Turtle/Tortoise Respiratory Disease PCR Panel
The Turtle/Tortoise Respiratory Disease PCR Panel is a molecular diagnostic assay tailored to detect pathogens commonly associated with respiratory diseases in chelonians. This comprehensive panel targets Frog Virus 3 (Ranavirus), Emydid Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma agassizii, Mycoplasma testudineum, Terrapene herpesvirus 1, Terrapene herpesvirus 2, and members of the Chlamydiaceae family. By employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, this test delivers high sensitivity and specificity, ensuring accurate identification of pathogens in clinical samples such as nasal swabs, oral swabs, or tissue biopsies.
Moist swabs of the affected areas (cloacal swab and fecal swab), formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue
Moist swabs are preferred; it is recommended to add 1-2 drops of sterile saline to the swab and place in a sterile, leak-proof container (e.g. red top tube).
Tissue: Samples must be submitted in sealed, leak-proof, wide-mouth plastic containers.
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
Jacobson, E. R., et al. (2023). Advances in respiratory disease diagnostics in chelonians. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 33(2), 75–89.
Allender, M. C., et al. (2022). Ranavirus infections in reptiles: Emerging threats and diagnostic challenges. Veterinary Pathology, 59(1), 45–54.
Stacy, B. A., & Boylan, S. M. (2021). Herpesvirus infections in chelonians: Clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 24(3), 451–468.
Schumacher, J., & Garner, M. M. (2020). Advances in the understanding of Mycoplasma-associated respiratory diseases in chelonians. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51(4), 811–818.