This is sufficient reason for not permitting chelonia to share accommodation with other reptiles, especially snakes and lizards, as the potential for mutual cross-infection with dangerous pathogens is considerable. Terrapins and aquatic chelonia in general are particularly likely hosts for E.invadens. Protozoan organisms can represent a major hazard to captive collections of chelonia but not all occurrences are pathogenic, especially where Trichomonads are concerned. Good hygiene is the best prevention and all cages should be kept scrupulously clean with adequate attention paid to food handling and feeding routines. Areas which have housed infected animals should be thoroughly cleansed with povidone-iodine and dilute formalin solution.
Effective treatment exists, but early detection and diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
The onus is on keepers to regularly screen both urine and faeces samples for evidence of pathogenic agents, and to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest possible opportunity where pathogenicity is suspected. Delay can result in permanent damage, especially where Hexamita organisms are involved. The necessity to consult a qualified veterinary surgeon with extensive experience of reptile medicine in all cases cannot be over emphasised. The drugs referred to are Prescription Only Medicines and should only be administered under qualified veterinary direction. American Journal of Vet.