A recent study has confirmed the presence of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), the fungus responsible for Ophidiomycosis—better known as Snake Fungal Disease—among wild snake populations in Italy. This discovery sheds new light on a silent but serious threat to European snake species.
A Silent Threat to European Snakes
Ophidiomycosis has been a growing concern for snake populations worldwide, yet its presence and impact in Europe have remained largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, researchers examined 423 snakes from 17 different species across 17 regions in Italy.
Key Findings from the Study
🔬 Fungal Presence:
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola was detected in 32 snakes from five species.
Semi-aquatic species, such as the Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata), were particularly affected.
🧬 Two Genetic Clades Identified:
Clade I was mostly found in museum specimens, indicating the fungus has been present historically.
Clade II dominated recent samples, suggesting a newly emerging or spreading infection.
A rare case of co-infection with both clades was observed, highlighting the pathogen’s complexity.
🌍 Widespread Distribution:
The fungus was found in a variety of ecological zones, emphasizing the need for standardized monitoring and further research.
Why This Matters
Ophidiomycosis can cause severe skin lesions, swelling, and in some cases, death. For snake populations, this poses a major conservation concern. Snakes play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance—particularly in controlling rodent populations—so a disease outbreak could have ripple effects across entire ecosystems.
Protecting Europe’s Snakes
This study provides essential baseline data on the presence of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola in Europe and highlights the need for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts. By understanding how this disease spreads and affects different species, researchers and conservationists can take proactive steps to protect Europe’s snake populations before it’s too late.
🔗 Read the full study here: MDPI Journal
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