Cause:
Infection with a Ranavirus. Little is known about the transmission of the virus; speculation includes transmission via blood sucking parasites or insects. Ranavirus also affects amphibians and fish
Why Ranavirus is Important:
Scientists have discovered that Ranavirus can cause disease in chelonians (turtles) and with improved diagnostic techniques are finding many wild and captive turtles worldwide have been infected. Ranavirus infections are thought to be a factor in die-offs of wild box turtles, and could potentially represent a further threat to turtle conservation efforts.
Symptoms of Ranavirus in Turtles:
Symtoms nay not always be present but the following have been seen
- lethargy
- difficulty breathing
- ocular (eye) discharge
- nasal discharge (from the nostrils)
- white raised plaques in the mouth
- death
Treatment:
Consult your veterinarian at the first sign of illness. Treatment is basically supportive (fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, etc.) but can be difficult.
Species Affected Include:
Eastern box turtles, Hermann's tortoises, Russian tortoises, soft shelled turtles, and gopher tortoises. Though it has primarily been seen in terrestrial turtles it has also been found to infect aquatic turtles.
The Bottom Line:
Because ranavirus appears to post an additional significant threat to turtle conservation efforts, experts are urging veterinarians, biologists, varied levels of governments, and the public to be aware of the problem and work together to gain a better understanding of the virus and how to manage it.
References:
- Third Box Turtle Conservation Worskhop Abstract: Health and disease in the conservation of the Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina
- Morris Foundation Animal News Volume 7.3: Saving Turtles from Extinction
Please Note: this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for qualified veterinary care or advice. If you believe your pet is sick, please contact your vet as soon as possible.