Snake fungal disease (SFD) is a dermatitis of snakes that commonly results in high mortality. Recent increases in incidence in the Midwest and Eastern United States has prompted research efforts to investigate how it spreads, the mechanism of infection, and methods to treat the disease. We are currently collaborating with Zoo Atlanta to develop ways to detect the pathogen as well as potential treatment methods.
We’ve also begun a limited treatment trial of SFD with massasauga rattlesnakes, lead by Matt Allender at the Prairie Research Institute. We’ll release more information as it becomes available.
Microscopic image of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola mycelia (© John Neville, Georgia State University)
