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The Bd-Free ‘Phibs
Campaign
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Helping to protect amphibians from the deadly fungus
Batracochytrium dendrobatidis (“Bd”) by:
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Raising awareness of
the problems posed
by Bd
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Disseminating information on husbandry practices that
can reduce the spread and impact of Bd &
Promoting alternatives to the release of unwanted,
captive amphibians
Inspiration
Amphibians are the most threatened group of animals
worldwide. In recent decades, scientists have observed
precipitous population declines and extinctions of numerous
amphibian species. Although habitat destruction is generally
regarded as the primary cause of amphibian declines, many of
the die-offs have been attributed to a newly recognized,
fungal pathogen known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (or
"Bd" for short). The disease caused by "Bd,"
known as chytridiomycosis, is the worst infectious disease
ever recorded among wildlife in terms of the number of
species impacted and the severity of the impact.
Calling All Amphibian Keepers
Why Captive Amphibians?
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Bd
was initially detected in amphibians held in zoos for
educational and conservation purposes. It has caused
mortality in some collections and could put rare species
(including those in captive propagation programs) at
severe risk.
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There is increasing evidence that the commercial trade
in amphibians for pet/hobby, food, biological supply,
and bait purposes has resulted in the movement of Bd.
Loss of Bd-infected amphibian in the commercial
sector and within hobbyist collections could have a
substantial economic impact.
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If unwanted amphibians (e.g., former pets, research
subjects, or bait) are released into the natural
environment, they could spread Bd or other deadly
diseases to wild amphibians (e.g., see (Habitattitude)TM
...
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