Picornaviruses see also                     Sacbrood Virus

General Information

Picorna viruses are non-enveloped RNA viruses, and in tortoises also known as virus “X”. They are detected regularly in tortoises, and found associated with other infectious pathogens, particularly with herpesviruses and mycoplasma.

Clinically, picornavirus in young animals is associated with a softening of the carapace. In adult tortoises infections are manifested as rhinitis, stomatitis, ascites and sudden death.

Picornaviruses can best be detected by PCR in pharyngeal swabs. Suitable organ samples include intestine, tongue, kidney, liver and other organs.