About This Project

RNA viruses cause several important diseases in humans and animals (e.g. West Nile, Ebola, rabies) and are associated with significant mortality in captive reptiles. However, these viruses are understudied in wild reptile populations and their effects on individual survival and population stability are unknown. We aim to test wild state-endangered Blanding's turtles for RNA viruses to determine their health effects and support effective conservation strategies.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Chelonians (turtles and tortoises) are some of the most imperiled animals on the planet, with over half of recognized species threatened with extinction. Turtle populations are dwindling due to several factors including habitat loss, road mortality, overcollection, and nest predation. Some species are also threatened by infectious diseases, and characterizing turtle health status is an important area of active research. This is especially true for threatened species, which may be at a higher risk of extinction due to catastrophic events including disease outbreaks. RNA viruses are important pathogens in chelonians, and may be associated with mortality events in wild turtles. However, the presence of these viruses is rarely investigated in free-living animals.

What is the significance of this project?

Understanding the types of RNA viruses that infect wild turtles and determining the impacts of these viruses on individual and population health is important for designing effective conservation strategies. We plan to test a population of wild, state-endangered Blanding's turtles for four RNA viruses, then determine whether viral detection is associated with clinical signs of illness or bloodwork changes consistent with poor health. This will be one of the first studies to test for RNA viruses in wild North American chelonians, and will complement data that we are concurrently collecting in box turtles and rattlesnakes. Our research will help determine the importance of RNA viruses for wild reptile health, and may promote better conservation outcomes.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of this project are to determine whether four RNA viruses (picornavirus, nidovirus, ferlavirus [formerly paramyxovirus], and reovirus) are present in wild Blanding's turtles, and to identify associations between viral presence and signs of poor health. We will accomplish these goals in conjunction with an existing health assessment study. Briefly, wild turtles will be located using radiotelemetry and turtle traps. Turtles will receive a complete physical examination, bloodwork will be performed to assess health, and a combined oral/cloacal swab will be tested for RNA viruses using PCR. Associations between virus detection and signs of illness or bloodwork changes will be evaluated statistically to help determine the overall effects of these viruses in Blanding's turtles.