Abnormal mortality (summer):

• In recent years, cases of unusual deaths of frogs in garden ponds in summer has increased. Dozens or even hundreds of animals may die over several weeks. Most reports come from south-east England.
• Symptoms vary, but the frogs are often thin and their skin ulcerated or bleeding. Due to how the frogs' legs look, the disease is sometimes called 'red leg'.  However, there may be more than one cause and various viruses and bacteria could be responsible. There is no cure for the disease but some frogs may recover naturally from the infection.
• Burying dead frogs may reduce the spread of disease. Avoid directly handling the bodies and follow normal health precautions.
• Research is being undertaken into frog disease.

There is no known danger to humans from the diseased frogs, but care should be taken not to touch the bodies directly. Fish are not affected. There is no evidence that cleaning out a pond or changing the water will help to reduce the number of deaths.

Abnormal mortality (winter/spring):

• Some frogs hibernate at the bottom on ponds. If the surface freezes over for more than a few days, harmful gases can build up and kill the frogs. When the pond thaws, their bloated bodies float to the surface. Maintaining an air hole by placing a pan of hot water on the ice helps prevent the frogs suffocating.

Further information is available from Froglife who are collecting information about frog disease in Britain for the Frog Mortality Project. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation also have information on their website about amphibian disease.

Caution:-  Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.