An infection that has wiped out hundreds of salamanders and newt species worldwide is now spreading to European salamanders and is headed for United States along with its catastrophic effects.

Scientists revealed in a study published Thursday that an Asian skin-eating fungus, "Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans," now invading Europe was discovered last year and has killed tons of salamanders in the Netherlands and Belgium. They also said the fungus is bound to infiltrate other European regions.

Like Us on Facebook

Scientists have found no sign of the fungus in North American amphibians yet but the fungus can surface in the region any time soon because of the pet trade.

"Both Europe and the United States needed to start screening amphibians in the pet trade. When animals are traded they should be screened. It should involve the world," said Dr. Ann Martel of Ghent University in Belgium and a lead study author.

Scientists conducted an examination to track down the origins and geographical presence of the fungus. About 5,400 samples were taken, accounting for about 150 varieties of amphibians in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.

Scientists exposed 35 amphibian species to the fungus to detect which species were vulnerable. Results showed the fungus killed many kinds of salamanders and newts, but not frogs, toads and snake-like caecilians.

The deadliness of the fungus is the worst inflicted by a single pathogen affecting vertebrates in history.

The study also suggests the dwindle.ing number of salamander species could eventually affect climate change as the spread of some of the creatures salamanders eat could lead to the release of more carbon into the atmosphere.

TagsSkin-eating Asian fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, salamanders, animal extinction