Development and analytical validation of a novel quantitative PCR assay for the detection of Trachemys herpesvirus 1.

Emerging infectious diseases are a threat that contributes to the decline of global chelonian species. Herpesviruses are among the most impactful pathogens described in chelonians and are frequently associated with a range of presentations across hosts with the potential for severe morbidity and mortality. Trachemys herpesvirus 1 (TrHV1) has been reported in red-eared and yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys scripta scripta, respectively) but is largely understudied.

Development and analytical characteristics of a quantitative real-time PCR assay for detection of spheniscid alphaherpesvirus 1 in penguins.

Herpesviruses are associated with disease in many penguin species. Herpesvirus-associated lesions can cause significant morbidity and mortality in penguins and have been identified in African penguins (), Humboldt penguins (), and a little blue penguin () infected with spheniscid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SpAHV1). Further investigation is necessary to understand the impact of herpesviruses on penguin health, but there are no rapid, sensitive, and specific methods for detecting and quantifying herpesviral load.

Environmental temperature influences ophidiomycosis progression and survival in experimentally challenged prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis).

Ophidiomycosis is a prevalent and intermittently pervasive disease of snakes globally caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. Host response has yet to be fully explored, including the role of temperature in disease progression and hematologic changes. This study enrolled twelve adult prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) in an experimental challenge with O.

Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) Undetected in Endangered Key Largo Woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) Endemic Range.

Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) negatively affects woodrat (Neotoma spp.) populations but is not known to occur in the endemic range of endangered Key Largo woodrats (Neotoma floridana smalli). Rectal swabs from 23 raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Key Largo were screened for raccoon roundworm by PCR.

SHORT-TERM BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF HEMATOLOGY PARAMETERS IN THE BEARDED DRAGON ().

Determination of the biological variation of laboratory tests is essential for accurate interpretation during health assessments. Few studies investigate the biological variation of CBC variables in reptiles, and none of these involve squamates. Thus, we investigated the biological variation of hematology parameters in bearded dragons () to determine if conventional population-based reference intervals are appropriate in evaluating single laboratory samples.

PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF SPP. IN TWO FREE-RANGING POPULATIONS OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES ().

Salmonellosis is an important zoonotic infection, and exposure to pet reptiles has been implicated in several human outbreaks. Although several studies report a low prevalence of salmonellae in free-ranging chelonians, they may serve as a reservoir. In spring and summer of 2013 and 2019, free-ranging eastern box turtles () from populations in Illinois (rural) and Tennessee (urban) were collected through canine and visual search.

CHARACTERIZING THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HISTORIC AND NOVEL PATHOGENS IN BLANDING'S TURTLES ().

Pathogens such as herpesviruses, spp., and frog virus 3-like ranavirus have contributed to morbidity and mortality in many species of free-living and zoo-maintained chelonians. However, their prevalence is understudied in Blanding's turtles () across North America.

Investigating the Analytical Variability and Agreement of Manual Leukocyte Quantification Methods in Eastern Box Turtles ().

Leukogram evaluation provides valuable information about inflammation, infection, and stress in free-living and zoo-maintained wildlife. While multiple protocols for quantifying leukocytes are available in reptiles, agreement between methods is infrequently described and analytical variability (including repeatability and reproducibility) has not been critically evaluated. This study addresses these knowledge gaps for two hematological methods in eastern box turtles (): Avian Leukopet (LO) and total white blood cell (WBC) estimates from blood films (EST).

Hematology and plasma biochemistries in the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) in Lake County, Illinois.

Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa on the planet due to changes in the environment, anthropogenic influences, and disease. Over the last two decades, conservation strategies including nest protection, head-starting and meso-predator control have been successfully adopted by the Lake County Forest Preserve District for a population of state-endangered Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in Illinois. Only recently have efforts expanded to assess the effects of management action on turtle health.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HERPESVIRUS 1 IN FREE-RANGING BLANDING'S TURTLES () FROM ILLINOIS.

Herpesvirus infections have been associated with high morbidity and mortality in populations of captive emydid chelonians worldwide, but novel herpesviruses have also recently been identified in apparently healthy free-ranging emydid populations. Blanding's turtle (), an endangered species in Illinois, has experienced range-wide declines because of habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. A novel herpesvirus, herpesvirus 1 (EBHV1), was identified in Blanding's turtles in DuPage County, IL, in 2015.

DETECTION OF SP. IN INDOCHINESE BOX TURTLES ().

species are important pathogens of captive and free-ranging chelonians. Bourret's box turtle () is a critically endangered species of Indochinese box turtle in the family Geoemydidae. Four privately owned wild-caught Bourret's box turtles were presented for clinical evaluation for anorexia and lethargy following shipment from a reptile wholesaler 3 wk prior.

DETECTION OF RANAVIRUS USING BONE MARROW HARVESTED FROM MORTALITY EVENTS IN EASTERN BOX TURTLES ( TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA).

The causes of free-living chelonian mortality events are often unknown because of infrequent recovery of remains and rapid postmortem decomposition. This study describes a technique to harvest bone marrow and detect frog virus 3-like ranavirus (FV3) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in skeletonized eastern box turtles ( Terrapene carolina carolina) ( N = 87), and assesses agreement with concurrent perimortem samples ( N = 14). FV3 was detected in bone marrow samples from 12 turtle shells (14%).

BIOCHEMISTRY PANEL REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR JUVENILE GOLDFISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS).

Reference intervals for diagnostic tests are vitally important for clinical decision making. Despite the popularity of pet goldfish (Carassius auratus), reference intervals have not been generated for routine biochemistry panel analytes in this species. This study establishes de novo reference intervals for packed cell volume and total solids, using 47 apparently healthy immature goldfish, and for 11 common chemistry panel analytes (albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, creatine kinase, globulin, blood glucose, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, total protein, and uric acid) using 39 immature goldfish.