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1 June 2023 Dermatomycosis Caused by Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in Nonnative Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) Captured in Central Florida, USA
Natalie M. Claunch, Colin M. Goodman, Madison Harman, Mariaguadalupe Vilchez, Savanna D. Smit, Bryan M. Kluever, James F. X. Wellehan, Robert J. Ossiboff, Christina M. Romagosa
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Abstract

Emergent fungal pathogens in herpetofauna are a concern in both wild and captive populations. We diagnosed dermatomycosis by Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in two panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) and suspected it in eight others captured from an established free-living nonnative population in Florida, USA. Chameleons developed skin lesions following recent exposure to cold weather conditions while housed in captivity, approximately 10 mo after capture and 12 wk after being placed in outdoor enclosures. Affected animals were treated with oral voriconazole and terbinafine until most cases resolved; however, medications were ultimately discontinued. Paranannizziopsis australasiensis has not previously been described in chameleons, nor in animals originating from a free-ranging population in the USA. Although the source of P. australasiensis infection is uncertain, we discuss several scenarios related to the pet trade and unique situation of chameleon “ranching” present in the USA.

Natalie M. Claunch, Colin M. Goodman, Madison Harman, Mariaguadalupe Vilchez, Savanna D. Smit, Bryan M. Kluever, James F. X. Wellehan, Robert J. Ossiboff, and Christina M. Romagosa "Dermatomycosis Caused by Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in Nonnative Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) Captured in Central Florida, USA," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 59(2), 322-331, (1 June 2023). https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-22-00018
Received: 25 February 2022; Accepted: 11 October 2022; Published: 1 June 2023
KEYWORDS
Chameleon
dermatitis
dermatomycosis
fungus
Nannizziopsiaceae
reptile
squamate
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