Detection of testudinid herpesvirus type 4 in a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis).
Several animals from a mixed species collection of tortoises in Germany died unexpectedly. Some of the affected leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) from this group showed respiratory signs. Samples were collected from one of the ill tortoises, and a Mycoplasma spp. and a herpesvirus were detected by PCR. Sequencing of a portion of the DNA polymerase gene of the herpesvirus showed 99% identity with testudinid herpesvirus 4, previously described only once in a bowsprit tortoise (Chersina angulata) in the United States.
Ekaterina
E
Kolesnik
Frank
F
Mittenzwei
Rachel E. Marschang, Laboklin GmbH+Co KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, E-Mail: marschang@laboklin.de.
Rachel E
RE
Marschang
D000818:Animals; D005858:Germany; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D014426:Turtles / Q000821:virology*
African tortoises; Germany; Mycoplasma; PCR; Upper respiratory tract disease; bowsprit tortoise