Exotic species threaten local wildlife
Numerous studies show that many of the pathogens that are threatening our wildlife are native to Asia, Africa and America and have been introduced to Europe through the pet trade (both legal and illegal).
These are some species that can carry diseases
Amphibians
African clawed frog
Xenopus laevis
Photo by Brian Gratwicke. CC BY 2.0
This African frog was introduced to Europe in the 50s, where they’ve been used for research and as pets. Releases and accidental escapes put local amphibians at risk due to their voracious behaviour and easy adaptation to many habitats. They also carry the Bd fungus that causes mortal infections.
Carried diseases: Bd
Chinese fire bellied newt
Cynops orientalis
Originally found in the south of China, these newts are now the most widely available pet newt species and can be purchased in pet shops across Europe. This species is not currently listed in CITES or the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, but it’s been shown that is a potential carrier of Bsal fungus. Asian newts that carry this fungus may not look ill.
Carried diseases: Chytrid infection (Bsal)
Reptiles
Milk snake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Photo by Allie Caulfield, CC BY 2.0
Originally found in North America, the milk snakes have been widely kept as pets since the 70s and they still remain very popular within the snake pet trade. They can be the source of Salmonella and other infectious diseases such as the Snake Fungal Disease (fungus strain from North America).
Carried diseases: Snake Fungal Disease and Salmonella
Pond slider
Trachemys scripta
This species is originally found in North America and it's been introduced to Europe through the pet trade. They can carry Salmonella and pass it to other animals and humans. Releases and accidental escapes are putting local wildlife at risk due to its voracious behaviour. In Europe is listed as an invasive alien species.
Carried diseases: Salmonella
These are some of the diseases that are threatening
amphibians and reptiles in Europe
Voluntary releases and accidental escapes are some of the potential factors for the spread of the pathogens. Animals that carry the disease can contaminate the environment or the resear material, and thus reaching local wildlife.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Bsal
This chytrid fungus is a highly contagious and only infects salamanders and newts. This fungus originated in East Asia and is thought to have arrived in Europe through the international pet trade.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Bd
Mass mortality and extinction of amphibian species have been caused by this chytrid fungus. It can infect all species of amphibian, especially toads in the Bufonidae family. Its origin may be in Africa and the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis could have been the main vector.
Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola
Snake Fungal Disease
The Snake Fungal Disease is caused by this fungus and it can lead any snake species to death. European strains are distinct from the US strain. The following European species have been infected: Grass snake in the UK and Switzerland; and dice snake in the Czech Republic.
Photo by Sigler L, Gibas C CC BY-SA 4.0
Other diseases that affect amphibians and reptiles are Toad fly, Dermocystid Parasites in Amphibians, Ranid Herpesvirus skin disease, Ranavirus Disease, Salmonella in Reptiles