Close-up video of a chameleon's skin being showered with water droplets, highlighting the reptile’s vibrant color patterns
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Emerging Infectious Diseases

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have either been newly introduced to a population or have rapidly expanded in their existing geographic range. EIDs are caused by pathogens that may cause animals to show symptoms of infection, or they could be asymptomatic carriers. The rise of EIDs in wildlife poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, leading to population decline and destabilized ecosystems. Conditions that have contributed to the spread of these diseases include environmental factors (e.g., climate change, habitat loss, or poor sanitation), host-related factors (e.g., susceptibility, immunity, behavior), and pathogen-related factors (e.g., evolution, efficient transmission, drug resistance). The challenges of managing emerging infectious diseases have been documented throughout the years. However, we can play a role in protecting these species.

How can we help?

Join us on our mission to collaborate with wildlife agencies, researchers, and scientists to protect reptiles from emerging infectious diseases. This website provides the fundamental knowledge needed to detect a possible infection and report the case to the appropriate agencies. By raising awareness, we can support and strengthen the limited surveillance efforts currently in place to monitor reptile health.

A close-up photograph of a yellow eyelash viper taken during a tropical biology course at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica.

Reptiles

There are over 11,000 living species of reptiles. Reptiles play significant roles in ecosystems, including controlling pest infestations, contributing to seed dispersal, and assisting in pollination. Additionally, studies have demonstrated the promising effects of reptile-derived products as cancer treatments. Asian traditional medicine has even used these products to treat inflammation, eczema, kidney stones, and tumors. Reptiles are crucial for biodiversity, and their roles as prey and predators. Helping to manage reptile infectious diseases can protect these species and allow them to continue their crucial roles. Click on each reptile to learn more about the different diseases that can affect them.

1 — Snakes

2 — Turtles and Tortoises

3 — Crocodilians

3 — Lizards