How to translate text using browser tools
9 October 2019 Discovery of Wild Amphibians Infected with Ranavirus in Brazil
Joice Ruggeri, Luisa P. Ribeiro, Mariana R. Pontes, Carlos Toffolo, Marcelo Candido, Mateus M. Carriero, Noeli Zanella, Ricardo L. M. Sousa, Luís Felipe Toledo
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Ranavirus is a double-stranded DNA virus associated with amphibian, fish and reptile die-offs worldwide. International trade of live animals farmed for human consumption, such as the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), plays a key role in spreading the pathogen. In Brazil, ranavirus has only been reported in captive bullfrog farms. We found infected tadpoles of both native species and the American bullfrog in the wild, and a case of mass mortality of amphibians and fish potentially associated with ranavirus. Dead animals presented skin ulcerations, hemorrhages, and edemas. We also found an overall prevalence of 37% of the amphibian chytrid in the area, and two bullfrog tadpoles were co-infected with both pathogens. We suggest that the interaction between the two pathogens should be investigated to improve global conservation of ectothermic vertebrates.

© Wildlife Disease Association 2019
Joice Ruggeri, Luisa P. Ribeiro, Mariana R. Pontes, Carlos Toffolo, Marcelo Candido, Mateus M. Carriero, Noeli Zanella, Ricardo L. M. Sousa, and Luís Felipe Toledo "Discovery of Wild Amphibians Infected with Ranavirus in Brazil," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 55(4), 897-902, (9 October 2019). https://doi.org/10.7589/2018-09-224
Received: 19 September 2018; Accepted: 21 March 2019; Published: 9 October 2019
KEYWORDS
clinical signs
conservation
Die-off
ectotherm vertebrates
infection
North American bullfrog
ranaviruses
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top