Chytridiomycosis

Definition: Chytridiomycosis is a leathal skin disease that affects amphibians. Chytridiomycosis is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. It was first identified in amphibian populations from Queensland Australia in 1993 and has since been detected throughout Africa, North and South America, Europe, New Zealand and Oceana. Symptoms of the disease include a reddening of the amphibian's ventral skin, convulsions, extension of hind limbs, dead skin, shedding of dead skin, skin tags, roughening of the skin, small ulcers, and hemorrhaging. Amphibians infected with the disease can be lethargic and may not seek shelter or attempt to escape danger. They often assume an abnormal posture with their legs extended away from their body.