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[Herpesvirus detection in clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusioscastaneus)]

OBJECTIVE

First description of a herpesvirus in West African mud turtles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A herpesvirus was detected in two clinically healthy West African mud turtles (Pelusios castaneus) by PCR during a quarantine exam. The animals had been imported from Togo, West Africa to Germany for the pet trade.

RESULTS

Analysis of a portion of the genome of the detected virus showed that it is a previously unknown virus related to other chelonid herpesviruses. The virus was named pelomedusid herpesvirus 1.

DISCUSSION

This case highlights the importance of testing for infectious agents during quarantine, even in clinically healthy animals.