General information

Viruses of the order Nidovirales are large, enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses. Among others, this order includes the families Arteriviridae and Coronaviridae. The nidoviruses detected in snakes are most closely related to the family Coronaviridae, subfamily Torovirinae.Nidoviruses (genus Pregatovirus) are found in pythons and boas, and have most commonly been detected in ball pythons so far. They are associated with pneumonia and stomatitis and seem to be important pathogens in different python species.

A nidovirus has also been detected in shingleback lizards and other Tiliqua spp. This virus is distinct from those found in snakes, and has been called Shingleback nidovirus 1 (genus Tiruvirus). Infection is associated with respiratory disease.