The US just banned 16 more types of salamanders to keep out a fungus it does not have

The US Fish and Wildlife Service just finalized a rule banning 20 types of salamanders from import and interstate travel. It also issued a new temporary rule to ban 16 more types. This prevents a deadly fungus, not yet in the US, from spreading to native amphibian populations.

The US is trying to stop a specific animal disease before it arrives. This is a proactive move in biosecurity, unlike many regulations that come after an outbreak. It means the pet trade and scientific researchers dealing with these specific salamander types will face tighter restrictions and costs.