Wildlife

Wild Amphibian Disease Biosecurity

Chytrid fungus and ranavirus are spreading globally through the wildlife trade and human movement, requiring biosecurity protocols to slow transmission.

Key Facts

Chytridiomycosis has driven at least 90 amphibian species to extinction
Ranavirus causes mass mortality events in frog and salamander populations
Disease spread occurs through movement of live amphibians in the pet and food trade
Decontamination protocols for field equipment can prevent waterway-to-waterway spread

Welfare Considerations

Chytrid infection causes prolonged suffering through electrolyte imbalance and cardiac failure over days to weeks. The global spread of this disease driven by human movement represents ongoing welfare harm at population scale. Biosecurity protocols that prevent spread protect individual animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Decontaminate field equipment between water bodies to prevent disease spread
Never release aquarium or pet amphibians into natural waterways
Support amphibian disease surveillance and biosecurity programs
Advocate for amphibian trade regulation that prevents disease introduction