The cause of the frog deformities remains a mystery. Theories abound, depending on which part of the country you live in. Some eastern scientists believe genetics is playing a role. In the western United States, some say a parasite is at work. But no one knows for sure.
Scientists do know, however, that frogs serve as an environmental barometer.
That's why MPCA has teamed up with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the U.S. Geological Service's Biological Resources Division and National Wildlife Health Center lab in Madison, Wis., to find out more about frogs and wetlands. Conduct diagnostic gene tests. Probe for parasites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting experiments in rearing frog eggs and testing for toxic chemicals. Zero in on snails.