Deadly fungal disease threatens native snakes

Queensland snake experts warn fungal disease puts native reptiles at risk In short: A snake infected with a fungal disease never before seen in Australia was first detected on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in 2024. A Queensland veterinarian is researching the disease as Sunshine Coast snake catchers report an influx of snakes with suspected infections. What's next? Queensland wildlife experts say the disease could be a "death sentence" for already threatened native reptile populations. Sunshine Coast wildlife experts warn an "influx" of a deadly fungal disease is putting native reptile populations at risk. Snake catcher Stuart McKenzie said snake fungal disease orophidiomycosis was killing snakes and lizards across south-east Queensland. He said a large number of snakes with fungal disease symptoms were found over winter on the Sunshine Coast and sent to a lab for testing. "There's been an influx of snakes with the infection recently," Mr McKenzie said. A red-bellied black snake was found on a job site at Woodford this month which was "absolutely riddled with this fatal disease". Mr McKenzie said it could be a "death sentence" for native reptile populations that experienced yellow-brown lesions, crusty scabs, rotting scales, bleeding, unusual skin shedding, and may seem lethargic or skinny when infected. "It can be quite nasty," he said. Disease first found on coast University of Queensland wildlife veterinarian and researcher Shelly Butcher is worried about threatened reptile species as the infection spreads. Dr Butcher was part of the team that diagnosed the nation's first reported case of snake fungal disease in an eastern bandy-bandy snake found on the Sunshine Coast two years ago. Wild snakes with suspected or confirmed snake fungal disease are admitted to a wildlife hospital where they enter quarantine while awaiting test results. "For severe cases, euthanasia is often the most humane option, but treatment can be attempted in less severe cases," Dr Butcher said. "I haven't successfully treated a snake and released. The disease has been too severe." In 2024 her team recorded 10 cases of the disease but she said they had no way of knowing how many there had been since then. One died in care and the other nine were euthanased. Origin of fungal disease Researchers are not sure where it came from but suspect an illegal pet trade or domestic pets from overseas. Dr Butcher's PhD research is investigating broadscale surveillance of the fungal disease. "We're trying to spread the news to wildlife hospitals around the country to be testing for it because there is a possibility that it could pop up anywhere," she said. She said a couple of closely related fungal diseases were found in bearded dragons and water dragons too. Snakes can be tested for the disease either alive or dead. A tissue sample is collected to look under the microscope, and at the same time, a skin swab or tissue sample is collected and tested using PCR and DNA sequencing. There is only one commercial laboratory that offers the test in Australia, the Hyndman Reptile Pathogen Laboratory at Murdoch University, Perth. Preliminary results may return in a week or two, but final results can take up to two months. Dr Butcher said the disease also posed "major biosecurity concerns" because her team had no way to trace it outside of care. "We don't know how widespread this disease is or the impacts it is having on wild snakes, so it's highly risky to release an infected snake that could spread the disease further," she said. Queensland's departments of primary industries and the environment have been contacted for comment. 'Quite concerning' Dr Butcher's team sampled eight snakes found on the Sunshine Coast with skin lesions in winter this year, including eastern brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes and carpet pythons. "Considering this is the quieter time of year for snake activity, these numbers have been quite concerning," she said. The results for these cases were still pending. Dr Butcher said Australia had the highest diversity of reptile species of any country, the majority of which were endemic. "Reptiles are important ecosystem regulators; they keep pest populations in check and help to maintain healthy landscapes," she said. "We are particularly concerned about this disease entering threatened reptile populations who are already under a lot of stress from other threats like climate change, habitat loss or invasive species." Researchers believe the fungal disease could decrease reptile numbers or, if left unchecked, even lead to extinctions. Both experts have asked Queenslanders to call a wildlife authorities as soon as possible if a snake is unwell. Dr Butcher said every case reported would help improve their chances of treating the disease to save native reptile species.