Enhanced between-site biosecurity to minimize herpetofaunal disease-causing pathogen transmission

Deanna H. Olson; Katherine H. Haman; Matthew Gray; Reid Harris; Tracy Thompson; Marley Iredale; Michelle Christman; Jennifer Williams; Michael J. Adams; Jennifer Ballard

Treesearch

Enhanced between-site biosecurity to minimize herpetofaunal disease-causing pathogen transmission

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Deanna H. Olson, Katherine H. Haman, Matthew Gray, Reid Harris, Tracy Thompson, Marley Iredale, Michelle Christman, Jennifer Williams, Michael J. Adams, Jennifer Ballard

Year:

2021

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Herpetological Review. 52(1): 29-39.

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Abstract

Biosecurity and decontamination procedures for herpetofaunal conservation fall into several broad categories . This corresponds to the multifaceted decontamination approach tied to the stages of pathogen emergence (pre-arrival, invasion front, epidemic and establishment), and the intertwining contexts of natural resource management activities, the human dimension of transmission of novel pathogens, and integrated biodiversity conservation practices. Standard field-hygiene protocols generally aim to reduce the likelihood of human-mediated spread of disease-causing pathogens or invasive species among sites. Here, we add to the array of procedures with focused attention on biosecurity and decontamination priorities for field sites having a higher level of concern for transmission of pathogens. Such prioritization of high-risk transmission sites with consequent higher-level biosecurity guidance to accompany field work may help forestall human-mediated disease transmission. Elevated concerns for high-risk transmission sites can refocus attention of field crews conducting a wide array of natural resource management activities to the importance of biosecurity objectives.In the gradient of hygiene procedures available to herpetofaunal specialists, procedures to address high-risk transmission contexts have strategic prioritization criteria to identify likely high-risk sites and hence are more complex than standard field biosecurity protocols, yet are less stringent than those addressing individual animal infection or site disinfection. Herein, we address these topics relative to three amphibian disease-causing pathogens, Bd, Bsal, and Ranavirus.

Keywords

Wildlife stewardship, herpetofauna, science-based management, threats, priorities, human dimension, conservation model

Citation

Olson, Deanna H.; Haman, Katherine H.; Gray, Matthew; Harris, Reid; Thompson, Tracy; Iredale, Marley; Christman, Michelle; Williams, Jennifer; Adams, Michael J.; Ballard, Jennifer. 2021. Enhanced between-site biosecurity to minimize herpetofaunal disease-causing pathogen transmission. Herpetological Review. 52(1): 29-39.