They are interesting and will thrive and give the hobbyist many decades of pet-owning pleasure (many species can live 60 years or more!) *****Respiratory Infections***** “Slider turtles and other aquatic species are susceptible to respiratory infections. Hamster Respiratory Infections. Respiratory problems in hamsters are one of the most common hamster illness. Poor water quality is another common culprit of turtle ear abscesses. Both bacteria and viruses can cause a respiratory infection in hamsters. ... RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND PNEUMONIA . Respiratory Tract Infection in Reptiles ©1999 Melissa Kaplan . Information on housing Long Neck Turtles, diet of Long Neck turtles and heating Long Neck turtles. These can be transmitted through contact or exposure to other hamsters or pets with an illness and even humans who are sick. With modern technology and advanced treatment procedures, these Causes of Bacterial Infection In Turtles and Tortoises can be easily and effectively treated. A turtle that has lost its buoyancy is probably suffering from some type of respiratory disease. Eastern Long Neck Turtle care sheet. This skin irritation can eventually lead to infection … ... the 2007 death of a 4-week-old baby in Florida linked to Salmonella from a small turtle. In reptiles, respiratory tract infection (RTI) are caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs. For example, a weak or malfunctioning water filter can cause an accumulation of urine, feces, leftover food, and microorganisms that can irritate your turtle’s skin. FDA warns about the risk of illness from pet turtles. Causes. We need you to answer this question! Kenneth A. Harkewicz, VMD. Red Eared Slider Turtle. Most respiratory infections that can affect sliders are mild and easily treatable in their early stages, but there are also some particularly virulent infections that can kill a turtle very quickly without veterinary attention. Three Common Ailments Of Tortoises In Captivity; ... Aldabra tortoise with conjuctivitus due to a respiratory infection. Follow our care sheet for Long Neck turtles and they can live for many years. So, take good care of your pets and let them live a bacteria-free life – Always and Forever. The tell-tale sign of a respiratory infection or disease is any kind of wheezing, difficulty breathing, inability to swim properly or if the turtle has buoyancy problems, such as if … What causes respiratory infection in Red eared sliders? Tortoises are popular as reptile pets.