Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is an emerging fungal pathogen devastating European salamander populations and threatening to spread globally with catastrophic welfare consequences.
Salamanders infected with Bsal develop ulcerating skin lesions that are highly painful and rapidly fatal. Death from Bsal involves extensive tissue destruction and likely intense suffering before mortality. Preventing spread through trade restrictions and biosecurity measures is both a conservation and welfare imperative. Research into probiotic treatments and resistant Asian salamander genetics offers hope but requires significant investment and time.