Characterizing the Epidemiology of Historic and Novel Pathogens in Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii)

Winter, Janet; Mumm, Lauren; Adamovicz, Laura; Andersson, Kirsten E.; Glowacki, Gary A.; Allender, Matthew C.

doi:10.1638/2019-0154

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“…We found two turtles positive for emydid herpesvirus 1, which has previously been reported in painted turtles and other chelonian species with and without clinical signs (Ossiboff et al 2015a; Lindemann et al 2019; Winter et al 2020; Sim et al 2021). Although no clinical signs were noted in our study, subclinical changes associated with herpesvirus infection cannot be ruled out.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Health Assessment of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta) in a Restored Wetland Habitat in Northwestern Indiana, Usa

Vincent

Fayette

Griffioen

et al. 2023

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

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Freshwater turtles are sensitive to environmental changes and can serve as sentinel species for ecosystem health assessments. The Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands in northwestern Indiana, USA has been restored in the past 25 yr from primarily agricultural land to a mosaic of prairie and wetland habitats. Health assessments of 40 free-ranging painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) at Kankakee Sands were performed in May 2021 to evaluate overall health status, screen for infectious diseases, and obtain baseline clinical pathology values in this population. Assessment of each turtle included a physical examination, complete blood count, plasma biochemistry panel, blood lactate level, venous blood gas analysis, serum trace mineral panel, serum vitamin D3 level, and plasma protein electrophoresis. Oral and cloacal swabs were tested for adenoviruses, herpesviruses, frog virus 3, and Mycoplasmopsis species by PCR in 39 painted turtles. Four turtles were positive for adenovirus, which shared 100% homology to Sulawesi tortoise adenovirus. Two turtles were herpesvirus-positive with 100% homology to emydid herpesvirus 1. No Mycoplasmopsis spp. or frog virus 3 was detected. Female turtles had significantly higher manganese, prealbumin, uric acid, triglycerides, and ionized calcium levels, while male turtles had significantly higher cholesterol, glutamate dehydrogenase, and CO2 levels. These baseline data can be used for future research into freshwater turtle health in restored wetland habitats.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Health Assessment of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta) in a Restored Wetland Habitat in Northwestern Indiana, Usa

Vincent

Fayette

Griffioen

et al. 2023

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

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“…Hibernation is associated with various changes in the immune system (51), and has been hypothesized to increase herpesvirus recrudescence (41). Studies screening wild-caught Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in North America for Emydoidea herpesvirus 1 have shown higher positivity rates in May than in other months (52,53). The authors pointed out that this corresponded to the start of nesting season and increased viral shedding could be associated with the corresponding increased physiologic demands.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Oral swabs have been shown to be a good and relatively uninvasive sample for the detection of herpesviruses in tortoises (54). In aquatic turtles, oral swabs (28,30,44) or combined oral and cloacal swabs (26,52,53) have most often been used for the detection of herpesviruses in live animals. However, it is possible that alternative samples could have been more appropriate in some cases.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Herpesviruses in Captive Chelonians in Europe Between 2016 and 2020

2021

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Herpesviruses are important pathogens in tortoises and turtles, yet little is known about the epidemiology of these viruses. We analyzed herpesviruses detected by PCR in samples from captive chelonians in Europe according to virus strain, host species, year and season in which the animal was tested, and country in which the animal was kept. A total of 4,797 samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Europe between January 2016 and December 2020 were evaluated. Of these, 312 (6.50%) were positive for herpesviruses. The types most commonly found were testudinid herpesvirus (TeHV)1 (143 positive, 45.83%) and TeHV3 (153 positive, 49.04%), but also included TeHV2 (1 positive, 0.32%), TeHV4 (3 positive, 0.96%), Terrapene herpesvirus 1 (7 positive, 2.24%), Trachemys herpesvirus 1 (2 positive, 0.64%), and three previously undescribed herpesviruses (0.96%). Herpesviruses were detected in chelonians in the families Testudinidae, Emydidae, Geoemydidae, and in the suborder Pleurodira. Among the species for which 100 samples or more were available, the highest proportions of positive samples (positivity rates) were found in samples from Horsfield's tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii) (14.96%), and radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) (14.05%). Among tortoises (Testudinidae), viruses were most often detected in the spring, while in emydid turtles (Emydidae) they were most often detected in the summer. A comparison of the positivity rates according to country showed significant differences, with the highest rate in samples from Italy (16.01%). This study indicated possible differences in herpesvirus positivity rates depending on host species, virus strain, year of sampling, season, and country of origin. It provides useful information in further understanding fluctuations in infection rates as well as in helping to guide decision making for herpesvirus diagnostics in chelonian patients. It also provides evidence for the international dispersal of herpesviruses with their hosts through international trade.

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Ranavirus Distribution and Host Range

Marschang,

Meddings,

Waltzek

et al. 2024

Ranaviruses

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Ranaviruses are globally distributed pathogens in amphibian, fish, and reptile communities that appear to be emerging. Cases of ranavirus infection or disease have been confirmed in at least 177 amphibian species (25 families), 49 fish species (25 families), and 37 reptile species (17 families). Transmission of individual strains between animal classes has been documented. While ranaviruses are frequently associated with mass die-offs, host susceptibility differs among species, with some species harboring subclinical infections and likely serving as reservoirs for the virus and other highly susceptible species amplifying the virus. Currently, there are seven recognized species of ranavirus, with stark differences in pathogenicity between strains and hosts. Several strains among these species have been named, and changes in taxonomy in this genus can lead to some confusion. Frog virus 3 is the best studied species of the genus Ranavirus and appears to be the most globally distributed species, with viruses of this species infecting ectothermic vertebrates across three vertebrate classes. International commerce involving infected ectothermic vertebrates undoubtedly has contributed to the global distribution, diversity, and emergence of ranaviruses. Herein, we describe the global distribution of ranaviruses in amphibians, fish, and reptiles, host range of the different Ranavirus species, the implications of interclass transmission, and the impact of trade on ranavirus distribution. The Global Ranavirus Reporting System (GRRS), which documents global detections of ranaviruses, is also presented.

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Characterizing the Epidemiology of Historic and Novel Pathogens in Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii)

Cited by 6 publications

References 86 publications

Health Assessment of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta) in a Restored Wetland Habitat in Northwestern Indiana, Usa

Health Assessment of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta) in a Restored Wetland Habitat in Northwestern Indiana, Usa

Herpesviruses in Captive Chelonians in Europe Between 2016 and 2020

Ranavirus Distribution and Host Range

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