Incident - Fungal skin disease (Nannizziopsis) in free-living Eastern water dragons southeast Qld

A severe, proliferative skin disease, caused by a fungus, has been detected in free-living reptiles in WA, NSW and Qld.  The disease has been confirmed in focal outbreaks, for example Eastern water dragon populations in Brisbane City parklands. The diagnosis has been based on skin changes and confirmed by PCR and culture. The causative organism belongs to the genus Nannizziopsis. Until recently, reports of infection with Nannizziopsis have been restricted to captive reptiles. Further information is available via the WHA Fact Sheet: Pathogenic skin fungi in Australian reptiles.

Nannizziopsis is known to cause fatal disease in a wide range of reptiles. The infection is contagious through physical contact and through the environment, therefore best practice biosecurity measures are recommended.

How you can help: If you come across any suspect cases, we encourage you to contact your State/Territory WHA Coordinator and Environment Representative.

1st December 2020 University of the Sunshine Coast Media Release

Peterson NR et al (2020). Cross-continental emergence of Nannizziopsis barbatae disease may threaten wild Australian lizards. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-12.