Common Pests for Desert Tortoises

Like the more traditional pets of cats and dogs, tortoises, including desert tortoises, are sometimes prone to pests and parasites. These pests can range from merely annoying to health- or even life-threatening. Luckily, most of these pests can be treated, and the desert tortoise can return to full health.

  1. External Parasites

    • Desert tortoises in the wild or who have been living outdoors are often infested with mites or ticks, small insects that attach on the soft skin of the tortoise and draw blood its blood. There are hundreds of types of mites and ticks that affect tortoises, including chigger mites and African ticks, which may come from other types of tortoises. Many of these tick and mite types can be found on reptiles as well as dogs. They can also spread a number of diseases, as well as blood parasites. If a tortoise has a strong tick infestation, anemia may occur, which is a severe loss of red blood cells. Ticks can be removed by a tortoise's owner or by a veterinarian. Mite infestations should be treated by a veterinarian, who will prescribe a bathing solution.

    Internal Parasites

    • Internal parasites are common in desert tortoises and other tortoises that are kept in small enclosures or with other tortoises. These could include roundworms, hookworms and pinworms and other internal parasites, which can cause weight loss, decreased appetite and energy, anemia and digestive problems. Internal parasite infestations can be prevented by maintaining a clean tortoise habitat. Ongoing infestations should be diagnosed and treated by a vet.

    Wound Parasites

    • When tortoises develop even minor wounds, they can be susceptible to a condition known as myiasis, or fly strike. This is where flies lay their eggs in the open wound. Maggots then hatch, often eating or causing further injury to the tortoise. Tortoises with fly strike can become very lethargic or very agitated. A foul smell may also emanate from the wound site. Prevent fly strike by keeping wounded tortoises indoors. Ongoing fly strike infestations can be treated by removing the maggots and thoroughly cleaning the area. A veterinarian should then be consulted. They can prescribe antibiotics or further treatment if they are needed.

    Blood Parasites

    • Many tortoises, including desert tortoises, are commonly infected with a blood parasite, such as Haemoproteus peltocephali, that causes a malaria-like sickness. These blood parasites can cause more harm to a weakened, sick or stressed tortoise. They can be diagnosed with a blood test, and veterinary treatment can rid the tortoise of these parasites.