First Documented Case of Snake Fungal Disease in a Free-Ranging Wild Snake in Louisiana

Abstract

Snake fungal disease (SFD) is a recently documented mycotic disease characterized by scabs or crusty scales, subcutaneous nodules, abnormal molting, cloudiness of the eyes (not associated with molting), and localized thickening or crusting of the skin. SFD has been documented in many species in the Eastern and Midwestern United States within the last decade. SFD has proven lethal in many snakes, and the disease is recognized as an emerging threat to wild snake populations. Herein we describe the first documented case of SFD in Louisiana in a f ree-ranging wild snake.