The invasive pentastome Raillietiella orientalis in a banded water snake from the pet trade

Abstract

Raillietiella orientalis is established in Florida and rapidly spreading both geographically and in known host species. A banded water snake ( Nerodia fasciata), purchased in Michigan at a regional reptile show, expectorated a pentastome whose morphology and DNA sequence indicated that it was R. orientalis. This event indicates that, through the pet trade, R. orientalis has been spread 1,500 km from its previously known distribution limit. Fecal sample analyses indicated that the snake was shedding large numbers of embryonated eggs for at least several months. The diversity of reptile species that are both known hosts of R. orientalis in Florida and are commonly sold in the pet trade indicates that this invasive pentastome may become a widespread health concern for pet owners and veterinarians.

Report on the First Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease (GARD) Conference 2022

“…The zoonotic pentastomid Raillietiella orientalis originates from Southeast Asia, but has now also been introduced into the United States, where it is known to infect invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) as well as several native species of snakes in Florida (Walden et al, 2020;Farrell et al, 2022). Since 2017, the pathogen has spread north from southern Florida and is now widespread in central Florida (Walden et al, 2020;Farrell et al, 2022;Palmisano et al, 2022). Further spread through the pet trade has also recently been documented (Farrell et al, 2023).…”

“…Since 2017, the pathogen has spread north from southern Florida and is now widespread in central Florida (Walden et al, 2020;Farrell et al, 2022;Palmisano et al, 2022). Further spread through the pet trade has also recently been documented (Farrell et al, 2023). The tripartite infection cycle includes intermediate hosts such as lizards (anoles), toads, and cockroaches (Palmisano et al, 2022a(Palmisano et al, , 2022b.…”

“…In the final host, a (sub)lethal infection occurs as hematophagous adult pentastomids, which can obstruct the airways. In a study of the prevalence of this pathogen in central Florida, high infection rates were found in both natural and urbanized habitats in various native snake species, and larvae were found in multiple lizard and anuran species (Farrell et al, 2022).…”