Distribution, prevalence and persistence of mucormycosis in Tasmanian platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

Abstract

Abstract. While the fungal disease mucormycosis has infected Tasmanian platypuses for nearly three decades, its impacts remain largely unknown. This study documents the spatial and temporal distribution of mucormycosis in Tasmanian platypuses as a baseline for assessing its impacts. Over 1800 platypus capture and observation records were collated and mapped, and indicate that between 1982 and 2007 mucormycosis-infected platypuses were present in at least 11, and potentially 22, of Tasmania's 48 river catchments. During 2008-09, live-trapping surveys were undertaken to determine the spread, prevalence and persistence of the disease. Surveys of 75 rivers and creeks across 18 catchments captured 167 individuals, and an additional 12 platypuses were obtained from the public.

Hematologic, Plasma Biochemical, and Other Indicators of the Health of Tasmanian Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus Anatinus): Predictors of Mucormycosis

“…Sampling was conducted using nets; sampling sites were recorded using a handheld global positioning system (GPS); and sampling site altitude was determined by mapping using ArcGIS 9.3 (ESRI, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). The sampling method and catchment disease status are described in detail by Gust et al (2009). The individuals captured were assumed to be random samples of each population.…”

“…The historic spread of mucormycosis in Tasmanian platypuses from 1983 to 2005 is detailed in Gust and Griffiths (2009), and the current distribution, prevalence, and persistence of the disease were recently described following extensive live-trapping surveys across Tasmania (Gust et al, 2009). Mucormycosis transmission pathways remain speculative in platypuses (Connolly, 2009;Gust and Griffiths, 2009), and diagnosis of mucormycosis depends primarily on the presence of skin ulcers.…”

“…Mucormycosis transmission pathways remain speculative in platypuses (Connolly, 2009;Gust and Griffiths, 2009), and diagnosis of mucormycosis depends primarily on the presence of skin ulcers. While confirmatory culture of M. amphibiorum (Sabouraud's agar) is advised, it is not always possible, nor successful, due to masking by vigorous growth of other fungal and bacterial species.…”

Insights into platypus population structure and history from whole-genome sequencing

“…Though apparently secure across much of its eastern Australian range, the platypus has the highest conservation priority ranking among mammals when considering phylogenetic distinctiveness (Isaac et al, 2007). Given concerns about the impact of climate change (Klamt et al, 2011), disease (Gust et al, 2009) and other factors on platypus populations, there is a need to better understand past responses of platypus populations to climate change, and the extent of connectivity across the species range.…”

Mucormycosis in the platypus and amphibians caused by Mucor amphibiorum

“…In 1994, mucormycosis prevalence in the platypus at Brumbys Creek was 33% 10 . By 2009, the prevalence of platypus mucormycosis across Tasmania appeared to be declining 17,18 .…”