Re: Russian tortoise

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Posted by Leslie on August 11, 2000 at 17:02:28:

In Reply to: Russian tortoise posted by Diane on August 11, 2000 at 15:32:09:

Hope someone else out there replies if they something that I don't know....
But the only thing I know of is Salmonella (which is rarer in tortoises than turtles.
I have a 5 year old and we are in the habit (without fail) of washing our hands after every session with our Russian Tort and even after we touch anything related (food dishes, etc...) BE REALLY CAREFUL - 2 year olds like to put their hands in their mouths often (I am sure you know) Although I think the danger is probably minor, there is always that chance... and it is never too early to get in that habit... with other children and such, good idea. Also, have you had your tort checked by a reptile vet? EXCELLENT idea - especially since you have children. They can harbor parasites and worms, which would be harmful to all involved and can eventually kill your tort. Russians are notorious for parasites, especially Wild Caught ones.... I got mine and he was checked and found to be parasite free.... That was a load off of my mind! Worth it!! And the reptile vet I went to was so helpful - in other ways. Told me about the diseases that torts could get and how to diagnose them. Even gave me a hand out. I would highly recommend seeing one.... Hope that helps.
Anyone else know anything???
Leslie

: Hello out there. I recently bought a russian tortoise. We've had her for about a month and she seems to be doing well. My concern is that I've heard a rumor that some tortoise diseases may be contagious to humans. I have a hard time beleiving this, but since I have 3 children - ages 6,3, and 2 - I want to be absolutley sure.
: Can anyone tell me whether this is true or false, or maybe let me know where I can find out? I just want to make ABSOLUTLEY sure that my babies can't get sick from our tortoise. Help!!

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: Hope someone else out there replies if they something that I don't know.... : But the only thing I know of is Salmonella (which is rarer in tortoises than turtles. : I have a 5 year old and we are in the habit (without fail) of washing our hands after every session with our Russian Tort and even after we touch anything related (food dishes, etc...) BE REALLY CAREFUL - 2 year olds like to put their hands in their mouths often (I am sure you know) Although I think the danger is probably minor, there is always that chance... and it is never too early to get in that habit... with other children and such, good idea. Also, have you had your tort checked by a reptile vet? EXCELLENT idea - especially since you have children. They can harbor parasites and worms, which would be harmful to all involved and can eventually kill your tort. Russians are notorious for parasites, especially Wild Caught ones.... I got mine and he was checked and found to be parasite free.... That was a load off of my mind! Worth it!! And the reptile vet I went to was so helpful - in other ways. Told me about the diseases that torts could get and how to diagnose them. Even gave me a hand out. I would highly recommend seeing one.... Hope that helps. : Anyone else know anything??? : Leslie : : Hello out there. I recently bought a russian tortoise. We've had her for about a month and she seems to be doing well. My concern is that I've heard a rumor that some tortoise diseases may be contagious to humans. I have a hard time beleiving this, but since I have 3 children - ages 6,3, and 2 - I want to be absolutley sure. : : Can anyone tell me whether this is true or false, or maybe let me know where I can find out? I just want to make ABSOLUTLEY sure that my babies can't get sick from our tortoise. Help!!

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