High-mortality epizootic ecovar Liflandii in a colony of Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs ().

ecovar Liflandii (Liflandii) was identified as the causative agent of mycobacteriosis in a research colony of Zaire dwarf clawed frogs () at the University of Michigan. Clinical presentation included lethargy, generalized septicemia, cutaneous granulomas, coelomic effusion, and acute mortality. Identification of the mycobacterial species was based on molecular, microbiological, and histopathologic characteristics. These findings indicate that Liflandii is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in Zaire dwarf clawed frogs and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sepsis and coelomic effusion in amphibians. Mycobacterial speciation is important given the variability in pathogenesis within the family and the implications for both animal and human health as potential zoonoses. The Zaire dwarf clawed frog is a species common in the pet trade, and these findings provide consideration for this pathogen as a potentially important public health concern. This is the first report of Liflandii infection in the genus and illustrates the diagnostic challenges of differentiating among both mycolactone-producing mycobacteria and . Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of environmental sampling for this pathogen within the tank system, suggesting this mode of sampling could replace the need for direct frog surveillance.