Parasitic and infectious diseases in tortoises

Parasites are creatures that feed off another animal. There are two basic types of parasites, internal ones that live inside the body (endoparasite), and external ones that live on the outside (ectoparasite).

One example of an internal parasite is roundworm. Roundworms and tapeworms are found inside the intestines.

Mites and ticks are external parasites that feed off the blood and inflict bites to the skin.

Tortoises can also have other parasites that live within the blood cells and also the bladder, but these parasites are more common in tortoises that have been imported. Buying captive bred tortoises is advisable.

If you see any moving black or red dots on your tortoise’s skin, or worms in his feces, you need to take him to see a veterinarian as these are signs of parasites. Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-parasite treatment.

Herpesvirus is a disease that is found in tortoises and can have devastating results. It is important to minimize the mixing of tortoises to avoid infection.

Herpesvirus in tortoises affects the mouth, tongue and brain. It is highly infectious and nearly always fatal.

Signs you may see are weight loss and decrease in activity levels. Therefore, it is important to weigh your tortoise weekly and observe your tortoise’s normal activity level, so you can pick up on any changes. If you see these signs it does not automatically mean your tortoise has Herpesvirus. If in doubt, take your tortoise to the veterinary practice for a health check.

If your tortoise contracts the disease, keep him in isolation and do not mix him with other tortoises. Some tortoises carry this disease but show no signs.

Correct temperature and a UV light keep the immune system healthy. The temperature is species dependant and the UV light should be kept around 30-45 cm away from the tortoises main basking spot.

If you suspect your tortoise has herpes virus, take him to the veterinary practice for supportive treatment. This may include fluid therapy, fitting a feeding tube and medications usually whilst they are hospitalized. Unfortunately there is no cure or vaccine.

Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can affect the nose and the lungs and can be part of ‘runny nose syndrome’. It  can also be associated with pneumonia in tortoises. If your tortoise contracts the disease, keep him in isolation and do not mix him with other tortoises. Some carry this disease but show no signs so be very careful when finding a holiday home or mixing your tortoise with other tortoises.

If you are going away on holiday its important you have someone caring for your tortoise who has the knowledge and experience. Try to find a carer that will come to your house to care for your tortoise or take your tortoises whole vivarium to their house. Ideally, the carer should not have their own tortoise. Good hygiene should ways be practiced when handling different tortoises. Wash your hands between different tortoises.

Correct temperature and a UV light keep the immune system healthy. Temperature is species dependant and the UV light should be kept around 30-45 cm away from the tortoises basking spot.

Any sign of illness needs a visit to see the veterinary practice as this condition can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by the veterinary surgeon after a health check has been performed to confirm the illness.