It is the view of the Tortoise Trust that a combination of adopting good general hygiene measures and maintaining only naturally sympatric species in close contact makes a major contribution to the safety of any collection. Further Precautions Always use a high quality antiseptic routinely for cleaning food preparation surfaces, feeding utensils, vivarium accommodation and medical equipment. We recommend 'Betadine' which has good antibacterial and even anti-viral properties. Wash hands regularly after handling all animals. Flies are a real hazard and can easily spread disease.
Some foods are especially attractive to flies, particularly sugar-rich fruits.
These are best avoided, especially in warm weather. Not only does a high proportion of fruit in the diet attract flies but it can also cause diarrhoea and loose motions - these in turn form a secondary hazard. The natural diet of most land tortoises comprises green leaf material and flowers. This is high in fibre, rich in essential trace elements ans does not attract flies. Remove all sick animals from the rest of the collection immediately and obtain expert veterinary treatment as quickly as possible.