Some have even become extinct. When new infections enter a population that has no immunity, high death rates can result. Diseases that affect wildlife may have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. In many parts of the world, amphibians are an important part of the ecological balance.
Loss of species is cause for concern as a measure of the health of the environment.
Like the canary in the coal mine, amphibians may act as sentinels warning of global environmental changes. The emergence of these two diseases may represent a new form of environmental damage, caused when humans introduce pathogens into new habitats and wildlife populations. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization webpages found at these links.