Scientists discover new viruses in giant Galapagos tortoises

World Environment Day from the Galapagos Islands (2021) 3:24

(CNN Spanish) -

A group of scientists discovered the presence of four new viruses in the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador.

The scientists evaluated 454 animals and used a technique similar to that used to detect COVID-19 in humans by collecting samples from the eyes, mouth and cloaca of giant tortoises.

Two new sequences of adenoviruses and four of herpesiviruses were found, both viruses belong to two viral families known to cause disease and mortality in turtles and reptiles around the world, according to a press release from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF).

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"Infectious diseases are a cause of mortality in terrestrial and marine turtles worldwide, but to date no study has been carried out to look for these agents in the giant tortoises of Galapagos", indicated Dr. Nieto Claudín, lead author of this study, doctoral student and researcher at the Saint Louis Zoo Institute of Conservation Medicine (ICM) and CDF in the statement.

And although the discovery of new viruses might be thought to be a negative thing, endemic viruses - which occur in a population within a geographic area - that have evolved with a particular species do not usually cause disease in these animals.

According to the CDF, testing for these viruses is important for the well-being of turtles and their survival.

In addition, the information will allow the creation of epidemiological surveillance plans to prevent the movement of viruses between islands and reptile populations.

The current population of giant tortoises of various species is estimated at 60,000, according to data from the Galapagos National Park.

Galapagos Islands