Snake fungal disease is a snake skin infection caused by a type of fungus called Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. This fungus attacks the scales of the snake, which are kind of like the nails we have on our fingers and toes.

When a snake has this disease, you might notice it looks strange. Its head might not look normal, and it could have bumps or sores on its skin. But even though this disease sounds scary, there’s one thing you don’t need to worry about - it can’t spread to humans! So, you’re safe even if a snake near you has this disease.

The disease, initially identified in a Timber Rattlesnake in 2006, has since been found in various locations across the United States and Canada. Through the use of disease swabbing and polymerase chain reaction testing on museum specimens, it has been discovered that this disease can be traced back to as early as 1945.

Snakes suffering from snake fungal disease exhibit symptoms such as the development of nodules, crusting, disfigurement, and lesions. These physical manifestations pose a significant challenge for the snake, as they struggle to meet their heightened energy requirements, which are amplified due to their bodies’ efforts to fend off the infection.

For snake species that are recognized as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, Snake Fungal Disease presents a conservation concern. This is in addition to existing threats such as habitat loss, climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.

Learn more about climate change , and human persecution. When Snake Fungal Disease becomes prevalent in a population of vulnerable snakes, it can have a significant impact. This is particularly true for breeding snakes, especially females, who are responsible for adding more individuals to the population. The disease can affect their ability to reproduce effectively, thereby threatening the survival of the entire population.

Snakes hold a crucial role in our ecosystems, serving as both predators of small mammals and as prey for larger animals. The removal of these reptiles from their habitats could lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. For instance, diseases from mice and other small mammals, which are typically kept in check by snakes, could become more prevalent. Therefore, preserving these snake populations and limiting the spread of Snake Fungal Disease is of critical importance for the protection of other species in the future.

The primary methods for treating snakes with snake fungal disease involve the use of antifungal medications and providing specialized care. This care includes supplying food, shelter, and water, which reduces the energy the snakes need to expend on survival and allows them to focus on fighting off the infection. Once the snakes have recovered, they are released back into their natural habitats. However, it’s important to note that this treatment approach may not be successful for every snake.

To prevent the spread of snake fungal disease, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness, particularly with outdoor equipment such as boots. This applies not only to biologists working in natural environments, but also to outdoor enthusiasts like hikers, hunters, and birdwatchers. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your boots, you can significantly contribute to the effort to curb the spread of this disease.