Page 20 - Parasites in pet reptiles

Rataj et al. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2011, 53:33 Page 18 of 20
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Figure 45 Oxyurid female with eggs (Tachygonetria sp.) in
Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni).
Figure 48 Convolute of ascarid (Angusticaecum sp.) after
medical treatment in Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca).

Hyalomma sp. ticks were found only in four Spur-
thighed Tortoises. Hyalomma aegyptium in Spur-
thighed Tortoises were also described by Tavassoli et al.
[39]. The authors mention that only adults are specific
for tortoises.
One turtle had migration of fly larvae Calliphoridae
(Lucilia sp.) because of the damage on the skin caused
by Hooded Crows’ bites. We could not find any litera-
ture data about Crows being harmful for turtles.

Conclusions
Many reptiles, before they even reach the pet store, die
from rough handling during capture and shipping. The
level of care, diet and habitat that reptiles need far out-
Figure 46 Anterior end of Camallanus sp. inEuropeanPond weigh that for other animals like dogs and cats, and the
Tortoise (Emys orbicularis).
average person cannot adequately address these unique
needs. Exotic reptile species originating directly from

Figure 47 Ascarid invasion (Angusticaecum sp.) in Spur-thighed Figure 49 Ascarid egg of Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo
Tortoise (Testudo graeca). graeca).