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Mortality event in rainbow snakes linked to snake fungal disease, United States

December 4, 2025

We report mortality in rainbow snakes in Virginia and North Carolina, USA, linked to snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. During 2013–2023, we observed 46 dead rainbow snakes with lesions indicative of snake fungal disease, noted elevated disease severity compared with other species, and recorded fewer live snakes over time.

Publication Year 2025
Title Mortality event in rainbow snakes linked to snake fungal disease, United States
DOI 10.3201/eid3111.250547
Authors Dane Conley, Gaelle Blanvillain, Jaimie L. Miller, Kate E. Langwig, John Kleopfer, Jeffrey M. Lorch, Joseph R. Hoyt
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Emerging Infectious Diseases
Index ID 70275650
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization National Wildlife Health Center
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