[Herpesvirus detection in clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusioscastaneus)]

Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2015;43(3):166-9. doi: 10.15654/TPK-140575. Epub 2015 Mar 25.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Objective: First description of a herpesvirus in West African mud turtles.

Materials and methods: A herpesvirus was detected in two clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusios castaneus) by PCR during a quarantine exam. The animals had been imported from Togo, West Africa to Germany for the pet trade.

Results: Analysis of a portion of the genome of the detected virus showed that it is a previously unknown virus related to other chelonid herpesviruses. The virus was named pelomedusid herpesvirus 1.

Discussion: This case highlights the importance of testing for infectious agents during quarantine, even in clinically healthy animals.

Keywords: PCR; Pelomedusidae; pelomedusid herpesvirus 1; quarantine; side-necked turtles.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Western
  • Animals
  • Cloaca / virology
  • Germany
  • Herpesviridae / classification
  • Herpesviridae / genetics
  • Herpesviridae / isolation & purification*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Turtles / virology*