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A deadly disease affecting amphibians has descended into a global pandemic that has already wiped out 90 species, according to a US biologist at the World Organisation for Animal Health Aquatic Conference in Chile.
Chytridiomycosis is caused by a fungus that attacks the skin of frogs, toads and other amphibians. As the creatures use their skin to breathe and regulate their bodies’ water levels, the damage caused by the disease eventually leads to heart failure and death.
Jonathan Kolby, co-author of a study published in March on the fungus’ devastating effects, lamented what he described as “the first global wild disease issue.” “It’s over 60 countries right now, and that’s part of the problem,” he said.
“To solve it we have to focus on regulation,” said Kolby, who worked on the study alongside around 40 other international experts.
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