SaveTheTortoise said:Actually yesterday we had a group tested just arrived from Florida, and parasites found, there was also another surprising issue. I rather not say from who they were purchased from to be nice. I agree with that statement above that it is probably as common in pet shops but at least you can personally examine the animal and have face to face dealings with the business owner locally with a possible 48 hour vet check guarantee, rather then getting a tortoise shipped over the USA by faith. Knowing who your dealing with is key.
I apologize for spot lighting the lovely state of Florida, I was just upset at the lack of integrity of the persons that were trusted from Florida with a particular purchase made in which they became extremely and suspiciously defensive when notified of the fecal exam results. I don't know that Florida is more or less parasitical than other states but there seems to be more reptiles breeders and reptile trades from that State than any other State. I am interested in this topic and will try to find out more information regarding parasites in Florida compared to the other States. With Florida's warmer weather and swampy and humid conditions and with the high number of reptiles in Florida, my first hunch is probably correct. I personally love Florida and wish I lived there now. Here in Illinois now it's cold and dry this time of the year when I dislike it the most. My favorite reptile pet shop here in Illinois is about 10 miles away, its called http://www.chicagoreptile.net/ years ago I bought 3 very nice leopard tortoises there that never had a issue. Last week I seen a gorgeous clown face redfoot, and sometimes they have a Star. I am sure if I bought a tortoise there the owner would give me a 48 vet check guarantee as long as I had the vet report to prove it. They seem like a legitimate business. Again I apologize about the parasites floating around comment. Peace and love
You have me curous who this person is now...Could you pm it to me? I like to know what vendor to buy from =/.
I agree, there is a much more concentrated amount of breeders in Florida then most any other state.
While my knowledge in microbiology is certainly NOT where I would like it to be, I do agree that swampy, humid, warm Florida does seem like it would be a good breeding ground for parasites. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes though.