Amphibian pandemic diseases

Abstract

Amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of organisms on Earth, mainly due to the destruction of  their habitats by humans. During the coronavirus epidemic, it is important to emphasize that contagious diseases have also ravaged amphibian populations for many decades. Disease caused by microscopic, skin-infesting fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans, as well as various forms of ranavirus (Ranavirus), have decimated amphibian populations around the world and are therefore of major conservation concern. In this work, we summarize new information on the distribution of the most important amphibian pathogens, including those from Poland, and offer perspective for amphibian conservation in the midst of these pandemics. We outline the most important preventive measures against pathogens spread, and provide examples of potential eradication procedures. Our aim is to increase public awareness of amphibian diseases, which in turn may support broader actions directed at mitigating the consequences of pathogen s expansion.