Journal article
Coccidiosis in green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) in Australia: Pathogenesis, spatial and temporal distribution, and climate-related determinants of disease outbreaks
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.56(2), pp.359-371
2020
Abstract
An epizootic of coccidiosis in free-ranging green turtles (Chelonia mydas) occurred in Australia in 1991 and the parasites were thought to be Caryospora cheloniae. Recurring outbreaks over an increased geographic range followed. We used medical records and temporal and spatial data of turtles diagnosed with coccidiosis between 1991 and 2014 to characterize the disease and factors associated with outbreaks. Most affected animals were subadults or older. Neurologic signs with intralesional cerebral coccidia were observed. Coccidia associated with inflammation and necrosis were predominantly found in the intestine, brain, kidney, and thyroid. Cases occurred in the spring and summer. Three major outbreaks (1991, 2002, and 2014) were concentrated in Port Stephens, New South Wales (NSW) and Moreton Bay, Queensland, but cases occurred as far south as Sydney, NSW. Coccidiosis cases were more likely during, or 1 mo prior to, El Niño-like events. Molecular characterization of the 18S rRNA locus of coccidia from tissues of 10 green turtles collected in 2002 and 2004 in Port Stevens and Sydney imply that they were Schellackia-like organisms. Two genotypes were identified. The Genotype 3 sequence was most common (in eight of 10 turtles), with 98.8% similarity to the 18S sequence of Schellackia orientalis. The Genotype 4 sequence was less common (in two of 10 turtles) with 99.7% similarity to the 18S sequence of the most common genotype (Genotype 1) detected in turtles from the 2014 Moreton Bay outbreak. Our study will help with the identification and management of future outbreaks and provide tools for identification of additional disease patterns in green turtles.
Details
- Title
- Coccidiosis in green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) in Australia: Pathogenesis, spatial and temporal distribution, and climate-related determinants of disease outbreaks
- Authors/Creators
- S.B. de Gouvea Pedroso (Author/Creator) - Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaD.N. Phalen (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyM. Terkildsen (Author/Creator) - Bureau of MeteorologyD. Blyde (Author/Creator) - Sea WorldD.T. March (Author/Creator) - Dolphin Geophysical (Norway)A.N. Gordon (Author/Creator) - Department of Primary IndustriesP.A. Chapman (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandP.C. Mills (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandH. Owen (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandA. Gillett (Author/Creator) - Australia ZooH.B. Lloyd (Author/Creator) - Parks and Wildlife ServiceG.A. Ross (Author/Creator) - Parks and Wildlife ServiceJ. Hall (Author/Creator) - Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaJ. Scott (Author/Creator) - James Cook UniversityE. Ariel (Author/Creator) - James Cook UniversityR. Yang (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityK.A. Rose (Author/Creator) - Taronga Conservation Society Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Vol.56(2), pp.359-371
- Publisher
- Wildlife Disease Association
- Identifiers
- 991005546333207891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.217 Parasitology - Malaria, Toxoplasmosis & Coccidiosis
- 1.217.1890 Coccidiosis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science