Molecular Identification of Mycoplasma agassizii in Confiscated Tortoises in Madagascar

J Wildl Dis. 2024 Oct 22. doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-24-00040. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Mycoplasmosis is of concern for chelonian conservation. We detected a Mycoplasma sp. in confiscated radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides). Sequence analysis of the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer region was consistent with Mycoplasma agassizii. Mycoplasma spp. have not been previously reported in native tortoises in Madagascar.