NHSM Herp Club: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the Most Lethal Vertebrate Pathogen in History?

Amphibian populations worldwide are actively declining due to a wide variety of negative factors, including habitat loss, invasive species encroachment, pollution of our waterways, and emerging infectious diseases (EID). While efforts are in place to conserve natural areas, reduce the harmful effects of invasives, and control pollutants in our water, awareness of EID’s remains low in the general population, especially if said diseases do not affect humans directly.

One such EID, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, often referred to simply as “Amphibian Chytrid,” is a widespread and oftentimes lethal fungal pathogen theorized to be responsible for the loss of over two hundred species of amphibians since 1970. Although awareness of this virulent pathogen and its harmful effects have grown since its recent discovery by scientists in 1998, agreement on its origin, as well as concrete methods for recovery of infected individuals is still disputed. As our global climate continues to warm, more amphibian species find themselves susceptible to the harmful effects of Amphibian Chytrid. In order to protect these important species, we as herpetology enthusiasts must educate ourselves on the harmful effects of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, and how best to prevent its spread to novel areas.

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