Snake Fungal Disease (SFD)

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

USGS scientists have identified the cause of snake fungal disease (SFD): http://on.doi.gov/1MNQKIL.

The culprit, a fungus called Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, produces life-threatening skin infections in wild snakes. Many valuable #snake populations in the midwestern and eastern U.S. have declined as a result of SFD. A new #USGS study is the first to prove that the #fungusis the actual cause of the disease. 

Image: A northern water snake with crusty and thickened scales overlaying raised blisters resulting from SFD. (Credit D.E. Green, USGS)

#science #snakefungaldisease #WildlifeHealth#WildlifeDiseases