ata for the species." Such studies have been conducted in Australia, Venezuela, and Brazil. A search for "microbial" agents with potential for control of toads has recently been concluded in Venezuela. Research into the potential of viruses to control cane toads involved isolating and purifying viruses from cane toads in their native habitats of Venezuela, in South America. The effects of the viruses on cane toads and native frog species were then tested in the secure "biocontainment" facilities at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Dr Alex Hyatt from CSIRO Animal Health says viruses isolated from Venezuelan cane toads were compared with other viruses of the same family from around the world, and are believed to fall within a new species of virus. While the viruses proved effective in killing cane toad tadpoles, they also killed one species of Australian frog in the trial. The team also found a small percentage of Australian cane toads in the wild had been exposed to a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which are known to cause disease and death in fish and amphibian populations in Australia and overseas. "This adds another dimension to the potential impact of cane toads on the Australian environment," Dr Hyatt says. As part of the work, the researchers also identified two fungal pathogens that are lethal to cane toads and other amphibians. One fungus is thought to be responsible for frog fatalities in Australia and Panama. Research also shows a small number of Australian cane toads may be carrying a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which could affect Australian wildlife. CSIRO scientists have ruled out the use of viruses from Venezuela to control cane toads in Australia because laboratory trials show that the viruses can also kill native Australian frogs as well as the toads. At AAHL, a specialized group has been formed bringing together expertise in virology, aquatic animal pathology, electron mic...
