This is the first book on ranaviruses. Ranaviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that cause
hemorrhagic disease in amphibians reptiles and fish. They have caused mass die-offs of
ectothermic vertebrates in wild and captive populations around the globe. There is evidence
that this pathogen is emerging and responsible for population declines in certain locations.
Considering that amphibians and freshwater turtles are suitable hosts and the most imperiled
vertebrate taxa in the world ranaviruses can have significant impacts on biodiversity and
ecosystem function. Additionally many fish that are raised in aquaculture facilities and
traded internationally are suitable hosts thus the potential economic impact of ranaviruses
is significant. Ranaviruses also serve as a model for replication and gene function of large
double-stranded DNA viruses. There is an urgent need to assemble the contemporary information
on ranaviruses and provide guidance on how to assess their threats in populations. Through the
Global Ranavirus Consortium 24 experts from six countries were organize to write this volume
the first book on ranaviruses. The book begins with a discussion on the global extent of
ranaviruses case histories of infection and disease in ectothermic vertebrates and current
phylogeny. Basic principles of ranavirus ecology and evolution are covered next with a focus
on host-pathogen interactions and how the virus emerges in its environment. There are two
chapters that will discuss the molecular biology of ranaviruses host response to infection
and the genes responsible for immune system evasion. One chapter establishes standards for
testing for infection and diagnosing ranaviral disease. The book ends by providing guidance on
how to design ranavirus surveillance studies and analyze data to determine risk and discussing
the role of the Global Ranavirus Consortium in organizing research and outreach activities.
