Effects of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Amphibians: a Review of Experimental Studies
diversity Review Effects of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Amphibians: A Review of Experimental Studies Andrew R. Blaustein 1,*, Jenny Urbina 2 ID , Paul W. Snyder 1, Emily Reynolds 2 ID , Trang Dang 1 ID , Jason T. Hoverman 3 ID , Barbara Han 4 ID , Deanna H. Olson 5 ID , Catherine Searle 6 ID and Natalie M. Hambalek 1 1 Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; snyderpa@oregonstate.edu (P.W.S.); trangdn.dang@gmail.com (T.D.); nataliehambalek@gmail.com (N.M.H.) 2 Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; jenny.gonzalez@oregonstate.edu (J.U.); emilyreneereynolds@gmail.com (E.R.) 3 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; jhoverm@purdue.edu 4 Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, NY 12545, USA; hanb@caryinstitute.org 5 US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; dedeolson@fs.fed.us 6 Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; searlec@purdue.edu * Correspondence blaustea@science.oregonstate.edu; Tel.: +1-541-737-5356 Received: 25 May 2018; Accepted: 27 July 2018; Published: 4 August 2018 Abstract: Numerous factors are contributing to the loss of biodiversity. These include complex effects of multiple abiotic and biotic stressors that may drive population losses. These losses are especially illustrated by amphibians, whose populations are declining worldwide. The causes of amphibian population declines are multifaceted and context-dependent. One major factor affecting amphibian populations is emerging infectious disease. Several pathogens and their associated diseases are especially significant contributors to amphibian population declines.
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