Chytrid fungal disease has caused catastrophic amphibian population declines globally, and biosecurity protocols in captive settings are critical for preventing further spread while maintaining animal welfare.
Amphibian captive welfare and biosecurity are inseparable: the stress of disease management including frequent handling, bathing treatments, and isolation can harm welfare, while inadequate biosecurity risks catastrophic disease spread affecting both individual welfare and species survival. Best practice integrates welfare-minimizing disease prevention (temperature management, hygienic quarantine protocols, reduced handling) with prompt diagnosis and treatment when disease is detected. The conservation stakes are extremely high - many captive populations represent species' last individuals - making both welfare and biosecurity essential priorities.