Characterization and genomic analysis of a ranavirus associated with cultured black-spotted pond frogs (Rana nigromaculata) tadpoles mortalities in China.

Ranaviruses are globally emerging pathogens causing mass mortality in both farmed and wild populations. In this study, we confirmed that a novel ranavirus was related to mass die-offs of black-spotted pond frogs (Rana nigromaculata) in Sichuan Province, China. Histological examination revealed marked degeneration or necrosis in parenchymatous organs, and intracytoplasmic inclusions can be observed in the liver and intestine cells.