What is the role these viruses play in wild reptiles?

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​     The role serpentoviruses play in wild populations is an under-explored area, however 3 studies exist describing serpentoviruses in wild reptile populations. One study in Florida snakes found virus without disease in 24.4% of wild Burmese pythons and 2.3% of native snakes (cornsnake and watersnakes).

     Australian studies of Shingleback skinks and Bellinger river turtles have been associated with respiratory disease outbreaks in wild populations. However, in both studies a high viral prevalence was also observed in healthy animals of the population which was maintained after the outbreak.

     As a whole it appears these viruses live in some type of equilibrium in wild populations without disease. In wild Florida Burmese pythons, Septovirus-genus serpentoviruses are carried at a high level without disease with evidence of seasonal intermittent viral shedding. However, circumstances likely exist that can cause flairs of respiratory disease in at least some wild reptiles, as seen in Australia. ​

Serpentoviruses in Southern Florida Burmese pythons. Tillis et al., 2022- Divergent Serpentoviruses in Free-Ranging Invasive Pythons and Native Colubrids in Southern Florida, United States