New fungus detected in EU salamanders

An emerging pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has been detected in different species of salamanders across the EU, both kept as pets and in the wild.

Cases have been reported in Belgium, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bsal has been shown to cause high mortality in some salamander species.

In the scientific opinion published today EFSA experts assessed the risk of establishment and spread of this fungus.

• Risk of survival, establishment and spread of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in the EU