SUMMARY: Researchers will study fungal diseases affecting snakes.
THE PROBLEM: Fungal diseases are ravaging snakes throughout the United States. Snakes are important for healthy ecosystems and their loss can have ripple effects ultimately affecting other species and people. Unfortunately, there is still a lot that’s unknown about fungal infections in snakes, especially new species recently identified. Gaining a greater understanding of these diseases can help wildlife managers effectively manage populations to control disease spread.
THE PROJECT: The team will study test samples they’ve collected from 3,000 wild snakes in North America for two new fungi, Nannizziopsis and Paranannizziopsis. They will identify trends in where and when these infections occur and compare them to other causes of skin infections in snakes.
POTENTIAL IMPACT: If successful, this information will fill a knowledge gap about fungal disease in snakes and can be used by veterinarians and scientists to keep snakes healthy and support functioning ecosystems.
Study ID
D25ZO-039
Study Status
Active
Start Date
07/01/2025
Grant amount awarded
$82,127
Grant recipient
University of Illinois
Study country
United States
Investigator
Laura Adamovicz, DVM, PhD