The Pet Advocacy Network, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee and Washington State University, are asking for your help to understand how common harmful microbes are in amphibian trade. By working together, we can help the U.S. pet care community establish a healthy trade program that promotes animal wellbeing, reduces revenue losses, and increases customer satisfaction.
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Free Pathogen Testing
How Testing Works
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A. Pathogen testing supplies are given anonymous, numeric ID’s and sent from Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Tennessee (UT) to the Pet Advocacy Network.
B. The Pet Advocacy Network associates anonymous ID’s with participants and reships free testing supplies.
C. Participants swab animals or filter water from up to 30 habitats. Samples are returned anonymously to WSU and UT via a free, prepaid shipping label.
D. Samples are processed within 2 weeks of receipt. Results are accessible online, anonymously, with a participant-generated PIN.
For More Information
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Estimate the prevalence (% occurrence) of microbes that can cause disease in amphibians, such as chytrid fungi and ranavirus, in international shipments and domestic trade.
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Identify shipping and husbandry practices that reduce harmful pathogens.
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Combine surveillance data with socioeconomic survey data to identify innovative solutions that promote a healthy, sustainable amphibian pet trade industry in the U.S.
Study Objectives
