News Animals

A deadly frog-killing fungus probably originated in East Asia

The pandemic form of Bd chytrid likely emerged 50 to 120 years ago, a genetic study finds

RISKY TRAVELER  A genetic study now traces an amphibian-killing fungus to East Asia, from where international trade in such showy pets as this oriental fire-bellied toad could have helped launch the pathogen worldwide.

Frank Pasmans

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

The biggest genetic study yet of a notorious frog-killing fungus says it probably originated in East Asia in the 20th century.