Ponds & Frogs

Question
I have found a frog on my rockery next to my pond covered with leeches around its mouth,throat,eyes,& on top of one rear leg i have spoken to the RCPCA for help on the removal of them but they never got back to me?.Can anyone help me with this problem? Thanks Pete.

Answer
You can treat the pond with a copper based medication and they leeches will die.  If the frog is still alive you can manually pull the leeches off if the frog is in bad shape I would put it down.  if you need additional information let me know... dave


Hi Pete:  I have had some time to think about your question a bit more... For leech eradication use Masoten as dosed  for lice or anchor worm. Or malathion if available in a dosed amount.  Leech unlike other parasites do not remain on their host extensively they feed and then leave and come back again when they are hungry.  They are very adept swimmers and can find fish without trouble, even from across the pond.  If you'd like more information then this... let me know... dave