Würzburg County turtles testing positive for a virus now up for adoption
Press Release: Kitzingen Tortoise Rescue Station Seeks Homes for Infected Tortoises
Five land tortoises, ranging in age from 7 to 50 years old, have tested positive for the herpes virus and are currently residing at the Tortoise Rescue Station in Kitzingen, Germany. The lower nature conservation authority at the Landratsamt Würzburg handed over the tortoises to the rescue station in 2024.
The infected tortoises include two male Hermann's tortoises, two female Greek tortoises, and one male Egyptian tortoise. Despite the infection, they are currently showing no symptoms and are in a stable general condition. The rescue station, which has been specialized in the care and placement of land tortoises for many years, has reached its capacity limit due to the herpes virus infection.
The nature conservation authority is now looking for responsible keepers to provide a new home for these tortoises. It is crucial that the tortoises are kept separately to prevent transmission, and the ideal enclosure should be an outdoor one that meets the requirements for appropriate tortoise husbandry.
Prospective adopters should note that they must have experience or knowledge in managing reptiles with infectious diseases, particularly the herpes virus in tortoises, to prevent spread and ensure animal welfare. Proper quarantine facilities and biosecurity measures will also be required to isolate the infected tortoises and prevent virus transmission to other animals or humans.
Legal regulations in Germany and local animal welfare laws may impose restrictions on who can adopt infected wildlife, often limiting adoption to licensed professionals, specialized rescue centers, or private individuals with veterinary oversight. The rescue station may provide guidelines or requirements for adoption, including veterinary screening and training on disease management.
Interested parties who can provide a suitable enclosure and care for the tortoises are asked to contact the Tortoise Rescue Station in Kitzingen directly. For more information, please contact the station at Telephone: 0160 96967086 or Email: [email protected].
It is important to note that the herpes virus poses a high risk of infection for tortoises, but not for humans or other pets. The tortoises, though infected, are currently in a stable condition and are being well-cared for at the rescue station.
The Tortoise Rescue Station in Kitzingen currently houses approximately 150 land tortoises. The station has been instrumental in the care and placement of these gentle creatures for many years and continues to strive for the best possible outcomes for all of its residents.
- The Tortoise Rescue Station in Kitzingen, known for its care and placement of land tortoises, is seeking responsible individuals to provide houses for five infected tortoises, suffering from the herpes virus.
- In order to prevent transmission and ensure animal welfare, prospective adopters should have experience or knowledge in managing reptiles with infectious diseases, particularly the herpes virus in tortoises.
- The ideal enclosure should accommodate outdoor living and comply with appropriate tortoise husbandry requirements, while prospective adopters must also possess quarantine facilities and biosecurity measures to isolate the infected tortoises.
