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Ranaviral disease in amphibians has been studied intensely during the last decade, as associated mass-mortality events are considered to be a global threat to wild animal populations. Several studies have also included other susceptible ectothermic vertebrates (fish and reptiles), but only very few cases of ranavirus infections in lizards have been previously detected. In this study, we focused on clinically suspicious lizards and tested these animals for the presence of ranaviruses. Virological screening of samples from lizards with increased mortality and skin lesions over a course of four years led to the detection of ranaviral infections in seven different groups. Affected species were: brown anoles (Anolis sagrei), Asian glass lizards (Dopasia gracilis), green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), green iguanas (Iguana iguana), and a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Purulent to ulcerative-necrotizing dermatitis and hyperkeratosis were diagnosed in pathological examinations. All animals tested positive for the presence of ranavirus by PCR and a part of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of each virus was sequenced. Three different ranaviruses were isolated in cell culture. The analyzed portions of the MCP gene from each of the five different viruses detected were distinct from one another and were 98.4-100% identical to the corresponding portion of the frog virus 3 (FV3) genome. This is the first description of ranavirus infections in these five lizard species. The similarity in the pathological lesions observed in these different cases indicates that ranaviral infection may be an important differential diagnosis for skin lesions in lizards.

Results are presented from a microbiological (bacteriological and mycological) investigation and the sensitivity tests of microorganisms isolated over a 2-year period (1983-84) from 80 fecal samples and 466 necropsies of psittacine birds. These results are correlated with signs of metaplasia of the salivary glands due to vitamin A deficiency in large parrots and with low vitamin A levels in the livers of small psittacine birds. Aerobic microorganisms were isolated from 76% of the fecal samples and 67% of the necropsies. Infections with primary pathogenic bacteria were found in less than 10% of the necropsies. Metaplasia was found in 51% of the large parrots, and the vitamin A levels in budgerigars were below acceptable levels. The possible role of a deficient diet in Psittaciformes in the occurrence of microbial infections and their treatment are discussed.

SUMMARYMany health problems in animals are related to management and feeding. A large number of husbandry problems in reptiles lead to pathophysiological situations. Assessment of the husbandry problems of reptiles involves detective work that can only be achieved as a result of close cooperation and exchange of information between the owner and the pathologist. Reptiles, being ectothermic, depend for their physiological functioning largely on the quality of their surroundings. There are a large number of factors which influence the normal functioning of a reptile both in nature and in captivity. These factors can be described in terms of primary and secondary factors.Primary factors are the construction of terraria, light, heat, food, and water, and grouping of animals. Secondary factors are daylight regimen, arrangement of heating elements, type and composition of food, quality of water, and freedom from stress. Also important are ventilation, humidity, sites for resting and/or hiding, structure of the floor and of rocks, and branches for climbing activities.Hygiene is also an important aspect because poor hygiene often is directly related to problems. All these factors are dealt with in this review.

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