Snake Fungal Disease Found In More Snake Populations Throughout California

A fungal pathogen that causes Snake Fungal Disease has been found in more places and is affecting more snakes throughout California than previously known, according to researchers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Scientists working under a three-year project to detect Snake Fungal Disease said on Thursday that in their first year of surveillance, they discovered new cases of the fungal pathogen in seven additional snake species.

“Early results of our study are in, and they paint a different picture than what we understood before. Prior to this project, we had only two instances of the pathogen in California,” said CDFW Scientific Aid Raquel Elander.

The study came after CDFW found two cases of the fungal pathogen in a California kingsnake and an invasive Florida banded water snake in 2019.

Since the study kicked off in July 2021, researchers found multiple positive cases in 10 counties in common, threatened, endangered and non-native species, including the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Western yellow-bellied racer, San Francisco gartersnake and a non-native milksnake.

Not all infected snakes had visible signs of the disease, said researchers.

The disease, also known as SFD, has reportedly been found in snakes from over 30 species since 2008. It can result in flaking scales, open wounds, facial swelling and even death in snake populations.

There is no research that suggests the disease can be transmitted to humans, though humans can transmit the fungus to snakes if they handle them or move contaminated soil with their feet.

Residents are encouraged to not handle free-ranging snakes, disinfect their hand if capturing snakes and clean footwear or any other object that comes into contact with a snake.