As the amphibian hobby continues to grow, it is crucial that we advocate for the health and wellbeing of our beloved frogs, toads and salamanders. We must also be mindful of the health and wellbeing of the industry that provides us the privilege of working with these amazing creatures. And when it comes to setting policies that affect the industry (particularly with regard to amphibian disease), input from hobbyists and breeders is a vital component.
This week I am joined by Dr. Matt Gray and we discuss his ongoing project with the Pet Advocacy Network. The aim of the project is to identify how socioeconomic decisions made by stakeholders drive pathogen dynamics in a wildlife trade network and use this information to identify disease mitigation strategies that are economically viable and minimize spillover risk (i.e., pathogen transmission from captive to wild populations). This project is partnering with the U.S. wildlife trade industry and government stakeholders, and will facilitate discussions among them to identify strategies that promote clean trade, while considering socioeconomic impacts on the industry.
The project uses a combination of socioeconomic surveys, facilitated discussions, pathogen surveillance, and controlled experiments to build a series of predictive models that can be used to guide policy.
To find out more about free pathogen tests, grad and post grad opportunities, and to take the survey visit: https://www.healthyamphibiantrade.org
Also check out this paper https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/10/22-1899_article
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Additional Resources:
Cavasos, K., N. C. Poudyal, J. L. Brunner, A. R. Warwick, J. Jones, N. Moherman, M. George, J. D. Willard, Z. Brinks, and M. J. Gray. 2023. Attitudes and behavioral intentions of pet amphibian owners about biosecurity practices. EcoHealth, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-023-01645-8.
Cavasos, K., R. Adhikari, N. C. Poudyal, J. L. Brunner, A. Warwick, and M. J. Gray. 2023. Understanding the demand for and value of pathogen-free amphibians to US pet owners. Conservation Science and Practice, e12995.
Gray, M. J., E. D. Carter*, J. Piovia-Scott, J. W. Cusaac*, A. C. Peterson*, R. D. Whetstone, A. Hertz, M. C. Bletz, D. C. Woodhams, W. B. Sutton, W. Sheley, and D. L. Miller. 2023. Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and biodiversity risk. Nature Communications, DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-38979-4
Cavasos, K., N. C. Poudyal, J. L. Brunner, A. R. Warwick, J. Jones, N. Moherman, M. George, J. D. Willard, Z. T. Brinks, and M. J. Gray. 2023. Exploring business stakeholder engagement in sustainable business practices: Evidence from the US pet amphibian industry. Business Strategy and the Environment, DOI: 10.1002/bse.3455