Invasive Colonic Entamoebiasis in Wild Cane Toads, Australia

Abstract

We detected a disease syndrome in free-ranging Australian cane toads involving atypical behavior and emaciation that is associated with a previously undescribed Entamoeba sp. that infiltrates the colonic lining, causing it to slough. The organism may become seasonally pathogenic when toads are under hydric and nutritional stress.

Keywords

• amphibian
• wildlife
• Bufo marinus
• invasive species
• Australia
• amoeba