We found Iridovirus-like particles on EM from tissues in a box turtle die off involving 30 turtles dating back to 1991 in Georgia.  It is likely not a new problem, although it is possible it is increasing in frequency or at least in detection.  In 2003, there was a die-off in a repatriated box turtle population in Pennsylvania that was being closely tracked by Bill Belzer.  He wrote up a paper for the Jan 2011 issue of the Turtle and Tortoise newsletter on his own personal observations and speculations that may not be easily accessible (not peer-reviewed).  I’ve attached it in case it may be of interest to anyone.  

April

April Johnson, DVM, MPH, PhD

Dipl ACVM, Dipl ACVPM

Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health

Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (765) 494-0562