Wild snake disease threats: ophidiomycosis, lungworm, and antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma
Key Questions
What diseases are threatening wild snake populations?
Ophidiomycosis, lungworm, and antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma are key threats, with high coinfection rates leaving only 20% of snakes pathogen-free. Pygmy rattlesnakes are especially vulnerable.
How are Burmese pythons contributing to native snake diseases?
Burmese pythons are spreading lungworm to native snakes in Florida, exacerbating disease pressures on wild populations. This adds to existing threats like ophidiomycosis.
What is the first detection of antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma in US snakes?
New research reports the first detection of antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma in free-ranging US snakes. This finding raises concerns about treatment challenges and population declines, particularly in rattlesnakes.
New research highlights deadly diseases threatening wild snakes, including ophidiomycosis and lungworm, with pygmy rattlesnakes especially vulnerable. First detection of antibiotic-resistant Mycoplasma in free-ranging US snakes; coinfection rates high (only 20% pathogen-free). Burmese pythons spreading lungworm to native snakes in Florida.