Ranavirus

Ranaviruses are a globally distributed genus comprising seven currently classified species. Constituents of this genus have a broad host range, including amphibians, reptiles, and teleost fish. While exhibiting potent immune evasion mechanisms, Ranavirus virulence is influenced by multiple factors, including those that may enhance viral replication and/or impair host immune responses. Ranaviruses pose major threats to biodiversity and human livelihoods, with mass mortalities and population collapse following disease outbreaks in both wild and farmed animals. This has led to all amphibian-infecting ranaviruses and Ranavirus perca1 in fish being included on the list of notifiable agents by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Geographic range expansion of ranaviruses can be through host dispersal, but trade and other human activities also play a significant role in their redistribution.