Distribution of Mycoplasma agassizii in a Gopher Tortoise Population in South Florida

Abstract

Abstract Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) is a threatened species in Florida and is heralded as a keystone species throughout its range in the southeastern United States. However, this species has faced drastic population declines due mainly to habitat loss, and now disease is threatening the species. Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a highly contagious disease first observed in Gopher Tortoise populations in Florida as early as 1989. URTD may be caused by multiple pathogens, such as Mycoplasma agassizii, which has been documented in Gopher Tortoise populations (Berish et al 2000). The long-term effects of URTD are unknown, as are the effects of the disease on the demographics of the species. In this study, 40 plasma samples were collected from a Gopher Tortoise population to determine the exposure of Mycoplasma agassizii among different age classes and genders. There was not a significant difference in number infected when comparing adult males and adult females. The results suggest adults ...