Chytridiomycosis and the Caribbean
Since the 1980's, Chytridomycosis has been causing dramatic declines in amphibians all over the world. Dominica's unique amphibians have been severely affected.
The Cause 
Dead Mountain chicken
Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease that infects the skin of frogs and other amphibians. The fungus can only be seen under a microscope. In some cases, skin sores (ulcers), reddening and sloughing (shedding) of the skin can be seen.
Disease outbreaks
Outbreaks of this disease can have devastating effects on amphibian populations; in Central America, Australia the USA and Europe the disease has caused catastrophic declines of amphibians. As far as we know, only amphibians are at risk from this disease.
Chytridiomycosis and the Caribbean
On the 3rd December 2002, the first outbreak of this disease was reported in the village of Galion, Dominica.The disease quickly spread and dead mountain chickens have since been found in:
- La Haut
- Elmshall
- Bagatelle
- Coulibistrie
- Soufriere
- Doublanc Valley
- Fab
- Milton Estate
Mountain chicken declines
It is estimated that chytridiomycosis has killed so many frogs that the population of mountain chickens declined by about 70% between December 2002 and March 2004. Currently, the population has suffered over an 80% decline. Outbreaks of the disease are still occurring and threatening the mountain chicken, which is now considered Critically Endangered.
We do not yet know what effect the disease is having on Dominica’s other amphibians.
