Wildlife

Salamander Welfare and Bsal Fungus

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is a new chytrid fungus threatening to devastate European and North American salamander diversity with severe welfare consequences.

Key Facts

Bsal has caused mortality rates of 96-100% in some European fire salamander populations
It originated in Asia where salamanders have coevolved resistance
The European fire salamander has been locally extirpated in parts of the Netherlands and Belgium
Bsal has not yet established in North America — biosecurity is critical to prevent its arrival
Over 650 salamander species exist globally; many are range-restricted and already threatened

Welfare Considerations

Salamanders infected with Bsal develop skin lesions, lose the electrolyte-exchange function of their skin and die from the same cardiovascular collapse caused by Bd in frogs. The rapidity and completeness of local extinctions demonstrates the severity of the welfare and conservation impact. North American salamanders, the most diverse in the world, have no evolved resistance and could suffer catastrophic losses if Bsal establishes.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for a ban on imports of wild-caught salamanders that could introduce Bsal
Clean and dry equipment when visiting multiple amphibian habitats
Donate to Bsal research including vaccine and probiotic treatment development
Advocate for international wildlife trade regulations that require disease screening for amphibians