Florida's Burmese pythons are carrying three previously unknown RNA viruses
Researchers have identified three previously unknown RNA viruses in invasive Burmese pythons within Florida's Everglades. While the viruses were not linked to a recent local snake disease outbreak, the study highlights the potential for invasive species to carry and spread new pathogens.
Why it matters
Understanding the viral load of invasive species is critical for protecting native wildlife and managing ecological health in vulnerable ecosystems.
Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades are carrying three previously unknown RNA viruses, raising questions about whether viruses harboured by the invasive snakes could eventually affect native wildlife. A study published in the Journal of Virology examined 40 Burmese pythons captured in and around the site of a 2020 disease outbreak among eastern mudsnakes. Researchers did not find the ferlavirus linked to that outbreak in the pythons, but instead identified three previously undescribed viruses: an alphavirus, a hepacivirus and an arterivirus. They also detected a previously characterised serpentovirus. While the findings expand knowledge of viruses carried by invasive reptiles, researchers say further work is needed to determine whether any of these viruses can infect native snakes.Florida’s Burmese pythons found carrying new RNA virusesThe research began after an outbreak among eastern mudsnakes in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem during November and December 2020.
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