Moving with young Aldabras

SHARK FARMER

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We are in the process of buying a larger property and will be moving about 30 minutes away from our current location. Today we stopped by to check some things and came across two female gopher tortoises sitting face to face in the middle of one of the pastures. It will be several years before the Aldabras will be out of their enclosure, but any concern with disease transfer from the wild tortoises?IMG_9584.jpgIMG_9585.jpg
 

Tom

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Yes. Huge disease potential there. I'd wall off wherever you think the aldabras will eventually end up ASAP and keep the natives out of there for at least a few years before letting the big guys have access to it.
 

Olddog

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We are in the process of buying a larger property and will be moving about 30 minutes away from our current location. Today we stopped by to check some things and came across two female gopher tortoises sitting face to face in the middle of one of the pastures. It will be several years before the Aldabras will be out of their enclosure, but any concern with disease transfer from the wild tortoises?View attachment 256911View attachment 256912

Mycoplasma related Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in gopher tortoises is a major disease problem in Florida and Georgia. It is thought one of the factors related to the decline in gopher tortoise populations. With the various types of transloctions which have occurred over the years, most populations have likely been exposed. Mycoplasma is very difficult to eliminate and you would not want your tortoises exposed. They also may carry the usual internal parasites you would not like to have shared with your animals. A link follows for additional information. I would not get too excitedd over references to
Cryptosporidium as it is present in soils and likely only a significant problem in animals compromised with other conditions.

A multifaceted approach to evaluating gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) population health at selected sites in Georgia
JL Gonynor
 

ALDABRAMAN

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Yes. Huge disease potential there.

~ Exactly, not to mention the laws that protect them. Simply removing them is a crime and the legal way is extremely expensive if even approved!
 

ALDABRAMAN

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Mycoplasma related Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in gopher tortoises is a major disease problem in Florida and Georgia. It is thought one of the factors related to the decline in gopher tortoise populations.

~ Very serious problem.
 

SHARK FARMER

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Mycoplasma related Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in gopher tortoises is a major disease problem in Florida and Georgia. It is thought one of the factors related to the decline in gopher tortoise populations. With the various types of transloctions which have occurred over the years, most populations have likely been exposed. Mycoplasma is very difficult to eliminate and you would not want your tortoises exposed. They also may carry the usual internal parasites you would not like to have shared with your animals. A link follows for additional information. I would not get too excitedd over references to
Cryptosporidium as it is present in soils and likely only a significant problem in animals compromised with other conditions.

A multifaceted approach to evaluating gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) population health at selected sites in Georgia
JL Gonynor

Ok great, thanks for the info. I’ve heard several references to the respiratory disease issue with gopher tortoises and the affect relocations have had on its spread. I’ll definitely read up more on it now!
 

SHARK FARMER

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~ Exactly, not to mention the laws that protect them. Simply removing them is a crime and the legal way is extremely expensive if even approved!

Definitely wouldn’t ever consider removing the any of the Gopherus. We are happy they are there and hope there are more. Just want to make sure our tortoises are protected. Our cleared 10 acres backs up to an uncleared 10 acres, so there’s plenty of room for them.
 

ALDABRAMAN

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Definitely wouldn’t ever consider removing the any of the Gopherus. We are happy they are there and hope there are more. Just want to make sure our tortoises are protected. Our cleared 10 acres backs up to an uncleared 10 acres, so there’s plenty of room for them.

~ That is great, they are awesome to have near and enjoy.

~ One thing i would consider is what @Tom indicated, have a solid barrier if possible between your aldabra (or any tort's) and the wild gopher population. We have them at our current location with a fence/wooden barrier and never any issues.
 
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