Deadly fungus threatens Germany's salamanders
September 9, 2017
A deadly flesh-eating fungus responsible for decimating fire salamander populations in Europe is spreading in Germany, according to researchers.
The Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans fungus first arrived in Europe from Southeast Asia in 2010, wiping out fire salamander populations in Belgium and resulting in severe declines in the Netherlands.
It was first detected in western Germany's Eifel region in 2015, but has recently been found in Essen, nearly 100 kilometers away (60 miles).
"This is a rapid spread and it can occur throughout the country," Sebastian Steinfartz, a researcher at TU Braunschweig's Zoological Institute, told news agency DPA.
The black-and-yellow spotted fire salamander is one of the best-known species in Europe.
Threat of extinction
The fungus causes skin ulcers and tumors that make the fire salamanders susceptible to other diseases. It is highly virulent and spreads rapidly thanks to thick spore walls that increase its longevity.
A study in the journal Nature published in April warned that infected fire salamander populations dropped by 90 percent before eventually being wiped out.
The pathological fungus can spread through the soil, water and air. Birds and frogs also carry the fungus. Other amphibians like newts and toads are also susceptible to the fungus and carry it.
It is believed the fungus spread to Europe through the forestry, agricultural and wildlife trade.
The Nature study found that sexually mature fire salamanders were particularly susceptible to contracting the fungus because they come into contact with other fire salamanders. This, in turn, furthers pressure on the species.
Scientists are worried that fire salamanders could be completely wiped out as they have no immune response and there is no easy way to stop the fungus from spreading.
Matthew C. Fisher, an expert in fungal epidemiology at Imperial College London, in a comment published with the Nature study suggested the only way to save salamanders in Europe may be to keep a population in captivity until the fungus is controlled or a cure is found.
cw/kl (dpa)