title: Detection of Snake Fungal Disease Due to Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in Virginia, USA.
abstract: Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging disease of wildlife believed to be caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. Although geographic and host ranges have yet to be determined, this disease is characterized by crusty scales, superficial pustules, and subcutaneous nodules, with subsequent morbidity and mortality in some snake species. To confirm the presence of SFD and O. ophiodiicola in snakes of eastern Virginia, US, we clinically examined 30 free-ranging snakes on public lands from April to October 2014. Skin biopsy samples were collected from nine snakes that had gross lesions suggestive of SFD; seven of these biopsies were suitable for histologic interpretation, and eight were suitable for culture and PCR detection of O. ophiodiicola. Seven snakes had histologic features consistent with SFD and eight were positive for O. ophiodiicola by PCR or fungal culture.
authors.affiliation: 1 Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, Virginia 23504, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Guthrie
authors.affiliation: 2 US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Knowles
authors.affiliation: 2 US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA.
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ballmann
authors.affiliation: 2 US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lorch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D020036:Onygenales / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D012911:Snakes; D014768:Virginia
keywords: Dermatitis; Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola; PCR; emerging disease; snake fungal disease