A hidden wave of fungal disease and lung parasites is putting wild rattlesnakes and other native snakes at risk. Snake populations around the world are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, disease, and other environmental challenges. Among the diseases drawing the most concern is ophidiomycosis, commonly known as snake fungal disease, which is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo). Since it was first identified about two decades ago, the disease has been detected in numerous snake species. To better understand the health of wild snakes, researchers in the southeastern United States examined the prevalence of seven different pathogens across native snake populations. Their goal was to compare infection patterns over time, across locations, and among different species. The findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “The fungus Oo and the parasite Raillietiella orientalis (Ro), appear to be the most important infectious agents in free-ranging snakes in the southeastern US,” said first author Dr. Corinna Mishin (formerly Corinna Hazelrig), a researcher at the University of Georgia. “We also show that increased risk of ophidiomycosis was strongly associated with coinfections in free-ranging native snakes.” Surveying Snake Health Across the Southeast The study, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, included more...

A sweeping new study of wild snakes in the southeastern US has revealed a hidden health crisis slithering beneath the surface. Researchers found that many snakes are carrying multiple infections at once, with a dangerous fungal disease called ophidiomycosis — or snake fungal disease — emerging as one of the biggest threats. Pygmy rattlesnakes appeared especially vulnerable, frequently infected with both the fungus and a parasitic “snake lungworm.”

The Journal of Experimental Zoology – A publishes articles at the intersection of animal development, physiology, ecology, and evolution.

A sweeping new study of wild snakes in the southeastern US has revealed a hidden health crisis slithering beneath the surface. Researchers found that many snakes are carrying multiple infections at once, with a dangerous fungal disease called ophidiomycosis — or snake fungal disease — emerging as one of the biggest threats. Pygmy rattlesnakes appeared especially vulnerable, frequently infected with both the fungus and a parasitic “snake lungworm.”

Snakes are threatened with extinction in many places around the globe. Disease, often caused by parasites or fungi, is thought to be one of the key factors alongside habitat destruction. Prominent among fungal diseases is ophidiomycosis – also known as snake fungal disease – which is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo). In the 20 years since its discovery, it has been found in many snake species. Now, to achieve a grounded overview of snake health, researchers in the southeastern US surveyed seven pathogens in wild native snakes to compare pathogen prevalence over time, space, and among snake species. The results were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The fungus Oo and the parasite Raillietiella orientalis (Ro), appear to be the most important infectious agents in free-ranging snakes in the southeastern US. We also show that increased risks of ophidiomycosis was strongly associated with coinfections in free-ranging native snakes." Dr. Corinna Mishin (formerly Corinna Hazelrig), first author, researcher, University of Georgia No picture of health For the study, which was funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, the researchers captured over 500 snakes at two wildlife refuges in South Carolina and Florida, representing 29 species. They also sampled opportunistically across...

While we failed to detect significant effects of reproductive covariates on female survival, this study was the first to document that severity of clinical signs of disease suggestive of ophidiomycosis is negatively associated with true survival of wild snakes. Annual...

A hidden wave of fungal disease and lung parasites is putting wild rattlesnakes and other native snakes at risk. Snake populations around the world are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, disease, and other environmental challenges. Among the diseases drawing the most concern is ophidiomycosis, commonly known as snake fungal disease, which is caused by [...]