Leadership at KLIVV: Dr. Steven Smith

This project aims to facilitate field research on chytridiomycosis and enable rapid detection of infected individuals and watercourses. A detection method that does not rely on access to laboratory facilities, is relatively easy to perform, and is inexpensive is an important next step in understanding how chytrid spores are distributed in the environment. By returning the initiative for chytrid detection to local researchers, they can actively participate in research into the prevalence and transmission of the disease.

The goal of this project is not only to increase the efficiency of chytrid detection for monitoring programmes in Europe, but also to facilitate detection methods in countries that have limited access to resources and laboratory facilities for disease monitoring.

Duration

01.03.2023-31.08.2023

Participating Vetmeduni units

Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Medicine

Konrad Lorenz Institut of Ethology

Sponsored by Österreichischer Forschungsfonds für Herpetologie (der Schönbrunner Tiergarten GmbH und der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Herpetologie), Vienna, Austria