{
  "id": 14031652,
  "title": "Deadly fungi are harming Australia’s wild reptiles. This is how to stop the spread",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/deadly-fungi-are-harming-australias-wild-reptiles-this-is-how-to-stop",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-12T19:00:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/deadly-fungi-are-harming-australias-wild-reptiles-this-is-how-to-stop-the-spread-293832"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As spring arrives and temperatures rise, wild reptiles become more active in urban areas, parks, and bushland across Australia. With Australia boasting a diverse range of reptiles found nowhere else, these creatures face growing threats from fungal diseases. A recent study examines how handling by people may inadvertently spread these diseases, and outlines simple actions to minimize the risk.\n\nSeveral fungal pathogens have been identified as affecting wild Australian reptiles, including Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, responsible for snake fungal disease, and Nannizziopsis barbatae, which targets eastern water dragons and carpet pythons. These infections can lead to severe skin conditions, hinder shedding, weaken animals, and potentially cause death. In some cases, overseas links have been drawn between these diseases and declines in wild snake populations.\n\nWhile the origin of these diseases in Australia remains unclear, it is believed that the pet trade may have introduced them into wild populations. Snake fungal disease has recently been observed in carpet pythons in southeast Queensland. Notably, infections may not always be visible; reptiles can carry and shed fungal pathogens without showing obvious signs of illness. Moreover, the fungi persist in the environment, contaminating soil and decaying matter.\n\nReptiles can become infected through contaminated habitats rather than direct contact with infected individuals. Research in Brisbane found water dragons were more likely to contract the disease from contaminated environments. Consequently, seemingly harmless actions like stepping in mud, using used snake bags, or handling worn snake hooks could unknowingly transport fungal pathogens between animals and locations.\n\nWhile there is no evidence that people are directly spreading reptile fungal pathogens between wild Australian reptile populations, the potential pathways exist. Similar concerns have emerged with other wildlife diseases, such as the global devastation of amphibian populations by the chytrid fungus, which has been spread through human activities like tourism.\n\nFor those handling wild reptiles, including snake catchers, wildlife carers, ecotourism operators, researchers, and hobbyists known as \"herpers,\" it is crucial to avoid handling animals unless properly trained, authorized, or licensed. People who move between locations frequently should be especially cautious, as they transport equipment that could harbor fungal pathogens. Although there is no definitive evidence of human transmission, similar risks have arisen with other wildlife diseases, underscoring the importance of biosecurity measures.\n\nTo minimize the risk of spreading fungal pathogens, several straightforward steps are recommended:\n1. Clean hands between handling different reptiles\n2. Change disposable gloves, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers\n3. Use disposable bags for each animal, carrying extras and washing them before reuse\n4. Clean and disinfect hooks, tools, and boots between sites, using 70% ethanol, diluted bleach, or veterinary disinfectant\n5. Keep captive and wild reptiles separate, using distinct equipment for each\n6. If encountering a sick-looking reptile with crusty or discolored skin, observe from a distance, photograph it, and contact a local wildlife hospital or veterinarian.\n\nThese measures are inexpensive, straightforward, and can be easily incorporated into any fieldwork, ensuring the health and safety of both wild reptiles and the people who work with them.",
  "summary": "People who love Australia’s reptiles could unwittingly carry deadly fungal diseases from one animal to another. But this is easy to prevent.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}