Identification of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibian populations of a plain area in the Northwest of Italy

Abstract

In Italy, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been firstly reported in 2001. Here, we present the results of a study planned to obtain an overview of its distribution in two areas of Turin province (Northwest Italy). Samples from the Pianalto of Poirino were collected in 2008, and tissue samples from the area surrounding Ivrea were collected in 2003. The occurrence of B. dendrobatidis zoospores, tested using a highly sensitive PCR reaction, has been confirmed in four wild populations from one of the two tested areas. To prevent the dispersion of pathogen zoospores in the whole area, precautionary measures are strongly encouraged.