Detection and phylogenetic analysis of a new adenoviral polymerase gene in reptiles in Korea.

Over a period of 7 years (2004-2011), samples from 34 diseased reptiles provided by local governments, zoos, and pet shops were tested for viral infection. Animals were diagnosed based on clinical signs, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, rhinorrhea, and unexpected sudden death. Most of the exotic animals had gastrointestinal problems, such as mucosal redness and ulcers, while the native animals had no clinical symptoms.

Histopathologic and immunohistological evaluation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma with Epstein-Barr virus in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).

Background: An 18-month-old female orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) died after exhibiting fever, cough, and rapid breathing.

Methods And Results: Based on serological, virological, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, anaplastic large cell lymphoma was confirmed.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in an orangutan.

Identification of bacteria from the oral cavity and cloaca of snakes imported from Vietnam.

Reptiles are used for various purposes these days, including public exhibits, medicinal applications, and as laboratory animals. As the international exchange of reptiles has gradually increased, more people have had the opportunity to come in contact with these animals. Snakes typically live in the rhizosphere where various bacterial strains exist and as such they can lead to opportunistic human diseases.

Canine distemper virus infection in fennec fox (Vulpes zerda).

Fifteen 8-month-old fennec foxes imported from Sudan showed fever, mucopurulent ocular discharge, diarrhea, severe emaciation, seizures, and generalized ataxia, and died. Three of the 15 animals were presented for diagnostic investigation. Severe dehydration, brain congestion, and gastric ulcers were observed in all animals.