Fungal infection threatens Queensland's native snakes and lizards

Wildlife professionals on Queensland's Sunshine Coast have observed an increase in snakes afflicted by a fungal disease not previously recorded in Australia. Catcher Stuart McKenzie described numerous snakes with yellow-brown lesions, crusty scabs and other symptoms, including a heavily infected red-bellied black snake discovered at a Woodford construction site. University of Queensland veterinarian Shelly Butcher, part of the team that identified the inaugural case in an eastern bandy-bandy snake, warns the infection could spell a "death sentence" for threatened reptile species.

Her research group logged ten cases in 2024, nine of which were euthanised and one that died in care, and is now pushing for nationwide testing at the Hyndman Reptile Pathogen Laboratory in Perth. The fungus’s source is unclear, with illegal pet imports suspected, and its spread raises significant biosecurity concerns. Queensland's primary industries and environment departments have been approached for comment.