Absence of Ranavirus and herpesvirus in a survey of two aquatic turtle species in Illinois.

Infections with Ranavirus and herpesvirus have contributed to numerous morbidity and mortality reports in chelonians worldwide. To better understand the prevalence of these viruses in healthy and declining populations, a survey for these viruses was performed on two aquatic turtle species in 2007 using polymerase chain reaction assays. Blood and oral swabs were taken from 47 painted turtles, Chrysemys picta, and 58 Blanding's turtles, Emydoidea blandingii. Results demonstrated no positive cases using this method in these populations. The lack of positive Ranavirus test results may indicate that these turtles have never been exposed to virus, have been exposed but have cleared the virus, are not shedding the virus in oral swabs or blood, or that oral swabs are inappropriate samples to assess ranaviral shedding in these species. Similarly, the lack of positive herpesvirus test results may indicate that these turtles have never been exposed to virus, have been exposed but have a latent infection, are not shedding the virus in oral swabs or blood, or that oral swabs are also inappropriate samples to assess herpesviral infection in these species.