Inconsistent Strategies to Mitigate the Effects of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, Europe

Emerging infectious diseases are one of the biggest challenges in a globalized world. To date, resources have been allocated to prevent and control the spread of zoonotic and livestock pathogens. We argue that, in line with the One Health approach, equitable efforts, financial resources, attention, and coordination are required for wildlife-only pathogens to halt biodiversity loss. Deploying the amphibian fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans as a model, we demonstrate the unbalanced efforts among countries in Europe regarding surveillance, disease response, prevention, public outreach, and research. We compare investments with B. salamandrivorans l-free countries such as the United States, concluding that structural resources are urgently needed to curb the effects of this fungus within Europe and beyond. We encourage dialogue among authorities, researchers, and stakeholders and propose a coordinated European Union-level program of €6-10 million over 5-7 years to implement B. salamandrivorans action plans and define structural funding requirements for future wildlife disease mitigation.