Quarantine methods for captive collections

Gerry Marantelli¹ and Lee Berger^2,3

1 Amphibian Research Centre, P.O. Box 424, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia 3056.
2 Division of Animal Health, CSIRO, Ryrie St.,Geelong, Victoria, Australia 3022.
3 School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4811.

The recent discovery of the amphibian chytrid fungus has highlighted the importance of quarantine in captive collections. However, quarantine should always be a key component of both design and practice in collections, as it reduces the likelihood of outbreaks of all infectious diseases even if untreatable or undiscovered. Diseases and methods of treatment are poorly known for most amphibians, but preventing disease spread can avoid problems arising. The level of quarantine adopted will be influenced by the likelihood of contamination and the cost, both financial and in some cases ecological, of potential infections. In the case of conservation programs, the ability of disease to decimate collections could threaten species survival so quarantine has a high priority even where the possibility of contamination is small. Conversely the need to develop immunologically competent individuals for release may require exposure to certain diseases.

There are many practical ways to reduce the risks of disease transfer both into and out of collections. Frogs should be quarantined for at least 2 months before introduction into a collection. Gloves should be worn and changed between enclosures and every enclosure should be isolated to ensure pathogens are not transferred via water, equipment or on hands. Clean and feed animals in the same order each time, starting with those most likely to be free of disease or most valuable. Automated systems reduce handling and hence the risk of disease transmission. Enclosures and equipment should be disinfected between use. Disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, chlorhexidine and boiling water are effective against Batrachochytrium.