What should you do if a snapping turtle develops shell rot? Symptom identification and prevention techniques

2.1 Symptoms

Inflammation of the shell, tissue necrosis, and erosion and ulceration of the affected area, with the surface layer turning grayish-white or yellowish. In severe cases, the shell falls off, exposing muscle and bone.

2.2 Prevalence and harm

It occurs throughout the year, with the peak epidemic period from August to November. It mainly harms hatchling and juvenile turtles, and death can result if not treated promptly.

2.3 Analysis of causes

High density, snapping turtles climbing and scratching each other or biting each other by mistake while competing for food, injuries caused by rough snapping turtle farming facilities, and bacterial infection after the turtle's body is injured. Severe water pollution also easily triggers this disease.

2.4 Prevention and control measures

Remove the diseased tissue from the affected area, apply anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerating ointments such as iodophor or erythromycin ointment, twice a day, mix 2 g of oxytetracycline into 1 kg of food and feed it, for 5 to 7 d continuously.