Blood Parasites

Blood parasites are relatively uncommon in turtles. They are however very hard to detect until it is too late. The only way to test for blood parasites is by taking a blood sample from your turtle and having it examined by an experienced veterinarian. For this reason turtles with blood parasites are usually never treated. Treatment is very difficult once the parasitic infection has progressed to an advanced state.

Similar parasites have been known to infect humans and cause malaria. The blood parasites found in turtles however cannot be transferred to humans even with direct contact.

Water turtles are the most susceptible to blood parasites, however all types of turtles can contract them. Turtles are particularly vulnerable if their immune system has been weakened by another disease or health condition.