Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), often referred to as Bd, is a pathgenic fungus affecting amphibian populations globally, including in the UK. It causes chytridiomycosis, a disease responsible for significant amphibian declines by disrupting skin function, which is critical for respiration and hydration. In the UK, the fungus is found in a variety of freshwater habitats and poses a threat to native amphibians like the common frog and great crested newt. Its presence is associated with declines in biodiversity and shifts in ecosystem balance.
