§ — PATHOGEN PROFILE · RAV

Ranavirus (Fam. Iridoviridae)

Ranavirus, fam. Iridoviridae

A notifiable, cross-species pathogen shared between amphibians, reptiles and fish, capable of causing mass mortality. [8][9]

Method: PCR
Sample material: Oral swab
Catalogue code: RAV

The pathogen

Large enveloped double-stranded DNA virus. Persists in water and moist substrate and crosses class boundaries between amphibians, reptiles and fish.

Transmission

Contact with infected animals, water, substrate and feeder amphibians. Shared water systems and wild-caught live food are common entry routes.

Pathology

Systemic necrosis of liver, spleen and haematopoietic tissue
Fibrinoid vasculitis with widespread haemorrhage
Ulcerative stomatitis and oesophagitis
Necrotising dermatitis

Clinical signs

Swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis, nasal discharge
Oral ulceration and plaques
Lethargy and sudden mortality across several animals at once

Prevention

Complete separation of amphibian and reptile husbandry, tools and water
Never feed wild-caught amphibians
Quarantine and test all new arrivals; disinfect with virucidal agents and dry surfaces thoroughly
Report suspected outbreaks to the competent veterinary authority where required

Treatment options

No effective treatment. Management is containment: isolate, test the group, and follow veterinary and national advice, which in several member states includes notification.

Target species

Chelonians (box turtles, tortoises, freshwater turtles)
Lizards and snakes
Amphibians in the same room or water system — a major cross-infection risk

Testing note

PCR on an oral swab detects active shedding. During an outbreak, test every animal in the room, not only those showing signs. [8][9]

Order this test How to take the swab

Scientific references

[8]Ariel E (2011). Viruses in reptiles. Veterinary research 42:100. DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-100 · PMID: 21933449
[9]Adamovicz L, Allender MC, Gibbons PM (2020). Emerging Infectious Diseases of Chelonians: An Update. The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice 23:263-283. DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.01.014 · PMID: 32327035

PCR detection depends on specimen quality, sampling time, intermittent shedding and the analytical method. A negative PCR result applies only to the submitted sample.

Other investigations

References

[8]Ariel E (2011). Viruses in reptiles. Veterinary research 42:100. DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-100 · PMID: 21933449
[9]Adamovicz L, Allender MC, Gibbons PM (2020). Emerging Infectious Diseases of Chelonians: An Update. The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice 23:263-283. DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.01.014 · PMID: 32327035

Order a kit
Prepared for your animal and typically delivered within 7 days
Send the samples
Take the sample and send it directly to the laboratory
Receive the test result
Typically within 7 days after the laboratory receives the sample

This profile is reference information for keepers and breeders. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace veterinary advice. Medicines mentioned are prescription-only and must be used under veterinary supervision.