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Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids
Published on: August 16, 2011
Ranavirus: past, present and future.
D Lesbarrères1, A Balseiro, J Brunner
1Genetics and Ecology of Amphibians Research Group (GEARG), Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. dlesbarreres@laurentian.ca
Biology Letters
|November 4, 2011
Summary
Ranaviruses, a type of emerging infectious disease, are causing significant amphibian, reptile, and fish die-offs globally. This symposium highlighted current knowledge and future research needs for these significant wildlife pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Herpetology
- Ichthyology
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases pose a substantial threat to global biodiversity.
- Ranaviruses (family Iridoviridae) have caused significant mortality events in captive and wild amphibians, reptiles, and fish worldwide over the last 20 years.
- Historically, ranaviruses have been understudied despite their ecological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate contemporary knowledge on ranaviruses.
- To identify critical research priorities for understanding and managing ranavirus infections.
- To foster international collaboration among scientists and veterinarians studying ranaviruses.
Main Methods:
- The First International Symposium on Ranaviruses convened 23 experts from nine countries in July 2011.
- Discussions focused on the ecology and evolution of ranavirus-host interactions.
- Presentations covered potential reservoirs, transmission dynamics, and host immune and pathological responses.
Main Results:
- The symposium facilitated a comprehensive review of current ranavirus research.
- Key areas for future investigation were identified, including disease mechanisms and control strategies.
- Discussions explored potential causes of mass mortality events linked to ranaviruses.
Conclusions:
- Ranaviruses represent a critical emerging threat to vertebrate wildlife populations.
- Further research is essential to understand ranavirus ecology, host responses, and effective conservation and management strategies.
- International collaboration is crucial for addressing the global challenge posed by ranaviruses.
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