What viruses can reptiles get?

What viruses can reptiles get?

The viruses that have been most commonly detected in reptiles include herpesviruses, especially in chelonians, adenoviruses, especially in lizards and snakes, reoviruses, especially in lizards and snakes, paramyxoviruses, especially in snakes, picornaviruses in tortoises, and iridoviruses, with ranaviruses detected …

Do Florida lizards carry diseases?

Reptiles and amphibians are popular pets with many families. Turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, geckos, horned toads, salamanders and chameleons are colorful, quiet and often kept as pets. These animals frequently carry bacteria called Salmonella that can cause serious illness in people.

Which viruses can infect humans mammals birds and reptiles?

Coronaviruses are a large group of RNA viruses that can be found in many species, especially mammals and birds, and are often associated with mild respiratory and enteric signs. There are several zoonotic coronaviruses that can cause serious disease in humans.

What is adenovirus in reptiles?

Adenoviruses are highly environmentally resistant viruses that often cause illness of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. This virus, which is also referred to as Atadenovirus, “wasting disease,” or “star-gazing disease,” has been known to spread to the kidneys, brain, and bone marrow in reptiles.

Do alligators carry viruses?

In the bayous of Louisiana, researchers have discovered that alligators have a ferocious immune system that can take down a vast range of viruses, bacteria and other infectious microbes, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Can humans get adenovirus from reptiles?

There is no known risk of infection to humans from reptile adenoviruses, so you don’t have to worry about people. It seems that almost any reptile can be infected except crocodiles and alligators.

Is adenovirus contagious to humans?

Adenovirus infections are most contagious during the first few days of symptoms. Some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can carry the virus in their tonsils, adenoids, or intestines for weeks or longer. These people might not have any symptoms, but are still be able to spread the virus to others.

Are there any viruses that can affect reptiles?

Few viruses have been clearly proved as etiologic agents of disease in reptiles, but many viruses have been isolated from sick reptiles. Several viruses have been linked strongly enough for them to be considered the causative agent until proved otherwise. A number of viral PCR and serology tests are available.

How does West Nile virus affect farmed alligators?

West Nile virus has resulted in epizootic outbreaks in farmed alligators, with the virus causing multiorgan necrosis, heterophilic granulomas, heterophilic perivasculitis, and lymphoplasmacytic mengingoencephalitis. Very high viremia titers have been reported in various reptiles, suggesting that reptiles may play a role as an amplification host.

Why are secondary bacterial infections common in reptiles?

Secondary bacterial infections are common because of the severe inflammation initiated by the virus, and it is not unusual to note nasal discharge, open-mouth breathing, caseated pus in the oral cavity, and labored breathing. Neurologic involvement, including tremors and opisthotonos, is occasionally noted.

How to treat viral disease in desert tortoise?

In tortoises, the virus may cause necrosis of oral mucosa accompanied by anorexia, regurgitation, and oral and ocular discharge. Treatment in tortoises includes isolation, supportive care, and application of 5% acyclovir to oral lesions. Oral acyclovir appeared to improve the lesions in a desert tortoise.