Deadly Amphibian Disease Introduced To Japan Through Imported Pets - Asahi Shimbun [View All]

Chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease that has devastated frog and other amphibian populations overseas, was confirmed in imported pets in Tokyo, the first reported case in Asia, experts said Thursday. The disease will not affect humans. But there is no effective measure to eradicate chytridiomycosis once it spreads in the natural environment, the experts said. Once in the wild, it can ravage ecosystems.

Biological experts are scheduled to issue an emergency joint statement Saturday calling for stronger quarantine procedures, tougher monitoring of sales and distribution channels and other countermeasures. Chytridiomycosis was found in frogs imported from Central and South America that were kept as pets in Tokyo, according to the experts.

Of the 35 pet frogs of 11 species, 14 died in November and December last year. Examinations conducted by Azabu University researchers confirmed on Dec. 25 that the frogs died of chytridiomycosis, probably after being infected by another frog or frogs bought in late October.

At least one frog from Latin America at a pet shop in the Kanto region tested positive for the disease earlier this month. The course of action now is to ensure chytridiomycosis does not spread outdoors.

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