The population genetics of the causative agent of snake fungal disease indicate recent introductions to the USA

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001676
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T17:23:40Z
• Authors: Jason T. Ladner; Jonathan M. Palmer; Cassandra L. Etti...; Jason E. Stajich; Terence M. Farrell; Brad M. Glorioso; Becki Lawson; Steven J. Price; Anne G. Stengle; Daniel A. Grear; Jeffrey M. Lorch
• Keywords: Beringia; Population Genetics

Snake fungal disease (SFD; ophidiomycosis), caused by the pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), has been documented in wild snakes North America and Eurasia, is considered an emerging eastern United States of America. However, a lack historical data made it challenging to determine whether Oo recent arrival USA or SFD emergence due other factors. Here, we examined genomes 82 strains pathogen's history USA. from formed clade (Clade II) distinct European I), molecular dating indicated that these clades diverged too recently (approximately 2,000 years ago) for transcontinental dispersal have occurred via natural snake movements across Beringia. A nonrecombinant intermediates between clonal lineages Clade II indicates actually introduced multiple times unsampled source population, several introductions within last few hundred years. Molecular also most common expanded USA, with time ancestor mean estimates ranging 1985 2007 CE. The presence captive worldwide demonstrates potential mechanism introduction highlights additional incursions are likely unless action taken reduce risk translocation spillover into populations.