Quantitative PCR method for detection of mycoplasma spp. DNA in nasal lavage samples from the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

► Mycoplasma spp. cause upper respiratory tract disease in desert tortoises. ► A new qPCR method for Mycoplasma agassizii and M. testudineum is described. ► This new method can detect 5 fg mycoplasma DNA from nasal lavage fluid. ► Diagnostic tool for managing the health of threatened desert tortoises.