Literaturdatenbank
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Karlin, M. L. (2008). Distribution of mycoplasma agassizii in a gopher tortoise population in south florida. Southeastern Naturalist, 7(1), 145–158.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:34:33 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Karlin2008 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Bakterien = bacteria, Einzeller = protozoa, Gopherus, Gopherus agassizii, Gopherus polyphemus, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Veterinärmedizin = veterinary medicine Creators: Karlin Collection: Southeastern Naturalist |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) is a threatened species in Florida and is heralded as a keystone species throughout its range in the southeastern United States. However, this species has faced drastic population declines due mainly to habitat loss, and now disease is threatening the species. Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a highly contagious disease first observed in Gopher Tortoise populations in Florida as early as 1989. URTD may be caused by multiple pathogens, such as Mycoplasma agassizii, which has been documented in Gopher Tortoise populations (Berish et al 2000). The long-term effects of URTD are unknown, as are the effects of the disease on the demographics of the species. In this study, 40 plasma samples were collected from a Gopher Tortoise population to determine the exposure of Mycoplasma agassizii among different age classes and genders. There was not a significant difference in number infected when comparing adult males and adult females. The results suggest adults are exposed to the pathogen at a greater rate than subadults, and exposure may be dependent on age. All subadults tested in this population tested seronegative, indicating they had no previous exposure to Mycoplasma agassizii. Knowledge of the effects of this pathogen is necessary for wildlife management agencies to assess the options available for managing Gopher Tortoise populations. The results of this study suggest a zero known mortality rate due to the pathogen over a 4-year period; however, additional pathological research is required to determine if Mycoplasma agassizii is causing URTD in this population. These results may have implications for the “take” policy in Florida: if Mycoplasma agassizii is not causing URTD in this population, and if the pathogen is not leading to a high mortality rate, then “take” permits based solely on seropositive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results may not be justified.
Added by: Admin |