Selected Emerging Infectious Diseases of Squamata: An Update

Area of Science:

• Herpetology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases pose significant threats to both captive and wild reptile populations.
• Several pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria and fungal agents, are causing severe morbidity and mortality.
• Neurorespiratory diseases in snakes are increasingly linked to viral agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging infectious diseases affecting squamates (lizards and snakes) and sphenodontids.
• To highlight the impact of specific bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.
• To identify knowledge gaps in disease control and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of emerging infectious diseases in squamates.
• Identification of key pathogens and their associated diseases.
• Analysis of current treatment approaches and research limitations.

Main Results:

• Gram-positive bacteria (Devriesea agamarum, Austwickia chelonae) cause severe disease in captive and wild reptiles.
• Fungal genera (Nannizziposis, Paranannizziopsis, Ophidiomyces) are fatal primary pathogens.
• Viral agents (Nidovirus, bornavirus, paramyxovirus, sunshine virus, arenavirus) cause significant neurorespiratory disease in snakes.

Conclusions:

• Emerging infectious diseases present a critical challenge for squamate conservation.
• There is a lack of controlled studies on environmental stability, disinfection, transmission, and treatment.
• Urgent research is needed to develop effective management strategies for these devastating diseases.