Occurrence of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease and Associated Hematology of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in South Florida

Author

• Kayla Villanueva

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Moore, Jon

Abstract

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD) is an extremely infectious illness whose effect on Gopher tortoise populations is not fully understood and in need of more extensive research. The occurrence of URTD in the Gopher tortoise population in the Abacoa Greenway has been thoroughly documented over the past 11 years. In the current study, blood samples were collected from 37 individuals in this location, 22 of which were from previously tested individuals. Twenty-four of these individuals were also sampled for blood chemistry testing. The test results for the 22 previously tested tortoises were compared to past results. Results of this study show that some individuals continue to test positive over several years, while others that have previously tested positive now show lower levels of antibodies, suggesting the ability to recover from the disease. Comments were also made on the associated hematology and blood chemistry results for the 24 tortoises sampled.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Villanueva, Kayla, "Occurrence of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease and Associated Hematology of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in South Florida" (2015). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 220.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/220

Extent

48 p.

Identifier

FA00003663