Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans as a threat to British amphibians

Globally, amphibian populations of many species are in critical decline. One major driver of amphibian decline is the emergence of chytridiomycosis. In addition to the initially known causative agent of this disease Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a novel amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, has recently been discovered. The potential impact this pathogen could have on wildlife health needs to be urgently addressed and assessed. Using amphibian species of the United Kingdom as a case study the present paper is a review of the state of the amphibian trade, current biosecurity measures, as well as the presence of a wild amphibian species in the UK thought to be susceptible to this disease. The review highlights the urgent need for research and bio-control evaluation, in order to ensure wildlife health security for amphibians in the UK.