Turtle Fraservirus

In 2018, freshwater turtles in Florida’s St. Johns River began dying of an unknown illness. Eventually, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and collaborating research partners determined that the turtle mortalities were caused by a novel virus. This virus was referred to as Turtle Bunyavirus (TBV) but has been updated and is now Turtle Fraservirus (TFV). 

TFV has been confirmed or highly suspected in areas along the St. Johns River and areas heading west across Seminole, Osceola, Orange, and Polk counties. How far the virus has spread is still under investigation. You can help the by reporting sightings of sick or dead freshwater turtles in the state of Florida!

Although the turtle fraservirus (TFV) is known to affect Florida Softshell turtles, cooter species like the Peninsula and Florida Red-bellied cooters, and sliders, other freshwater turtle species may also be affected. Sightings of any sick or dead turtle of any species, size, or age should be reported to the FWC’s Turtle Hotline (888)404-3922

Healthy turtles are alert and will quickly respond when approached or passed by. Turtles that are accustomed to people may not flee as quickly but should still be alert, and bask,  swim and dive in a normal manner. 

What to look for

Turtles affected with TFV may vary in appearance and severity of clinical signs.

Sick Turtles 

  • May be lethargic, or slow to respond, reluctant to flee, and will often have no signs of injury

  • May be weak, unable to hold their heads and limbs up

  • May remain in the same spot for more than 24 hours

  • May swim irregularly in circles or be unable to fully submerge for prolonged periods of time

  • May have any combination of the following clinical signs: sunken, swollen, or closed eyelids, crusty material around eyes, discharge from eyes and nose.

  • Softshell turtles may have large areas of red discoloration on the bottom part of their shells and limbs. 

Dead Turtles

    • Dead turtle(s) or empty turtle shell(s) in the water or along the shore without obvious signs of injury or trauma

    • The occasional dead turtle may be normal but multiple dead turtles may be an indicator of the presence of TFV

 

Current Positive TFV case Counties are:

Putnam

Lake

Orange

Seminole

Osceola

Brevard

Indian River

Polk

Collier

What Can You do?

If any of the above or other suspicious symptoms are seen, please contact the FWC Turtle Hotline (888)404-3922 ASAP!

DO NOT take and move turtles to different locations even if they appear healthy! This can lead to further spread of the virus.

DO NOT take turtles from the wild to keep as pets. Many of Florida's turtles are protected by law and collection from the wild is illegal. This can also lead to disease spread to  captive turtles.

Share this flyer and information with your local community groups, social media and anyone who may work in or around freshwater lakes, rivers, or ponds in Florida.

 
 

FWC Executive order for Fresh water turtles can be found Here