Wildlife

Amphibian Biosecurity in Trade

Chytrid fungal disease spread through the amphibian trade has caused the extinction of over 90 species, requiring strict biosecurity.

Key Facts

Chytrid fungus is responsible for the greatest vertebrate disease-driven extinction event
The fungus spread globally through the international amphibian trade
Import bans and testing requirements can prevent new strain introductions
Some species show partial resistance and may serve as reservoirs
Biosecurity protocols for captive amphibians are now well-developed

Welfare Considerations

Chytrid disease causes individual amphibians to suffer fatal skin dysfunction over days to weeks before death. The scale of individual welfare impact across hundreds of millions of wild amphibians is staggering. Preventing new disease spread through rigorous trade biosecurity protects both wild populations and the welfare of individual amphibians worldwide.

What You Can Do

Never release captive amphibians into the wild
Support mandatory testing requirements for amphibian trade
Buy amphibians only from certified disease-free sources
Disinfect gear that contacts amphibians or amphibian habitat
Support captive assurance colony programs for threatened amphibian species