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Researchers report that a highly destructive lineage of the amphibian-killing chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or Bd) likely emerged in Brazil and later spread internationally, contributing to global amphibian declines. The studies combine genetic evidence with trade information to argue that international commerce—especially the frog meat trade—provided an efficient route for moving the pathogen across borders. While the findings underline real ecological risk, they also point to a hopeful lever: better screening and biosecurity in wildlife trade could reduce future disease spillovers.
Highlights:
- Trade pathway: Trade data analyzed alongside fungal genetics suggests the Bd lineage could have “hitched” rides through international frog meat markets rather than spreading only via natural amphibian movements.
- Genetic tracing: Scientists used genomic comparisons among Bd samples to infer where this damaging lineage first appeared, strengthening the case for a Brazilian origin.
- Conservation stakes: Bd is widely linked to sharp declines in frogs and toads worldwide, so pinpointing routes of spread helps conservation programs target prevention where it can matter most.
- Hidden biosecurity: The reporting highlights that wildlife trade can move hard-to-detect biological threats internationally, raising the priority of pathogen surveillance and quarantine practices.
Perspectives:
- Study authors (disease ecology researchers): Genetic patterns and trade-associated movement together support a scenario where a lethal Bd lineage arose in Brazil and dispersed globally through human commerce. (ScienceDaily)
- Conservation and wildlife-trade observers (as framed by the studies): The work emphasizes the need for stronger biosecurity in wildlife supply chains to curb unintended pathogen spread alongside legal trade. (Phys.org)