Lethal salamander fungus could be stopped, says biologist

Researchers believe a salamander fungus that may be as deadly as white nose syndrome is to bats can be stopped from entering Canada, but they need the public's help.

The chytrid fungus has killed more than 90 per cent of one type of salamander in the Netherlands. It has been found in Belgium and the U.K., and scientists are concerned it could spread to Canada.

"Right now we're at the perfect time to prevent it from coming into Canada. Because we don't have it, and we know where it's coming from," said Maria Forzan, a wildlife pathologist with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at UPEI.

"If it does come to Canada, and if it does get to P.E.I., it's really bad news. We're thinking we're talking about things like white nose syndrome [in bats], where it will wipe out the populations of salamanders."

Don't release pet salamanders

Researchers believe the fungus is coming from salamanders imported to pet stores from Asia. Forzan said people shouldn't release pet amphibians – salamanders, newts or frogs - because they carry infectious diseases with them.

When cleaning habitats, waste should be treated with bleach before being discarded.

Forzan said Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is putting out flyers and information about the fungus, with instructions for how the public can help.

If you see any dead salamanders or newts, you should take a photo of them before you touch them.

Forzan said you can collect them in a plastic bag and notify the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative or local wildlife officials.