Chytridiomycosis caused by the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus has driven over 100 amphibian species to extinction and causes mass mortality events worldwide.
Frogs dying from chytridiomycosis experience disruption of osmotic regulation through their permeable skin, causing progressive loss of electrolyte balance and ultimately cardiac failure. Infected animals show increasing lethargy, abnormal posturing, and skin abnormalities before death. The scale of mortality events, with hundreds of individuals dying over days in affected populations, represents an enormous welfare burden across affected species. Invasive species management including trade biosecurity is essential to prevent further spread.