§ — PATHOGEN PROFILE · REO

Reovirus

Orthoreovirus, fam. Reoviridae

An underrecognised co-pathogen of respiratory and neurological disease, frequently found alongside other viruses. [15]

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

The pathogen

Non-enveloped double-stranded RNA virus. Environmentally stable and resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants.

Transmission

Faecal-oral and respiratory routes; contaminated surfaces play a significant role because the virus is non-enveloped.

Pathology

Proliferative pneumonia and tracheitis
Hepatic and splenic necrosis
Enteritis
Syncytial cell formation in affected epithelium

Clinical signs

Respiratory distress and nasal discharge
Neurological signs including tremor and head tilt
Anorexia, lethargy, poor shedding

Prevention

Test as part of a full respiratory screen rather than alone
Use peroxide or chlorine-based disinfectants; alcohol is insufficient
Quarantine new arrivals and avoid mixing species groups

Treatment options

Supportive only. Correct husbandry, fluids and control of secondary bacterial infection. Co-infections should be investigated and addressed.

Target species

Snakes (Crotalidae, Colubridae, Boidae)
Lizards, including chameleons and geckos
Chelonians

Testing note

PCR on an oral swab. Because reovirus often accompanies other agents, interpret it together with the rest of the respiratory panel. [15]

Order this test How to take the swab

Scientific references

[15]Wellehan JF Jr, Childress AL, Marschang RE, Johnson AJ, Lamirande EW, Roberts JF, et al. (2009). Consensus nested PCR amplification and sequencing of diverse reptilian, avian, and mammalian orthoreoviruses. Veterinary microbiology 133:34-42. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.06.011 · PMID: 18656318

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

[15]Wellehan JF Jr, Childress AL, Marschang RE, Johnson AJ, Lamirande EW, Roberts JF, et al. (2009). Consensus nested PCR amplification and sequencing of diverse reptilian, avian, and mammalian orthoreoviruses. Veterinary microbiology 133:34-42. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.06.011 · PMID: 18656318

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.