Morris Animal Foundation
Ranavirus, an Emerging Pathogen of Tortoises and Box Turtles in the United States
id: 400
title:
Ranavirus, an Emerging Pathogen of Tortoises and Box Turtles in the United States
principal:
Elliott R. Jacobson, DVM, Ph.D.
institution:
University of Florida
caption:
Turtles and tortoises (chelonians) are experiencing severe population decline worldwide due to habitat fragmentation, increased collections for the food and pet markets, changes in vegetation, drought and debilitating diseases. Recent findings indicate Ranavirus may be responsible for unexplained deaths and population declines of box turtles and tortoises. This virus has been linked to mortality events in frogs and salamanders as well and investigators suspect infected frogs may transmit the disease to chelonians. The goals of this study are to determine the role of Ranavirus as a pathogen in turtles and tortoises, to develop methods for tracking exposure and infection in wild and captive animals, and to determine whether amphibians serve as parasite hosts.
results:
This study provided valuable information for clinicians working with turtles and tortoises, biologists who encounter diseased animals in the wild and others who work with captive populations. Researchers developed a molecular-based test to determine active infection and an effective blood test for determining whether a turtle or tortoise has been exposed to Ranavirus. Further, a transmission study was done that conclusively confirmed that Ranavirus is a pathogen in these animals. Using these tests, they discovered that this virus is prevalent in a wider region than previously thought, and new cases were diagnosed in several newly identified states. They also identified the virus for the first time in a Blanding's turtle; this virus had never been documented in freshwater turtles. Through this project, the lead investigator has been able to develop his laboratory into a nationwide resource for diagnosing this infection in chelonians. In addition, veterinarians and biologists are becoming aware of the clinical signs seen in chelonians infected with Ranavirus.
bron:
http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/ada_studies.php?col=study&val=400