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Published in: EcoHealth 1/2010

01-08-2010 | Short Communication

Broad Distribution of Ranavirus in Free-Ranging Rana dybowskii in Heilongjiang, China

Authors: Kai Xu, Dong-Ze Zhu, Ying Wei, Lisa M. Schloegel, Xiao-Feng Chen, Xiao-Long Wang

Published in: EcoHealth | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Ranaviruses have been associated with die-offs in cultured amphibians in China, but their presence in wild amphibians has not yet been assessed. We sampled free-ranging Rana dybowskii at seven sites throughout Heilongjiang Province to determine the presence and prevalence of ranaviruses in this region. Our results revealed an overall infection prevalence of 5.7% (18/315) for adults and 42.5% (51/120) for tadpoles by PCR. PCR-amplified product showed a high degree of homology with several members of the Iridoviridae, mostly with those belonging to the genus Ranavirus. The results indicate that ranaviruses are broadly distributed throughout Heilongjiang Province and could have important implications for the health of native wildlife. Additional sampling and management strategies should be urgently adopted to address the prevalence and health consequences of ranaviruses throughout China.
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Metadata
Title
Broad Distribution of Ranavirus in Free-Ranging Rana dybowskii in Heilongjiang, China
Authors
Kai Xu
Dong-Ze Zhu
Ying Wei
Lisa M. Schloegel
Xiao-Feng Chen
Xiao-Long Wang
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
EcoHealth / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1612-9202
Electronic ISSN: 1612-9210
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-010-0289-y

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