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Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are increasingly recognized as key threats to wildlife.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, has
been implicated in widespread amphibian declines and is currently the largest infectious
disease threat to biodiversity. Here, we review the causes of Bd emergence, its impact
on amphibian populations and the ecology of Bd transmission. We describe studies to
answer outstanding issues, including the origin of the pathogen, the effect of Bd
relative to other causes of population declines, the modes of Bd dispersal, and factors
influencing the intensity of its transmission. Chytridiomycosis is an archetypal emerging
disease, with a broad host range and significant impacts on host populations and,
as such, poses a crucial challenge for wildlife managers and an urgent conservation
concern.
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