Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397:body:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 60542–65491

behavioural selection should be investigated.

The virulence of the pathogen varies between species, populations and geography and this aspect should also be investigated, including the presence of toxins in the environment.

Bioaugmentation is an active area of research for many chytridiomycosis-threatened species globally and holds some promise (Yasumiba et al., 2015).  This action should include host bioaugmentation (possibly using probiotics) as well as environmental applications of microbes that may consume chytrid fungus and reduce its impact on amphibians.

Action 3.3: Investigate the virulence of the pathogen and potential for pathogen modification/selection                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 High priority  The impacts and level of risk posed by various strains of the fungus is determined. The potential for pathogen virulence being selected for or modified (including biocontrol) sufficiently to lead to recovery of species is determined.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1–5 years      The strain(s) of chytrid present in Western Australia are identified.
Research to improve the understanding of the differences between the various strains of chytrid fungus is urgently required including investigations into what strain(s) of chytrid fungus is/are present in Western Australia.

The virulence of the pathogen varies between strains and therefore the level of risk posed by each strain is variable. It is important to understand whether the pathogen can be modified or selected to be less virulent.

The potential role for biocontrol agents such as fungus viruses and predators needs exploration.

Action 3.4: Further development of treatment protocols for infected amphibians and areas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High priority  Optimal treatments for priority species are identified.
Continued research to determine the best treatments for individual species and whether contained areas in the environment can be treated to abate the threat of chytrid fungus, e.g. by spraying these areas with antifungals combined with environmental disinfection (Bosch et al., 2015).                                                                                                                                                            1–3 years      Treatment of contained areas in the environment is evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness in abating the threat of chytrid fungus.
This action complements some of the actions included in the recovery plans for each amphibian species listed under the EPBC Act. Recovery plans set out the research and management actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, listed threatened species. Further information on recovery plans can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/threatened-species-ecological-communities/recovery-plans

Action 3.5: Research to develop husbandry protocols for captive bred populations of priority species                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High priority  Optimal husbandry for establishing captive insurance colonies for priority species is determined.
Husbandry methods for establishing captive insurance populations of at-risk priority species need to be further researched and developed. This work will support Action 2.3 and priorities should be decided based on the risk assessment process in Action 2.1 and the population impact assessments in Action 1.1.                                                                                                                                    1–3 years
This action complements some of the actions included in the recovery plans