I have 2 ponds in my backyard, 1 which held approximately 300 gallons and was home to 3 young blandings turtles, the other holding 2-3,000 gallons and held approximately 30 turtles. I live in Fort Worth Texas and all but the blandings and a few red foot tortoises from Central America and wood turtles from South America are indigenous to the area. I have lost 2 of the 3 blandings, 3 cooters, 3 red eared sliders, 1 soft shell and 1 red foot in the past 2 weeks. We have had a lot of rain and after I found 5 dead turtles in 2 days i drained the ponds and put in all new water. There was a bit more rain over the next few days but there were no casualties for the next few days, but then 4 more showed up dead in the next couple of days. There has been no spraying for insects in the area of which I am aware. Some of the turtles did show a malaise 2-3 days prior to their deaths, but others showed no sign of illness at all?? My veterianarian suspects a bacterial infection, but how did it spread to both ponds which are isolated from each other? and how are the terrestrial turtles also falling victim? Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has any thoughts as to the cause. The only constant appears to be the rain, but how could that kill young healthy turtles in a matter of days?? Any thought greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Maggie Camperlengo

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