Detection of a second novel gammaherpesvirus in a free-ranging koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Abstract

A second novel gammaherpesvirus was detected in a free-ranging koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) shown previously to be infected with phascolarctid herpesvirus 1. Analysis of the DNA polymerase gene showed that the virus was genetically distinct from all known gammaherpesviruses. This is the first reported dual gammaherpesvirus infection in an Australian marsupial. © Wildlife Disease Association 2012.