Fatal Disease Infects Many Cooters: Florida Fish And Wildlife

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Taking or transporting all freshwater softshell turtle species or yell-bellied sliders is prohibited in Florida by an executive order the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued Thursday.

These temporary regulation changes were made to help conserve freshwater turtle species that continue to be affected by a fatal disease caused by a virus called Turtle Bunyavirus, the agency said. The virus has been detected throughout the state in these turtle species: Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, Florida red-bellied cooters, yellow-bellied sliders and red-eared sliders.

All currently permitted activities may continue under the executive order. This includes the purchase and transport of turtles from registered breeders, with proper documentation as outlined in 68A-25.002 F.A.C.

Residents may continue to bring sick or injured turtles to wildlife rehabilitation facilities for evaluation, treatment and TBV testing. Fish and wildlife personnel should be notified before turtles are moved by calling or texting the FWC Turtle Hotline at 352-339-8597.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionbegan monitoring TBV in 2018 after reports of sick and dead freshwater turtles, and has issued updates periodically. The commission is working with partners to learn more about the virus, as well as the overall effect it is having on turtle populations across Florida.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is monitoring the virus thanks to a grant from its recently redesigned Conserve Wildlife license plate.

The commission is asking the public for help by taking the following actions:

• Report sightings of sick or dead turtles to the FWC by calling the Turtle Hotline at 352-339-8597 or through the FWC Reporter App. Photos can be uploaded via the FWC Reporter App and will aid researchers in turtle species identification and condition.
• Do not touch or attempt to move sick turtles.
• To avoid spreading the virus, do not capture and transport freshwater turtles, even those that appear healthy, to release at new locations.
• Do not eat turtles that appear sick or unhealthy.

For updates about the Turtle Bunyavirus, executive order and resources for more information, visit MyFWC.com/FreshwaterTurtles and click ‘Learn More’ on the Turtle Bunyavirus banner.