1. Implications of Importing American Bullfrog into California Fish and Game Commission Meeting February 12, 2015 Stafford Lehr Fisheries Branch

2. Most commercial bullfrog production occurs in Brazil and Taiwan The Department issues importation permits for ~ 2 million live bullfrogs annually (Department data) Currently, no disease certification requirement Live Bullfrog Importation

3. Live Bullfrog Importation as a Pathway for Emerging Diseases Diseases have been detected in countries of origin and at retail markets Diseases have played major roles in global amphibian declines Live bullfrog importation may be the most significant introduction pathway

4. Not Just an Amphibian Issue West Nile Virus & Avian Influenza – trade of birds Monkeypox – trade of African rodents Ranaviruses – multi-specific Host-switching = 75% emerging infectious threats to humans

5. Invasion Risk is Proportional to Trade Volume Propagule pressure: the number and frequency of introductions of a species Trade Volume = Propagule Pressure Reducing trade volume will reduce invasion risk

6. Recent Department Actions 2010: Department amends policies to require animals be euthanized after sale 2011-2014: Law enforcement gathers evidence of violations of requirement November 6, 2014: Department ceases issuing long-term (30-day) importation permits Current: Department requires a Standard Importation Permit (i.e., short-term) for every shipment of live American bullfrogs

7. Summary Live bullfrog importation presents a direct risk to California wildlife: –Establish additional bullfrog populations –Pathway for wildlife diseases Recent Department actions: –November 6, 2014: Cease issuance of long- term (30-day) importation permits