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Climate change exacerbates frog disease
Changeable temperatures affecting risk factor of disease

Scientists have found that more changeable temperatures caused by global warming may be exacerbating the risk posed to frogs by a lethal fungal disease called chytridiomycosis.

It seems the animals' immune systems lose potency during unpredictable temperature changes and they succumb faster to the disease, which is killing amphibians across the world.

Chytridiomycosis was identified in 1998 and is caused by the parasitic fungus Batrachochyytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). It affects frogs and their amphibian relatives, such as salamanders and caecilians, and has brought about the extinction of a number of species.

Thomas Raffel, lead scientist on the new research, said: "I'm not convinced that the effect we've discovered could be considered responsible for declines or extinctions in the way that the spread of Bd can be considered responsible."

He added: "It might be, however, that climate change has sped up the decline or extinction after the parasite arrived." 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.