Emerging fungal diseases pose a threat to reptiles globally. Increasing detections of onygenalean fungi, particularly Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, Nannizziopsis spp. and Paranannizziopsis spp. in clinically diseased free‐ranging reptiles, indicate likely ongoing spread within wild reptile populations. These fungal pathogens have not previously been reported in free‐ranging Australian reptiles, except for N. barbatae in select lizard species. We present 10 cases of onygenalean dermatomycoses in five free‐ranging native Australian squamate species that presented to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital between 2023 and 2024. Coastal carpet pythons ( Morelia spilota mcdowelli ) represented five of the cases, with O. ophidiicola, N. barbatae and P. australasiensis detected in this snake species. In addition, we confirmed O. ophidiicola in an eastern bandy‐bandy ( Vermicella annulata ) and white‐crowned snake ( Cacophis harriettae ), Nannizziopsis barbatae in an eastern water dragon ( Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii ), and Paranannizziopsis spp. in two eastern bearded dragons ( Pogona barbata ). Clinical presentations ranged from mild to severe dermatitis, with secondary outcomes of dysecdysis, stomatitis, emaciation and moribundity. Diagnoses were confirmed using a combination of histopathology, PCR, DNA sequencing and/or culture and barcoding. Our study reports the first known cases of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and Paranannizziopsis in free‐ranging Australian reptiles, and the first case of N. barbatae in a snake species globally. These cases represent an expansion of the known host and geographic range of onygenalean fungi into free‐ranging Australian reptiles. Importantly, these fungi were associated with debilitating disease that could threaten native reptile populations if not promptly addressed.

A 19‐year‐old, entire, female, captive African lion ( Panthera leo ) presented acutely for reduced appetite and lethargy. Bloodwork revealed a poorly regenerative anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and monocytosis. Ultrasound indicated the presence of a peri‐renal mass, but advanced imaging techniques were unavailable at the time. Minimal clinical improvement was seen with supportive treatment, and euthanasia was elected 11 days after presentation. Postmortem examination revealed an intramural intestinal haematoma of the jejunum with serosal haemorrhage and haemoabdomen, and a peri‐renal mass. Histology showed that the peri‐renal mass was an adrenal cortical carcinoma. The underlying cause of the intramural haematoma was not determined, but it was considered the probable cause for the clinical decline of this animal. Intramural intestinal haematoma is an uncommon entity in veterinary species, and has not been reported in any members of Felidae. This is the first documented case of an intramural intestinal haematoma in an African lion.

Handling wild reptiles is common among amateur herpetology enthusiasts, professional researchers, social media influencers, and photographers. However, the potential for these interactions to spread diseases that threaten wild reptiles remains underappreciated. With the rise in such interactions due to today's socially connected landscape and the offering of an increased number of wildlife‐focused ecotourism trips, the possibility of increased spread of human‐vector‐mediated reptile diseases is substantial. This spread is a concern, especially for novel and emerging potentially catastrophic fungal diseases such as ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease). We summarized the current knowledge on the main fungal taxa of concern and associated disease, highlighting the threat of spreading reptile fungal diseases to new geographic regions and species via current practices, including direct‐ and indirect‐handling and describing current mitigation strategies; developed key guidelines for practitioners and enthusiasts to reduce the risk of spread of disease; and identified areas of future research. This information will raise awareness and improve hygiene practices across the herpetology community to reduce the spread of disease and improve conservation.

Both captive and free-living reptiles are susceptible to infection by fungi from the Nannizziopsis genus and are prone to developing severe lesions that can affect skin and deeper tissues, becoming multi-systemic. With Australia having close to 1000 reptile species—of which 93% are endemic—the prevalence, distribution and susceptibility of reptiles to this emerging fungal infection remain unknown. In this case series, captive skinks originating from the states of Queensland and Western Australia were presented to wildlife veterinarians with dermatitis. Nannizziopsis pluriseptata was identified via fungal isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing, confirming the first record of this pathogen in the country.