Poxvirus infection outbreak in common ringtails (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

Abstract

Viruses belonging to the Poxviridae family have long been recognised as pathogens of invertebrates and vertebrates alike. Poxvirus infection in Australian macropodids is well described, but few cases have been documented in marsupial species beyond this family. Only one instance has been previously reported in the common ringtail (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). This case report describes a poxvirus infection outbreak in a group of common ringtails held within a zoological collection in eastern Australia.