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History
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Australian amphibians are the source of the Tasmanian platypus infection. The first cases of mucormycosis in platypi were discovered in 1982. Thus far, only the Tasmanian platypus has been affected. Cases appear to be declining since 1990 but it remains a potentially fatal threat.
Cause
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Dangerous species can be introduced from nearby as well as far away. Mucormycosis is caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum. It normally infects Australian amphibians. In the Tasmanian platypus, the fungus causes skin lesions that develop into ulcers, leading to pain, infections and death.
Origin
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The disease also causes terrible infections in the Australian green tree frog. The fungus arrived in Tasmania when Australian mainland frogs were introduced to the country. Mainland platypi evolved with these frogs, so they have an immunity to the fungus. The Tasmanian platypus does not.
Treatment
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Most deaths are caused by secondary infection. In captive animals treatment consists of prevention by hygiene and antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral drugs. There is not yet an effective treatment for mucormycosis itself.
Conservation
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Conservation efforts hope to build natural immunity. Wild conservation efforts hope to create immunity in the Tasmanian platypus by introducing antibodies from the Australian mainland species of platypods. Researchers will attempt this by feeding Tasmanian infants colostrum (initial milk rich in antibodies) from Australian mothers.
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Platypus Fungus Disease
Platypus fungus disease is a danger to the Tasmanian population of this threatened animal. The disease, mucormycosis, introduced by imported frogs, causes skin ulcers, secondary infections, and death for platypuses.