Ranavirus and Its Impact on the Amphibian Population

Abstract

Mass mortality of amphibians has occurred globally since at least the early 1990s from viral pathogens that are members of the genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae. This disease has a wide host range and with the movement of ranavirus-infected animals in commerce, ranaviruses have become an increasing threat to captive and wild populations, especially amphibians. The clinical signs of amphibians include haemorrhaging, lethargy, swelling, and ulcerative skin lesions. The virus is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated environments, such as water bodies. Environmental factors, including temperature and pollution, can influence the severity and spread of ranavirus infections. The ecological impact of ranavirus is profound, as it threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. Consequently, understanding the epidemiology, pathology, and control measures for ranavirus is critical for conserving amphibian populations. Current research efforts are focused on developing effective strategies for monitoring, managing, and mitigating the impacts of this pathogen on amphibian communities. This review presents distribution, hosts, and epidemiology to better understand this disease.