Quarantine and heat treatment for Hymenochirus boettgeri infected with Bd
Rebecca A. Clemons, Timothy Y. James, Tamilie Carvalho, Catherine Si, Evelyn Faust
Abstract
This protocol outlines the procedures for conducting heat treatment for clearing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infection of H. boettgeri. It ensures that individuals are free of Bd for use in subsequent experiments.
Attachments
Steps
Quarantine setup
Place Bd-positive frogs in 38 L standard system glass tanks, condition the water, feed the animals, and conduct water changes as described in “Housing and Care for Hymenochirus boettgeri” protocol.
Heat Treatment
Gradually increase the water temperature in the quarantine standard system tanks from room temperature to 30°C over a period of 10 days using an aquarium heater.
Maintain the water temperature at 30°C for 240h 0m 0s.
Gradually decrease the water temperature from 30°C to 25°C over a period of five days.
Monitor and maintain consistent temperature levels throughout the treatment process.
Allocation to permanent aquaria
Monitor the animals for an additional 10 days after the heat treatment, and then transfer them to permanent aquaria.
