Scientists Researching Fatal Disease Dangerously Affecting Native Populations Of Actinemys Marmorata
Scientists from around the country have been delving deep into a mysterious case which is threatening the wipe out the population of Actinemys marmorata in the state of Washington in the United States. This ravaging condition, which has yet to be dubbed a title, manifests itself in serious and highly damaging lesions on the carapace of the affected animal. These lesions penetrate deep into the bone and eat away at the internal tissue of the unfortunate victim. As the study continues to determine the causes and outcomes of this devastating fungal infection, scientists have hypothesized that the possibility of an overly vigorous disinfection protocol at zoos and other facilities has removed beneficial bacteria which has in the past previously prevented this infection from becoming prominent in the species. Years ago, the A. marmorata population was severely at risk, as the population dwindled at 150 specimens in the state, but thanks to conservation efforts and continuous research, the native population rebounded to over 1,000 turtles. University researchers have discovered that at this time up to 49% of the turtles are infected with this fungus, and CT scans are required to thoroughly inspect the animals. They have also been sampling the head-starting areas at various zoological locations to determine if the disinfection procedures initiated by the microbiome project may be causing this disastrous disease. They are also studying the fungus itself to learn more about it’s characteristics and to be able to classify it accordingly. Gathering vital knowledge from multiple sources, researchers hope that they will be able to confirm the origin of the fungus and subsequently be able to treat and prevent the further spread.
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Photo from Shreya Dasgupta.
