SACRAMENTO, Calif — Snake fungal disease has been confirmed in California for the first time.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife says Wednesday testing confirmed the disease in an emaciated California kingsnake found in Amador County. The snake was euthanized and sent to the University of Illinois, where an examination confirmed it was infected with the fungus.
Additionally, the department says the fungus was found this week in a Florida watersnake discovered dead in Sacramento County, suggesting the original case wasn't isolated.
The department says snake fungal disease is an emerging disease in snakes that has been detected in 30 species in the U.S. and Europe.
In the U.S., the fungus has primarily been found in eastern states and the Midwest and was also detected in Idaho last year. The fungus lives in the ground and is transmitted to snakes via skin abrasions or through direct contact with other infected snakes.
Signs of the disease include scabs, skin ulcers or nodules, crusted scales, discolored scales, cloudy eyes and a swollen or disfigured face. The fungus was first detected in 2008 and has been discovered in more than 30 species of snakes.
At this time, it's unknown if the fungus will impact the snake population in California.
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