WFSC 301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Western Blot, Vertically Transmitted Infection, Fomite
13 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Isolated from free ranging desert tortoises in the mojave desert, Likely that all species of tortoises are susceptible. Found in captive and wild tortoises in europe + england and us. Develops as early as 2 weeks after infection. White crust around nse bubbles out of nose whistling and gurgling sounds mouth breathing loss of appeitite. Transmission horizontal transmission via direct contact with the same species or horizontal transmission via direct contact with the same species or through contaminated surface (fomite transmission) Vertical transmission hasn"t been documented but hasn"t been ruled out as a method of transmission. Diagnosis: uses serum or plasma, no whole blood detects m. agassizii antibodies. Distinguishes between natural and acquired m. agassizii antibodies. Downside is that it may not detect closeley related strains of infection. Quarantine all new arrivals for at least 6 months. Limit number of tortoises in an area to limit exposure to infection. Do not release infected tortoises into the wild.
