UGA Study shows pathogens threaten snakes survival in Southern US

Researcher Corinna Hazelrig studies a snake. Credit: Taylor Miller

After a 4 year study of over 500 snakes of 29 different species showed troubling levels of pathogens and deadly viruses present in native populations throughout Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. The study ran by University of Georgia (UGA) researchers found a variety of pathogens, but the two most troubling were the contagious Snake Fungal Disease (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) and Lung Worm parasite (Raillietiella orientalis), thought to be introduced by the feral Burmese Pythons.

“Life and death for wildlife like snakes is not so simple,” commented senior author Nicole Nemeth, head of research and diagnostics at the UGA’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study service. “Any group or regional population of snakes is likely to be already under some level of stress, so they are primed for that fungus or bacteria to take advantage of them and become a full-blown infection.”
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“We often fear what we do not understand,” added Hazelrig. “Rattlesnakes are dangerous, as are many wild animals, but it is critical for the public to be educated on their value in our ecosystems and to learn how to safely coexist. Rattlesnakes deserve to live peacefully and unharmed as any animal does.”

To read more and get a link to the study, click here.