For tortoise, terrapin and turtle care and conservation
The Exotic Animal and Wildlife Service of the University of Edinburgh are conducting a survey in 2010 into the incidence of faecal parasites and pre disposing factors in common species of chelonians in the UK. Tortoises must be of the right species and be healthy to be accepted onto the survey.
Ascarids can get very large and cause impactions. Tortoise can die from this infection.
There is a questionnaire to fill out on our website www.dickvetexotics.com (near the bottom of the page) which is downloadable as a PDF. Samples should be fresh and sent with the questionnaire to our service for free analysis. Owners will be notified via email the results of the analysis. Sadly we cannot send treatments through the post but can speak to your local vet if required to do so.
Tachygonetria is a worm that can cause anorexia in tortoises.
Kevin Eatwell, Lecturer in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine University of Edinburgh.