Herpesvirus detection in clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusios castaneus)

摘要

Objective: First description of a herpesvirus in West African mud turtles. Materials and methods: A herpesvirus was detected in two clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusios castaneus) by PCR during a quarantine exam. The animals had been imported from Togo,, West Africa to Germany for the pet trade. Results: Analysis of a portion of the genome of the detected virus showed that it is a previously, unknown virus related to other chelonid herpesviruses. The virus was named pelomedusid herpesvirus 1. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of testing for infectious agents during quarantine, even in clinically healthy animals.