Comprehensive health assessment and blood analyte reference intervals of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in southeastern FL, USA

• DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab015
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01T12:36:13Z
• Authors: Annie Page-Karjian; Kathleen Rafferty; Clerson Xavier; Nicole I Stacy; Jon A Moore; Sarah E Hirsch; Samantha Clark; Charles A Manire; Justin R Perrault
• Keywords: Tortoise

Abstract The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species, is declining throughout its geographic range. Lack of knowledge with respect to the potential infectious diseases present within wild populations creates dilemma for wildlife biologists, conservationists and public policy makers. objective this study was conduct health assessment two previously unstudied aggregations located at sites in southeastern FL. Samples were collected from 91 tortoises (48 adults, 35 juveniles, 8 hatchlings) captured Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, FL, USA 2019, Loggerhead Park Juno Beach, USA, during 2018–2019. blood, nasal swabs oral/cloacal analyzed hematology, plasma protein electrophoretic profiles disease testing including Mycoplasma spp. serology polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays Ranavirus, Herpesvirus Anaplasma Hematological electrophoresis reference intervals are presented adult juvenile both combined. Clinical signs consistent upper respiratory tract (URTD) observed 18/91 (20%) tortoises, antibodies agassizii detected 33/77 (42.9%) tortoises. Adult significantly more likely than juveniles have URTD clinical signs, statistically significant, positive relationships between presence carapace length, packed cell volume globulin concentrations. inclusions 8/82 (10%) but PCR sp. 21/83 (25%) Ranavirus not any blood or swab samples. This work contributes important baseline information on toward southern end species’