Amphibians are experiencing devastating population declines globally. A major driver is chytridiomycosis,an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Bdwas described in 1999 and has been linked with declines since the 1970s, whileBsal is a more recently discovered pathogen that was described in 2013. It is hypothesized that Bsaloriginated in Asia and spread via international trade to Europe, and where it has been linked to salamander die-offs. Trade in live amphibians thus represents a meaningful threat to global biodiversity in amphibians. We review the current state of knowledge regarding Bsal and describe the risk of Bsal spread. We discuss regional responses to Bsal and barriers that impede a rapid,coordinated global effort. The discovery of a moment deadly emerging chytrid fungal pathogen in amphibians poses an opportunity for scientists, conservationists, or governments to improve global biosecurity and further protect humans and wildlife from a growing number of emerging infectious diseases.
Source: usgs.gov