Re: What (viral) diseases can alligator snapping turtles carry and how can they be cured of them

Viral diseases are only treated with supportive therapy. There is nothing to treat a virus - all that can be done when any animal (or human for that matter) has a viral disease is to treat the symptoms.

I don't have any specific information on alligator snapping turtles, but green turtles, pond turtles, and painted turtles, can get a herpes-like virus which causes a secondary bacterial skin disease showing up on the animal in the form of gray patches or skin abscesses. The virus can affect the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

The only other viruses I could find any information on is the Papilloma-like virus of Side-Neck Turtles.

Important to note: Bacterial diseases in turtles can be transmitted to humans!! This is the reason you won't find many turtles in pet shops. Salmonella is the common one that you may have heard of. The bacteria is commonly found in the intestine of many breeds of turtles (including snappers) and may not cause any disease in the turtle but will make you very ill (vomiting and diarrhea).

The best prevention against catching disease from any animal (or human or even bacteria and viruses that live on objects) is to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently.

Thanks for asking. This was a great question!