Preliminary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of snake samples submitted to the New York State Wildlife Health Program indicates the presence of a fungal pathogen consistent with snake fungal disease (SFD). However, some samples exhibit lesions indicative of fungal infection despite negative PCR results for the causative agent, highlighting challenges in definitive pathogen identification.
This project aims to identify the fungal pathogens infecting snakes in New York State. Upon identifying fungal communities, the study will assess the relationship between fungal communities and lesion development to provide a diagnostic framework for pathogen
surveillance.