Mortality Investigation of Monitored Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) in Central Illinois, Usa, From 2016–18

Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina)

“…We collected box turtle plasma during a single 5‐week interval to enable a direct comparison between species for the present study, however, it is likely that box turtles experience similar seasonal variation in innate immune function which should be investigated in future studies. Anecdotal evidence also suggests increased pathogen susceptibility and mortality associated with abrupt temperature changes in box turtles, underscoring the need for research characterizing the effects of temperature on immune function in this genus (Agha et al, 2017; Rayl, Adamovicz, et al, 2019). Understanding these relationships is becoming especially important due to the synergistic threats of emerging infectious diseases and climate change for chelonian conservation (Rhodin et al, 2018).…”

Cutaneous Myiasis and Its Relationship to Wellness in Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

“…8 Outbreaks of pathogens such as ranavirus are devastating in EBT and can quickly overwhelm a population; however, prevalence in nonoutbreak conditions is typically very low. 3,56,59 At present, it does not appear that presence of pathogens is associated with presence of myiasis. Several turtles died during the summer, including some with myiasis earlier in the year, but due to carcass decomposition, were unavailable for necropsy for internal assessment.…”

“…Continued health assessments would offer enhanced understanding of morbidity and mortality events in this population by identifying trends, so informed management strategies can be enacted in the face of a disease outbreak. 3,8,32,56 Disease outbreak interventions are inherently complex, but intense medical management of critical animals has proven to be a successful option if clinically indicated. 59 Future investigations to speciate the fly causing myiasis are warranted, as well as following affected turtles longitudinally to determine the rates of myiasis-associated morbidity and mortality.…”

“…8,27 However, ranaviral disease can cause devastating outbreaks and acutely debilitate a population of turtles. 3,56,59 Cape Cod has the largest density of EBTs in MA with over 42% of the state population. 23 Camp Edwards, a secure military base, is a training site for the Massachusetts Army National Guard and covers almost 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares) in Cape Cod.…”

“…8,27 However, ranaviral disease can cause devastating outbreaks and acutely debilitate a population of turtles. 3,56,59…”