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Patterns of infection, origins and transmission of ranaviruses among the ectothermic vertebrates of Asia
  • Jayampathi Herath,
  • Gajaba Ellepola,
  • Madhava Meegaskumbura
Jayampathi Herath
Guangxi University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Gajaba Ellepola
Guangxi University
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Madhava Meegaskumbura
Guangxi University
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Abstract

Ranaviral infections, a malady of ectothermic vertebrates, are becoming frequent, severe, and widespread, causing mortality among both native and cultured species, raising odds of species extinctions and economic losses. This turn of events is possibly due to the broad host range of ranaviruses and the transmission of these pathogens through regional and international trade in Asia, where outbreaks have been increasingly reported over the past decade. Here we focus attention on the origins, means of transmission, and patterns of spread of this infection within the region. Infections have been recorded in both cultured and wild populations in at least twelve countries/administrative regions, together with mass die-offs in some regions. Despite the imminent seriousness of the disease in Asia, surveillance efforts are still incipient. Some of the infections transmitted within Asia may transmit across host-taxon barriers, posing a significant risk to native species. Factors such as rising temperatures due to global climate change seem to exacerbate ranaviral activity, as most known outbreaks have been recorded during summer; however, data are still inadequate to verify this for Asia. Import risk analysis, using protocols such as Pandora+, pre-border pathogen screening, and effective biosecurity measures, can be used to mitigate introduction to uninfected areas and curb transmission within Asia. Comprehensive surveillance using molecular diagnostic tools for ranavirus species and variants will help in understanding the prevalence and disease burden in the region. This is an important step towards conserving native biodiversity and safeguarding the aquaculture industry.
25 May 2021Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
26 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2021Assigned to Editor
01 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Jun 20211st Revision Received
24 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
24 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
24 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
08 Sep 20212nd Revision Received
09 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
09 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
09 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
23 Sep 20213rd Revision Received
24 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
24 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
24 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Nov 2021Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 11 issue 22 on pages 15498-15519. 10.1002/ece3.8243