Home / Science / Fungal Scourge and Invasive Parasites Plague US Snakes
Fungal Scourge and Invasive Parasites Plague US Snakes
1 Nov
Summary
- Wild snakes in the US are threatened by a fungal disease.
- An invasive parasite also impacts snake respiratory systems.
- Both infections are linked to poorer nutritional condition in snakes.
Wild snakes in the southeastern United States are grappling with a dual health crisis involving a fungal disease and an invasive parasite. These pathogens threaten snakes' skin and respiratory systems, with a recent study indicating a link between these infections and a poorer nutritional state in affected animals.
The research, conducted between May 2022 and May 2024 across five southeastern states, examined 509 snakes from 29 species. The fungus, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, was detected in 16.1% of tested snakes, often causing skin lesions. The invasive parasite, Raillietiella orientalis, was found in 12.7% of snakes tested in Florida, impacting their respiratory tracts.
Alarmingly, the study found that 44% of tested snakes harbored multiple pathogens simultaneously. Snakes with several infections were more prone to fungal disease. Pygmy rattlesnakes showed particularly high detection rates for both the fungus and the parasite. These findings establish a crucial baseline for conservation efforts.
