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Salamander Chytrid Fungus

WHAT IS SALAMANDER CHYTRID FUNGUS?

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, or Bsal, is a newly emergent fungal pathogen of salamanders and newts. First identified in the Netherlands, the fungus has caused significant declines of salamander populations in Europe, with 96% mortality in populations of fire salamanders. The fungus, which is native to Asia, is believed to have been introduced to Europe through the importation of exotic salamanders that act as reservoirs. The disease is not yet present in North American, but could be devastating to native species. North American salamanders, including some members of the Salamandridae and Plethodotidae appeared highly susceptible to Bsal in experimental studies and experienced rapid mortality.

Report Sick or
Dead Wildlife

	CALL Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) on weekdays.
	CONTACT your area’s regional biologist.
	SUBMIT observations online via our reporting application.
	Found an injured animal? Contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

DISEASE INFORMATION

North America is a global hot spot for salamander diversity and is home to nearly 50% of all species. Kentucky alone harbors 35 species of salamanders, and has amongst the greatest diversity of salamander species in the world. Salamanders play an important ecological role as some of the most-abundant forest floor vertebrates, and are integral to aquatic and terrestrial food webs. They are critical indicator of ecosystem health and contribute to Kentucky’s biodiversity.

How is Bsal spread?

Chytrid fungi can be transmitted by contaminated water or organic material or by direct contact with an infected salamander. The biggest risk of introduction is through the importation and release of exotic salamanders into the wild. People may increase disease transmission and spread through the handling amphibians, movement between sites and across natural barriers to disease spread, and between captive holding facilities and the field.

How can you help?

Never release pet or captive salamanders into the wild. If a captive newt or salamander has Bsal and is released, this could be devastating to wild populations.

If housing salamanders, ensure that you treat all waste water from enclosures (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) before discharge into the environment.

Pet owners are encouraged to have their salamanders tested for chytrid fungus. With your cooperation, we can ensure that our native salamanders remain free of the salamander chytrid fungus.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

USGS National Wildlife Health Center

North American Bsal Task Force

Salamanderfungus.org

Cornell Wildlife Health Lab

Salamander Chytrid

University of Tennessee

UTIA Bsal Project

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Field Equipment Disinfection Protocol

Save the Salamander Flyer

WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM

REPORT SICK OR DEAD WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE DISEASES

Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) terrestrial eft stage at Red River Gorge in KY.
Photo courtesy of John MacGregor

Salamander Chytrid Fungus

​WHAT IS SALAMANDER CHYTRID FUNGUS?

​​Report Sick or Dead Wildlife

DISEASE INFORMATION​