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Reptiles and Amphibians

Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease of amphibians. "A series of catastrophic declines in relatively undisturbed regions, however, has remained a mystery until recently. At these sites, notably in the montane rain forests of Australia and Central America, multiple species assemblages of amphibians have disappeared within a short time period and a number of global (species) extinctions are thought to have occurred. These include the extinction of the golden toad (Bufo periglenes) of Costa Rica and two species of gastric brooding frogs (Rheobatrachus) of Australia - species only discovered in the last half of the 20th century."
http://nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/~iacuc/infectiousdis.htm

The group of vertebrates least studied from the standpoint of pathogens, especially in wild populations, is the class Reptilia. Most reports on disease and infectious agents in reptiles involve animals in zoologic and research collections.
http://nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/~iacuc/infectiousdis.htm

However, of special concern is upper respiratory tract disease (caused by Mycoplasma agassizii) in wild desert tortoises, which is causing disastrous declines in their populations. This and other possible diseases (see 'amphibians' above) make any release of reptiles and amphibians, even if they have been captive for only a short time, a matter of considerable controversy.

To learn about investigations into the bacterial, viral and fungal diseases of Chelonia (turtles, tortoises), Crocodilia (crocodiles and alligators), Lacertilia (lizards) and Ophidia (snakes), go to http://nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/~iacuc/infectiousdis.htm


 Websites

Amphibian Diseases Homepage

Scope: Natural Heritage Trust, Australia
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/ampdis.htm


Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians

Scope: Links and resources
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.arav.org/Links.htm


Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians

Scope: Articles and handouts:
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.arav.org/Publication.htm


Brazilian Virtual Veterinary Hospital

Scope: Reptile species: parasitic and infectious diseases links
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.nib.unicamp.br/hvvb/repteis/rep2in.htm


FrogLog

Scope: Declining amphibian populations task force
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www2.open.ac.uk/biology/froglog/


James Cook University

Scope: Infectious diseases of amphibians. PDF file
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/adms/attach4.pdf


Melissa Kaplanメs Herp Care Collection

Scope: Reptile and amphibian care, diseases: this site discusses care of non-native species, but some of the information is generally applicable.
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.anapsid.org/


VetMed

Scope: Fibropapillomatosis of marine turtles
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/wildlife/fibpap.html


VetMed

Scope: Inclusion body disease of boid snakes
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/wildlife/IBDINFO.html


VetMed

Scope: Paramyxovirus(OPMV) in snakes
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/wildlife/Pmyx.html


VetMed

Scope: Salmonella and reptiles
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.arav.org/SalmonellaVet.htm



 Journals

Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery

Scope: Published by the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. The ARAV website also offers online information and handouts.
Online Volumes:
URL: http://www.arav.org/Journals/J053TI.htm



 Textbooks

Amphibian Medicine and Captive Husbandry:
by Kevin M. Wright (Editor), Brent R. Whitaker, Kevin N. Wright

Introducing veterinary practitioners to the diagnosis and treatment of disease in captive amphibians, this text covers various aspects of amphibian captive husbandry and propagation while providing a foundation that enables the reader to evaluate a given husbandry routine. The diagnosis of disease in amphibians by the application of basic clinicopathological techniques is discussed. Infectious, metabolic, nutritional, neoplastic, and idiopathic disorders of amphibians are examined in detail.
Hardcover: 570 pages
Krieger Publishing Company
ISBN:0894649175

[see it at amazon.com]


Biomedical and Surgical Aspects of Captive Reptile Husbandry - 2Vol. Set:
by Fredric L. Frye

This two-volume second edition was enhanced by the addition of new information, more than 1,850 color photos and 180 radiographs. Drs. Alex R bel and Walter Kuoni contributed their expert knowledge in the chapter on radiography and imaging. Dr. Douglas R. Mader authored the chapter on antibiotic therapy which covers the relevance of metabolic scaling of antibiotic dosages. Other chapters include an introduction to herpetology, captive husbandry, a guide to nutrition, infectious diseases, conditions related to the captive environment, hematology, nonhemic parasitology, ophthalmic disorders, reproductive disorders, developmental anomalies, anesthesiology, surgery, comparative histology, euthanasia, necropsy techniques, and pathologic conditions.
Hardcover: 712 pages
Krieger Publishing Company
ISBN:089464310X

[see it at amazon.com]


Reptile and Amphibian Parasites:(Basic Domestic Reptile & Amphibian Library)
by Eric M. Rundquist, Eric M. Lundquist


Library Binding: 64 pages
Chelsea House Pub (Library)
ISBN:0791050807

[see it at amazon.com]


Reptile Medicine and Surgery:
by Douglas R. Mader (Editor), Geoff Stein (Illustrator)

Reference for veterinary clinicians on the general care, diagnosis, and management of lizards, turtles, snakes, and crocodilians. Special topics include husbandry and artificial lighting. Halftone illustrations and color plates
Hardcover: 512 pages
W B Saunders Co
ISBN:0721652085

[see it at amazon.com]


Understanding Reptile Parasites:A Basic Manual for Herpetoculturists & Veterinarians
by Roger Klingenberg

No one who keeps reptiles can afford to be ignorant about reptile parasites and their treatment. This best-selling, easy-to-use book offers readers essential information on how to identify the most common parasites of reptiles and how to most effectively treat them. Includes drug charts and dosages. Highly recommended for hobbyists and pet stores. Illustrated with many black and white photos.
Paperback: 81 pages
Advanced Vivarium Systems
ISBN:1882770218

[see it at amazon.com]