Skin of caudate amphibians affected – Newts also affected
Bsal, also known as “salamander-eating fungus” or salamander plague, attacks the skin of caudate amphibians. In order to prevent the disease from spreading to Baden-Württemberg, the NABU explains which hygiene measures should be observed.
Bsal, a fungus introduced from Asia, threatens fire salamanders – Photo: Karl-Heinz Fuldner
The fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is the largest native caudate and is unmistakable with its bright black and yellow pattern. Each adult animal has its own markings. A fungus that was introduced from Asia through the live animal trade threatens this crepuscular and nocturnal amphibian species. In order for this aggressive skin fungus (Batrachochytridium salamandrivoransWe all have a responsibility to prevent the parasitic bacterium (Bs or Bsal for short) from being introduced into Baden-Württemberg and spreading. NABU species protection officer Alexandra Ickes explains what is important in this regard.
How is Bsal transmitted?
The evil has many names: Bsal, “salamander-eating fungus” or salamander plague, attacks the skin of caudate amphibians. The fire salamander is particularly at risk, but newts are also affected. Because the skin can no longer perform its numerous functions for the amphibians, untreated animals die within a few days. The dying animals sit on the surface during the day and are therefore particularly conspicuous. The fungus forms very persistent spores and can thus survive in water and damp material for a long time after the animal has died. The pathogen can thus inadvertently travel from one body of water to another through damp soil on shoe soles and tires.
How can a spread to Baden-Württemberg be prevented?
Currently (July 2024) Bsal in the neighboring federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria and Hesse in native caudate amphibians. In order to ensure that “Lurchi” remains spared in Baden-Württemberg, it is extremely important to observe hygiene measures and to report conspicuous animals to the lower nature conservation authority responsible for the respective district.
The most important Hygiene measures:
- Do not touch or collect amphibians
- One pair of shoes per body of water
- Take time to clean!
- Anyone who works in nature education and leads groups near bodies of water should clean shoes, including the soles, and equipment (buckets, landing nets) thoroughly after entering an amphibian habitat (e.g. with 70% alcohol such as methylated spirits or 1% Virkon S). Clean and dry on site, then disinfect shoes and equipment in a parking lot or on a paved path at a sufficient distance from the habitat and let them dry in the sun. Also disinfect equipment such as landing nets and buckets and let them dry for five minutes
- Report any suspicious or dead amphibians to the local nature conservation authority immediately.
- Streams are habitats, please do not ride through them with bicycles or mountain bikes.
- When visiting the river, always walk downstream to avoid introducing pathogens into the upper reaches.
How can you report suspected cases?
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Fire salamander discovered? Species discoveries can always be found on the LUBW page How can Bsal be identified? Diagnosis is made more difficult by the fact that typical skin changes only appear in the last phase of the infestation and that “visually healthy” animals can be affected. If an animal is seen in broad daylight, it appears ill or its skin shows unusual changes (see NABU/Naturgucker) or have you even found one or more dead salamanders – then you should take action. What should you do?
Procedure in case of a suspected case:
- Do not touch or collect animal(s)
- Report number of dead or suspicious animals found
- Send photos of the animal(s) at the location where they were found and detailed photos of the skin
- Provide information about the animal’s condition
- Provide contact details of the reporting person for further enquiries
- Send the location of the find with all information to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority in the District Office or to the LUBW, e-mail: [email protected], as soon as possible.
- The nature conservation authority decides on the further procedure and the recovery and examination of the animal(s)
- Please keep your suspicions to yourself until they are officially confirmed
Please link for further information:
NABU-Naturgucker reporting platform:
