🧬 Adenovirus in Reptiles: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Testing, Care & Prevention | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Adenovirus is one of the most commonly diagnosed viral infections in captive reptiles — especially bearded dragons — and is often linked to liver, digestive, and immune issues. 🦎⚠️

This 2025 guide explains what adenovirus is, how it’s transmitted, what to expect during diagnosis and care, and how to reduce your reptile’s risk. 🧪🧠

🔍 What Is Adenovirus?

Adenoviruses are species-specific viruses that infect many reptiles. In bearded dragons, the most common type is Agamid adenovirus 1. Other species-specific viruses include:

• 🦎 Chameleonid adenovirus 1 – chameleons
• 🦎 Eublepharid adenovirus 1 – leopard/fat-tailed geckos
• 🦎 Scincid adenovirus 1 – blue-tongued skinks
• 🐍 Snake adenovirus 1 & 2 – kingsnakes & others
• 🐢 Testadenovirus – tortoises & turtles

These viruses often affect the liver, intestines, immune system, and less commonly, kidneys and brain. Some infected reptiles show no signs but can still spread the virus. 🧫

🧠 Signs of Adenovirus Infection

Adenovirus infections cause vague, non-specific symptoms — commonly called the “ain’t doing right” (ADR) syndrome. Signs may include:

• 🍽️ Loss of appetite
• 📉 Weight loss, poor growth in juveniles
• 💩 Diarrhea or soft stool
• 😴 Lethargy, weakness, depression
• 🦴 Poor bone growth or stunting

Infected dragons often have co-infections like coccidia or Mycoplasma, which worsen their condition. 🧠

📋 Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a thorough vet exam and husbandry review. Because symptoms are non-specific, special testing is needed:

• 🩺 Bloodwork (CBC & chemistry)
• 📸 X-rays for internal disease or weight loss
• 🧪 PCR testing for adenovirus DNA

PCR swabs from the cloaca are non-invasive and do not require sedation. Test results can confirm active or carrier status. 🧫

💉 Treatment

There is no antiviral cure for adenovirus in reptiles. Care focuses on supportive therapy and minimizing secondary infections. 🧠

Supportive Treatments:

• 💧 Fluid therapy (oral, injectable)
• 🍽️ Nutritional support (assist or tube feeding)
• 💊 Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections

⚠️ Some reptiles may respond well and stabilize. Others become long-term “poor doers” or pass away despite care.

Experimental Therapies:

• 🧪 Cidofovir — may show promise, discuss with your vet

🧼 Transmission & Prevention

How It Spreads:

• 💩 Fecal-oral transmission
• 👋 Indirect via cleaning tools or human hands

⚠️ Infected animals can shed the virus even if they look healthy (carriers).

Prevention Protocols:

• 🧪 Test new animals with PCR before adding to collections
• 🚿 Disinfect surfaces and tools between enclosures
• 🧤 Wash hands between animals
• 📦 Quarantine new reptiles for at least 30–60 days
• 📋 Use separate feeding tongs for each cage

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Zoonotic?

No — reptile adenoviruses do not infect humans. There is no known risk to people. 🧠

📈 Prognosis

• ✅ Mild or supportive cases — stable if monitored
• ⚠️ Juveniles — often fail to thrive, may have shortened life expectancy
• ❌ Severe — liver damage or chronic GI disease can be fatal

Reptiles that survive often become lifelong carriers and can infect others. 🔄

📱 Need Virus Testing? Use AskAVet.com

If your reptile is sick, new to your collection, or being considered for breeding, download the Ask A Vet app to connect with reptile-experienced veterinarians. Get PCR test referrals, care guidance, and infection control tips. 🐾💬

With smart quarantine and proactive testing, you can keep your collection healthy and protected from adenovirus. 🦎🧠💚