Amphibian Apocalypse: Virus vs. Fungus in the Battle for Survival

Scientists have discovered a virus that infects a deadly amphibian fungus, offering hope for combating a disease that has led to significant declines in frog and toad populations globally.

A fungus devastating frogs and toads on nearly every continent may have an Achilles heel. Scientists have discovered a virus that infects the fungus, and that could be engineered to save the amphibians.

The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or Bd, ravages the skin of frogs and toads, and eventually causes heart failure. To date it has contributed to the decline of over 500 amphibian species, and 90 possible extinctions including yellow-legged mountain frogs in the Sierras and the Panamanian golden frog.