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Abstract Regional and global trade of live animals can contribute to the spread and emergence of novel pathogens, including several important pathogens of amphibians. However, understanding the spread or even frequency of infections in large, complex amphibian trade networks has been difficult, in part because businesses tend to be reluctant to participate in surveillance programs. Thus, we developed a novel approach to surveillance in which anonymous participating businesses were sent surveillance kits through a trusted trade advocacy partner, samples were returned to researchers via anonymous prepaid envelopes, and results were provided via a secure website with access regulated by a unique personal identification number (PIN) created by the business. We tested samples for the amphibian pathogens,Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans(Bsal),Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), andRanavirusspp. (Rv), as well as the beneficial microbe,Janthinobacterium lividum(Jliv), using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Out of 120 businesses invited to complete an anonymous socioeconomic survey, 24 volunteered to participate in pathogen surveillance, of which 14 were sent surveillance kits. Eight of these businesses returned samples consisting of swabs collected from amphibians in 78 terrestrial habitats and water filters from 49 aquatic habitats. Copies of a highly conserved vertebrate gene (EBF3N), quantified using qPCR, were consistently low (<100 copies) in returned samples, but similar to those collected by researchers, indicating comparable sample quality. Three samples (from two facilities) had detectable levels ofBdDNA;Bsal,Rv, andJlivwere not detected. This pilot study provides evidence that information about pathogens in pet trade networks can be acquired by developing partnerships with industry, and business participation might be enhanced by ensuring anonymity and inclusion of a trade advocacy partner. 

Abstract Pathogen transmission through wildlife trade has become a significant One Health issue, but businesses involved in trade can take actions to minimize pathogen spread within and beyond trade networks. Such actions could include an industry‐led clean‐trade certification program whereby retailer costs for enhanced biosecurity and disease‐free product certification are offset by increased prices to consumers. However, we currently know little about the demand for, and value of such a program to consumers. With the case of pet amphibian owners in the United States, we assessed what characteristics make people more likely to demand certified wild animals and how much more in price premium they are willing to pay for such animals. Findings suggested that the demand for pathogen‐free amphibians was driven by the perceived risk of pathogen spillover to wild populations, behavioral control in preventing transmission, and other characteristics related to pet ownership and demographics. On average, respondents were willing to pay $38.65 per animal more for certified pathogen‐free amphibians than non‐certified amphibians. Findings lend support for the viability of an industry‐led clean‐trade program aimed at enhancing animal well‐being, increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing the risk of pathogen transmission within and beyond the pet trade network. 

Abstract The recent decline in wild populations of amphibians worldwide coincides with the period of rapid growth in the global trade of wildlife. The potential for pathogen transmission within and beyond the pet amphibian trade network makes it important to explore the attitudes and behavior of businesses involved in the industry. We surveyed US businesses involved in the pet amphibian trade industry to characterize their attitudes and behaviors and identify business characteristics that could influence percieved risk of pathogen transmission in trade. We found that amphibian businesses acquire their animals from a variety of sources (e.g., importers, wholesalers, retailers, breeders, hobbyists, wild), are aware of the threat of emerging pathogens, and are concerned about the potential spillover of pathogens from captive to wild populations. Attitudes and behaviors of businesses toward pathogens varied among business types (e.g., size of business, the share of amphibian sales, mode of business operation). Moreover, businesses expressed a strong interest in acquiring amphibians that are free of pathogens and indicated a willingness to pay a price premium to acquire certified disease‐free animals. Our results indicate that the US pet amphibian trade industry is willing to participate in healthy (clean) trade practices and increasing product prices may be one option to compensate for expenses. A government program to support pathogen‐free certification would likely facilitate implementation. 

Western palearctic salamander susceptibility to the skin disease caused by the amphibian chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium salamandrivorans(Bsal) was recognized in 2014, eliciting concerns for a potential novel wave of amphibian declines following theB. dendrobatidis(Bd) chytridiomycosis global pandemic. Although Bsal had not been detected in North America, initial experimental trials supported the heightened susceptibility of caudate amphibians to Bsal chytridiomycosis, recognizing the critical threat this pathogen poses to the North American salamander biodiversity hotspot. Here, we take stock of 10 years of research, collaboration, engagement, and outreach by the North American Bsal Task Force. We summarize main knowledge and conservation actions to both forestall and respond to Bsal invasion into North America. We address the questions: what have we learned; what are current challenges; and are we ready for a more effective reaction to Bsal’s eventual detection? We expect that the many contributions to preemptive planning accrued over the past decade will pay dividends in amphibian conservation effectiveness and can inform future responses to other novel wildlife diseases and extreme threats. 

Summary The anthropogenic spread of disease from captive to wild amphibian populations (referred to as spillover) is linked to global amphibian declines. Disinfecting procedures and protocols exist to mitigate pathogen transmission to and within natural areas, but understanding of visitor attitudes and behaviour regarding their adoption is limited. We surveyed visitors in two natural areas in a global amphibian biodiversity hotspot to assess their attitudes regarding pathogen spread in such areas and analysed the factors influencing their behavioural intentions to take specific actions to prevent pathogen spillover. Visitors’ willingness to take action was influenced by their attitudes, behavioural control and trust in wildlife/land managers, whereas socio-demographic characteristics were less influential. These findings help us to understand visitor behaviour with respect to amphibian biosecurity in natural areas and inform enhanced biosecurity measures and strategic messaging to reduce pathogen spillover.