New Salamander Fungus Found: Are More Pet Trade Regulatioons to Follow?

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bronxzoofrank

Third Instar
Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo

As a herpetologist and animal keeper, I’ve long been interested in the emerging amphibian disease commonly known as Chytrid or BD (Batrachochytrium dendrobatitis); please see my other articles, linked below. Believed to be responsible for the recent extinctions of over 200 frog species, this fungus remains a serious threat. In 2013, a related fungus, B. salamandrivorans, or BS, was identified. Since then, studies have revealed it to be as lethal as BD, and responsible for wiping-out the Netherlands wild Fire Salamanders. Once limited to Asian salamanders, some of which carry the fungus without becoming ill, BS seems to have found its way to Europe via the importation of Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts and other pet trade species. In order to stem the tide, the USA and the European Union are now considering import and sale regulations. Read the rest of this article here http://bit.ly/1y6aoW9

Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

Best Regards, Frank

 
I have a chinese Firebelly newt I got a Long time ago, it's been many years since I've seen any for sale I think they are going to stop selling them.

 
Firebelly newts are still sold here in MN. I am not sure the species... they are just labeled as firebelly newts. My wife has 2 of them.

 
Over here I believe they sell the Chinese ones as thats what they are labeled. Along with fire bellied toads

 
Hin All., Thanks for your interest. The fungus has not been found in the USA as of yet, but both Chinese and to a lesser extent Japanese Fire-Bellies are imported; bans seem likely, but no action as of yet. Both breed well in captivity. Best, Frank

 
Ugh... Why do people here think we need to import salamanders from Asia? The eastern us is the salamander diversity capital of the world, and we have Taricha newts almost identical to fire- bellies in the west... I say ban newts and legalize walking sticks!

 
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