Ranavirus

•   Ranavirus is a pathogen belonging to the family Iridoviridae.

• Affected animals: It infects amphibians, reptiles and fish.
• Transmission: It can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated water and environmental materials.
• Impact on amphibians: It can cause severe disease and mass mortality in frogs, toads and salamanders.
• Symptoms: Depending on the species, infection may cause lethargy, skin ulcers, internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Environmental significance: Ranavirus can contribute to amphibian population declines and threaten biodiversity.
• Climate change link: Heat stress and infectious disease may interact, increasing mortality risks in vulnerable wildlife populations.
• Study relevance: In the agile frog study, tadpoles from sex-reversed males had greater viral loads after exposure to ranavirus under hot temperatures.
• Nature of virus: It is a large, double-stranded DNA virus.

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to Ranavirus, consider the following statements:

1. It belongs to the family Iridoviridae.
2. It can infect amphibians, reptiles and fish.
3. It is a bacterial pathogen.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Ranavirus is a virus belonging to the family Iridoviridae, not a bacterium. It infects amphibians, reptiles and fish.

Your UPSC Preparation Starts with the Right Guidance!

From understanding NCERT fundamentals to mastering GS subjects and current affairs, build a strong preparation strategy with Riyasat IAS Mentorship. Get structured guidance to improve your knowledge, answer-writing skills, and confidence for UPSC CSE 2027.

👉 Join Riyasat IAS Mentorship for GS Foundation in English and GS Foundation in Hindi start building your path to success in the Civil Services Examination!