A major new study in the southeastern United States has uncovered a growing health crisis among wild snakes. Researchers found that many snakes are battling multiple infections at the same time, including ophidiomycosis – also known as snake fungal disease – which is emerging as a serious threat to snake populations. Pygmy rattlesnakes were found to be particularly vulnerable, often carrying both the deadly fungus and a parasitic “snake lungworm” that attacks the respiratory system. Scientists warn that these combined infections could severely impact wild snake populations and disrupt fragile ecosystems where snakes play a crucial ecological role.
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