactions between Bd and aquatic macroinvertebrates and zooplankton may be moderating disease dynamics in this system.
- Teacher: Jessica McQuigg