Fungal disease threatening salamanders and newts may be traced to pet trade

Chytrid disease is a fungal illness that is threatening to wipe out entire populations of salamanders and newts, and wildlife officials are warning pet owners that importing the creatures may spread the disease to North America. University of Saskatchewan amphibian expert Natacha Hogan said the disease originated in Asia, but has managed to spread to areas in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The disease is caused by a fungus, and it is nearly 100 percent lethal. The fungus, which is known as B.sal, causes wart-like lesions on the skin. As it progresses, the animal becomes lethargic, stops eating, loses control of body movements and then dies. The fungus has not yet been spotted in North America, but the U.S. has already implemented strict regulations on the trade of salamanders and newts.

Hogan said that the problem basically originates in the pet trade. “It’s when you start moving salamanders; this is what this spread has been attributed to. There have been millions of salamanders imported — how many kids own fire belly newts from a pet store.”

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) is comparing the B.sal threat to a similar fungal disease that nearly wiped out an entire species of frogs in Central and South America, and also to white nose disease, which decimated entire colonies of bats across North America. They are encouraging pet owners to safeguard against the illness.

“If you must keep salamanders or newts as pets, ensure they are from locations where (the fungus) is not present and only buy from reputable suppliers,” CWHC said in a press release. “Make sure any water or cage wastes are properly disinfected with bleach before discarding them. Always seek appropriate veterinary care for sick pet salamanders and newts.”

Hogan had further advice: Do not handle wild salamanders and never release pet salamanders or newts into the wild. If a pet is not wanted any more, return it to the store.