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Early action to address an emerging wildlife disease

Fact Sheet 2017-3013
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173013

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Abstract

A deadly fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) that affects amphibian skin was discovered during a die-off of European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in 2014. This pathogen has the potential to worsen already severe worldwide amphibian declines. Bsal is a close relative to another fungal disease known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Many scientists consider Bd to be the greatest threat to amphibian biodiversity of any disease because it affects a large number of species and has the unusual ability to drive species and populations to extinction.

Although not yet detected in the United States, the emergence of Bsal could threaten the salamander population, which is the most diverse in the world. The spread of Bsal likely will lead to more State and federally listed threatened or endangered amphibian species, and associated economic effects.

Because of the concern expressed by resource management agencies, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has made Bsal and similar pathogens a priority for research.

Suggested Citation

Adams, M.J., Harris, M.C., and Grear, D.A., 2017, Early action to address an emerging wildlife disease: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2017-3013, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173013.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Preparing for Invasion
  • Amphibians…Why Care?
  • Key Facts
  • Selected References
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Early action to address an emerging wildlife disease
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2017-3013
DOI 10.3133/fs20173013
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center
Description 2 p.
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details