Chytrid fungal disease and ranavirus are devastating amphibian populations globally, causing mass mortality events with significant welfare implications.
Amphibians dying from chytridiomycosis experience progressive skin disease, osmoregulatory failure, and neurological symptoms before death. The condition causes significant suffering in affected individuals, while mass die-offs eliminate entire local populations. Spread through trade represents one of the largest human-caused wildlife disease events. Conservation captive assurance colonies protect species while probiotic treatments offer field treatment potential.