Based on this study that was performed and published in 2002 -
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=13822415
30 of 200 (a 15% mortality rate) hatchling dragons perished with clinical signs of weakness and lethargy. 6 with neurological signs were euthanized for necropsy and examination and were determined to have coccidia and viral particles consistent with adenovirus and dependovirus.
None of the apparently healthy dragons were documented as being examined.
Of the remaining 164 dragons that possibly survived - the probability is high that they also may have been infected with these 3 pathogens. We have to ask ourselves how many of these dragons could have survived to a ripe age and lived happy, normal lives with no clinical signs of these infections - as we know now in 2006 that this is likely the case.
If the number of surviving dragons in this case is even half, at 82, and they were able to reproduce - let us consider how contagious/resilient adenovirus is believed to be, how prolific bearded dragons are and the degree of exchange in the USA
Applying this information to the mid 90’s, based upon the first diagnosed/documented case in the USA which was over 10 years ago by Dr. Jacobson… ((Remember, this is the 1st diagnosed case - not the first dragon to have contracted adenovirus.)) the possibility of wide-spread infection is likely - with outbreaks of illness occurring in crowded conditions, stressed individuals or immunocompromised animals.
Adenovirus is not new. “Adenoviruses have been isolated from every species of mammals, birds and amphibians studied.”
http://www.virology-online.com/viruses/Adenoviruses.htm
Dr. Jacobson is leading the way in research related to adenoviruses in reptiles. In a 2004 study “Detection and Analysis of Six Lizard Adenoviruses by consensus Primer PCR Provides Further Evidence of a Reptilian Origin for the Atadenoviruses”
http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/full/78/23/13366 the first sequence information from the lizard adenoviruses was performed. The findings indicate a particular adenovirus that is found in bearded dragons - which belongs to the genus Atadenovirus.
In closing the study calls for “the need for additional sequences from more hosts.”
To the bearded dragon community, we believe this is where we all need to step up to the plate. Those who have had positive results through EM testing - please consider additional PCR testing with Dr. Jacobson - You have the fecal samples that are needed to further any research and possibly identify or discount additional strains of the adenovirus in the North American bearded dragon population. Identification is paramount - it is the first of many steps needed.
It is unrealistic to claim to have knowledge of something of which there is minimal, factual information available.
Rob & Vickie