First detection of the emerging fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Germany

Abstract

The emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis is one of the major factors triggering global amphibian declines. A recently discovered species of chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ), likely originated in East Asia, has led to massive declines in populations of fire salamanders ( Salamandra salamandra ) after its apparent introduction to the Netherlands and Belgium. Here, we report the first detection of this pathogen in Germany where it caused mass mortality of fire salamanders in a captive collection. Salamanders from this collection showed an almost 100% prevalence of infection with Bsal . Supposed Bsal -induced mortality occurred in multiple Salamandra species ( S. salamandra , S. algira , S. corsica , and S. infraimmaculata ), while Bsal infection was confirmed in nine subspecies of S. salamandra and in S. algira . Our study indicates that this pathogen can potentially infect all fire salamander species and subspecies. If Bsal spreads from captive collections to wild populations, then a similar devastating effect associated with high mortality should be expected.