Literaturdatenbank
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McGuire, J., Gray, M. J., Miller, D. L., Yabsley, M. J., & Allender, M. C. , Ranaviruses: An emerging threat to chelonians - abstract. Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:22:59 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: McGuire2012 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Apalone ferox, Chelydra serpentina, Chelydridae, Chrysemys picta, Emydidae, Geochelone elegans, Geochelone platynota, Gopherus polyphemus, Pelodiscus sinensis, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Stigmochelys pardalis, Terrapene carolina, Testudinidae, Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta, Trionychidae, Veterinärmedizin - veterinary medicine, Viren - viruses Creators: Allender, Gray, McGuire, Miller, Yabsley Collection: Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae First isolated in 1965, ranaviruses were once thought to be a harmless pathogen. However, various isolates within this genus have been associated with die-offs across the globe in amphibian and chelonian populations. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that transmission between vertebrate classes is possible. In chelonians, ranavirus infection often leads to upper respiratory tract disease. Clinical signs of ranavirus include lethargy, ocular and oral discharge, oral plaques, ulceration of the skin and shell, and death. In North America, ranavirus die-offs in chelonians have been most often detected in Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) populations. One recent study in Maryland confirmed ranavirus as the causative disease agent in 26 of 31 Box Turtle mortality cases. Ranaviruses also have been detected in a number of other chelonians, both freeranging and in captivity: Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis), Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni), Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota), Soft-shells (Trionyx sinensis, Apalone ferox), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and Yellow-bellied Sliders (T.s. scripta). Given the apparent host range of ranavirus, it is possible this pathogen is impacting chelonian populations. Despite this threat, surveillance for ranavirus has been limited. Surveillance coupled with population monitoring is needed to understand the distribution of ranaviruses and the long-term effects on chelonians. We recommend that surveillance studies target species of concern and sites with known die-offs or multiple host species. Syntopic amphibians should be tested simultaneously considering they may function as amplification hosts. Appropriate tissue samples must be taken for diagnostics. Recent studies show that tail-clips are more effective at detecting ranavirus in amphibians and chelonians than swabs. Less invasive sampling such as cloacal swabs from chelonians, are comparable to necropsy tissues. Rehabilitation centers and zoological facilities should verify that individuals are ranavirus-negative using appropriate molecular techniques prior to shipping or releasing them into the wild. Controlled studies are needed to identify mechanisms that contribute to ranavirus emergence.
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