RESEARCH ARTICLE Rapid Response to Evaluate the Presence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and Ranavirus in Wild Amphibian Populations in

We performed a rapid response investigation to evaluate the presence and distribution of amphibian pathogens in Madagascar following our identification of amphibian chytrid fun-gus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) and ranavirus in commercially exported amphibi-ans. This targeted risk-based field surveillance program was conducted from February to April 2014 encompassing 12 regions and 47 survey sites. We simultaneously collected am-phibian and environmental samples to increase survey sensitivity and performed sampling both in wilderness areas and commercial amphibian trade facilities. Bd was not detected in any of 508 amphibian skin swabs or 68 water filter samples, suggesting pathogen preva-lence was below 0.8%, with 95 % confidence during our visit. Ranavirus was detected in 5 of 97 amphibians, including one adultMantidactylus cowanii and three unidentified larvae from Ranomafana National Park, and one adultMantidactylus mocquardi from Ankaratra. Ranavirus was also detected in water samples collected from two commercial amphibian export facilities. We also provide the first report of an amphibian mass-mortality event ob-served in wild amphibians in Madagascar. Although neither Bd nor ranavirus appeare