Research on the Chytrid Fungus in NH Amphibian Populations

The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis) has caused significant decline of amphibians all over the United States, Central America, and Australia. Chytridiomycosis is the fatal disease that infects the skin of amphibians disrupting their ability for water intake, and the ability to exchange ions and function properly. NH specimens were swabbed and PCR analysis was completed to determine if Chytrid DNA was present in NH waterbodies. Samples were obtained from NH water bodies such as Dorrs Pond, Marsh Pond, Lynxfield Pond, Carter Hill Orchard, etc. Thirty six samples were tested over the course of the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. The chytrid fungus could potentially cause significant problems to amphibians all over the world, if something is not done before this fungus reaches all water bodies