Fight against SalamanderPest: University of Trier raises the alarm!

Fight against SalamanderPest: University of Trier raises the alarm!

Trier, Deutschland - On April 28, 2025, Environment Minister Katrin Eder highlighted the essential contribution of a research project by the University of Trier for the preservation of biodiversity. During a press conference, she pointed out the threat of the skin fungus batrachochytrium Salamandrorans, known as salamander plague. This disease can lead to massive declines of the fire salamander population within a few months.

The project team, consisting of Prof. Dr. Stefan Lötters, Prof. Dr. Michael Veith and Dr. Philipp Böning is committed to protecting these endangered species. The main components of your work are an ex-situ conservation breeding in a network of zoos and monitoring to spread the mushroom. At various points in the Eifel, samples of skin drawbacks were taken from salamanders and newts.

threat from the SalamanderPest

The Bsal-Mushroom was first detected in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2017 and has now also spread out on other newt types and obstetrician toad. This skin mushroom probably comes from Asia and came to Central Europe through the international animal trade. It affects the skin of amphibians and leads to high mortality.

The current study suggests that the Salamander plague is spreading further in Rhineland-Palatinate. In order to slow down the spread, measures such as the identification of BSAL centers and disinfection measures, such as shoe disinfections, are of great importance.

international cooperation

The project involves a large number of international institutions. Among other things, the Department of Biogeography at the University of Trier, the University of Milan, the National Biodiversity Future Center in Palermo and the Muséum National D’Histoire Naturelle in Paris are involved. This collaboration is crucial to create a comprehensive database and use synergies in the fight against the SalamanderPest.

Research is not only operated by scientists from the University of Trier, but also by various experts from twelve European countries. This illustrates the urgency and the global character of the problem.

In view of the impending nationwide spread of the mushroom, Eder emphasized the need to prepare for it early. A well -structured network of zoos and private individuals to secure the legacy could be crucial to counteract the negative effects of the SalamanderPest.

For further information on the topic, the comprehensive documentation on the website of the Bundestag is available, which offers detailed insights into the current situation and preventive measures. You can find more information here.

For more detailed details on the research and the measures to combat the Bsal mushroom, the reports on the Website of the University of Trier as well as on PMC . These resources not only offer current information, but also a deep insight into the methodology and the importance of research in this critical area.