PLEASE READ - IMPORTED HERMANNI - WARNING!

[Henry-flash]

Andy Highfield posted a message on the Tortoise Trust list tonight and I thought it should be copied over here too.

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We have recently had a highly disturbing number of reports of illness and
mortality in these Slovenian-origin imported Testudo hermanni. I would
absolutely stress that - at this time - nothing is officially confirmed, but I
do
feel that the indications are so worrying that it is now worth bringing this to
member's attention.

At least one very highly respected veterinary surgeon has told me that he
believes the symptoms are consistent with chelonian Herpes-virus infection. We
are receiving an ever increasing number of reports that in my opinion too are
also possible indicators of this.

Be careful if taking any of these in. I would now strongly recommend NEVER
mixing with any other tortoises (we know from past experience that the
condition may not fully develop for up to 10 years). There is, therefore, NO
safe
quarantine period.

For an outline of just how devastating and lethal this condition can be see:

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/herpes.html

Please, please be careful here. Take this seriously. I believe that there
are sufficient indicators to warrant being ultra-cautious and assuming the worst
(unless proven otherwise). I would urge you to let other keepers know that
these animals may present a very serious risk indeed.

Andy Highfield

[piglet]

Pete you beat me too it

D

and me

its an important message

thanks pete

[kirstyhumphrey]

wat should i do as mine is from slovinia (sorry about the spelling)

[Lilacarchie]

Hi Kirsty,

Try not to worry...there is nothing for you to do at this stage.

A leeds Vet established a disease (herpes) in torts which can be fatal. As the warning notice states, it appears that it may be evident in some Slovenian imports, but is not yet confirmed.

The article link above is very informative, have a look but don't scare yourself unneccessarily

Remember quite a lot of keepers on this site have Slovenian imports, either rehomers or those bought without knowledge of the import trade.

[kirstyhumphrey]

thanks will have a good look at the links

thanks

I have a slovenian male from 4-5 years back- What do you guys think I should do with Him?

[Lilacarchie]

Josh,

Try not to be alarmist at this stage.

Segregate if it puts your mind at rest...but really until further details emerge, there is little that any of us can do

[jadums]

ooh sorry just seen u posted this just after i went and did it :P

oh well 2 warnings is good

[sarah]

Thanks for the warning.