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Chytridiomycosis
Chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, sometimes called Bd, the
chytrid fungus or just chytrid.
The disease is thought to be a major factor in the decline and
extinction of many amphibian species across the world,
particularly in Australia, the Caribbean and North, Central and
South America.
It is thought it affects the animals skin tissue and causes
problems with respiration and water uptake. As the fungus only
affects keratinised tissue it does not cause the death of
tadpoles - they only have keratin in their mouthparts and so
carry the disease until they metamorphose.
In the UK, toads appear more susceptible than other amphibian
species. The disease has had a lot of press coverage which is
excellent for raising awareness but it is important to stress
that if you are finding dead amphibians it is far more likely
there is another cause.
Other causes of amphibian death.
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