Amphibian Chytridiomycosis

• Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease of amphibians caused by an aquatic fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd).
• Over the past 30 years, Bd has caused the catastrophic decline or extinction of at least 200 species of frogs around the world.
• Scientists believe Bd may be responsible for the greatest disease-caused loss of biodiversity in recorded history.
• Chytridiomycosis thickens an amphibian’s skin and interferes with its breathing and drinking mechanism.
• Humans may accidentally spread Bd by transporting infected frogs through global wildlife trade networks or releasing them into the wild.
• Bd spreads by direct contact and can survive inside aquaria even in the absence of frogs. Make sure your frog is Bd free before placing adding it to a tank with other amphibians.
• Call your local veterinarian if you believe your pet maybe infected with Bd

_____________________

Sources: Amphibian Ark; Daszak, P, Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt A.D. Infectious disease and amphibian population declines. Diversity and Distributions 2003; Johnson and Speare, 2003; Rosenblum EB, Voyles J, Poorten TJ, Stajich JE (2010) The Deadly Chytrid Fungus: A Story of an Emerging Pathogen. PLoS Pathog 6(1): e1000550. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1000550; Shoegel, L.M. Global Amphibian Declline and Disease Spread.