Snakes around the world are increasingly facing extinction, and disease has emerged as a major concern alongside habitat loss. One of the most serious diseases that can affect snakes is ophidymycosis, commonly referred to as snake mycosis, which is caused by a fungus. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (oh). The disease has been detected in many snake species since researchers first identified it about 20 years ago.
To better understand the overall health of wild snakes, researchers in the southeastern United States investigated seven different pathogens in native snake populations. Their goal was to compare infection rates across species, locations, and time periods. The survey results are Frontiers of veterinary medicine.
“Bacteria oh and parasites Raylietiera orientalis (B) appears to be the most important infectious agent in free-ranging snakes in the southeastern United States,” said lead author and University of Georgia researcher Corinna Misin, Ph.D. (formerly known as Corinna Hazelrig). “We also showed that increased risk of ophidiomycosis is strongly associated with co-infection in free-ranging native snakes.”
Researchers study hundreds of wild snakes
The study, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, sampled more than 500 snakes covering 29 species from two wildlife refuges in South Carolina and Florida. The researchers collected additional samples from other parts of the southeastern United States whenever possible.
Because most snakes are captured alive, scientists were able to swab the snakes’ skin and take blood samples before releasing them. A small number of snakes that died on roads or in the wild underwent detailed post-mortem examinations, including tissue sampling.
“For about a decade, research on free-ranging snakes has focused almost exclusively on the study of snakes. oh. We wanted to assess the snake’s health on a more comprehensive level and establish a broader perspective,” Mishin said.
Multiple infectious diseases common in wild snakes
The researchers found that less than 20% of the snakes tested showed no signs of infection.
The most prevalent pathogen was bacteria salmonella entericaappeared in 63% of snakes. Another common infection is liver animal spp., a tick-borne parasite found in 53% of animals.
Scientists also detected antibiotic resistance mycoplasma 18% of species snakes contain bacteria. These bacteria can cause upper respiratory disease and have never been previously reported in wild snakes in the United States.
Many snakes were carrying multiple pathogens at the same time. Overall, 44% of the snakes had multiple infections. Approximately 29% carried two pathogens simultaneously, 11% had three infections, and 3% carried four different pathogens.
“When an animal becomes sick with an infectious disease, its immune system is compromised, increasing the risk of further worsening of the disease by other infectious agents that may have previously been asymptomatic,” Mishin explained.
Pygmy rattlesnakes face high risk
The study also found that some snake species are much more vulnerable to certain diseases than others.
Pygmy rattlesnakes were particularly susceptible to snake fungal diseases. Of the 34 rattlesnakes tested, 12 tested positive. ohand many also showed visible signs of illness. By comparison, only 1 out of 55 eastern ribbon snakes and 3 out of 36 ringneck snakes tested positive.
Rattlesnakes were also the most frequently infected species. Ban invasive crustacean parasite commonly known as snake lungworm. Fourteen of the 34 rattlesnakes carried the parasite. In several other snake species, including the Florida water snake, Ro infections were much less present or absent.
“We hypothesize that certain species with declining health in the general population, particularly rattlesnakes, which have historically and currently been at high risk of human persecution, are likely to be more susceptible to subsequent disease transmission,” Mishin said. “Furthermore, the prevalence of pygmy rattlesnakes was expected to increase. BThis is because they primarily eat lizards and frogs, which are known to carry parasites. ”
Geography and skin damage influence infection risk
Location also appears to influence infection patterns. Snakes sampled in Georgia were much more likely to test positive ohmeanwhile B Infection was only found in snakes in Florida.
Skin damage was also an important factor. More than 30% of snakes with skin lesions tested positive for snake mycosis, compared to only 2% of snakes without lesions.
Disease risks and conservation concerns
The researchers noted some limitations to the study. Because sampling was conducted in only a small number of counties, the findings may reflect local environmental conditions rather than the entire southeastern United States.
The team also talked about detecting. B Testing on live snakes can be difficult because the test relies on fecal samples. Snakes often do not eat for long periods of time, so usable samples are not always available. As a result, the actual proportion is B Infection rates may be higher than reported.
Still, researchers say the discovery could play an important role in wildlife conservation and invasive species management. Burmese pythons and brown anoles, both exotic species in the United States, are known carriers of infectious diseases. B.
“Our data provides important information about which pathogens native snakes are likely to carry, and which pathogens they are likely to be free of. This can inform actions needed to prevent pathogen escape from captive snakes,” Mishin concluded. “When transporting wildlife, it is essential to consider which pathogens may be transported along with them and the potential downstream effects.”
