Based on this limited survey, we propose that the
larval amphibian mortality event was likely caused
by alveolate parasite infections that could, in some
individuals, have been exacerbated by FV3-like
ranaviruses, together with as yet undefined etiological factors. Increasing spring temperatures following
an unusually cold winter in Florida may have also
contributed to the April die-off. Pathogen infections
in amphibians (Miller et al. 2008, Romansic et al.
2011) in conjunction with environmental and anthropogenic stressors (Gray et al. 2007, Gahl & Calhoun
2010) are increasingly being recognized as contributing to synergistic multifactorial etiologies in multispecies die-offs, which are an important aspect of
disease ecology and amphibian conservation and
health management. Based on the evidence presented here, alveolate parasites seem to be the most
likely primary pathogen, while the role for FV3-like
ranavirus in the die-off remains equivocal.