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Infectious rhinitis of turtles (herpesvirus)
Infectious rhinitis of turtles, also called chelonian herpesvirus disease, is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract of the Greek tortoise. It is caused by a herpesvirus specific to tortoises, capable of...
What is it?
Infectious rhinitis of turtles, also called chelonian herpesvirus disease, is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract of the Greek tortoise.
It is caused by a herpesvirus specific to tortoises, capable of being easily transmitted between individuals, particularly in farms, shelters or groups of turtles living together.
This disease is feared by owners and veterinarians because it can develop into a serious form affecting the liver, with a sometimes high mortality rate in the most fragile animals.
Key point
This disease can progress to serious and potentially fatal liver damage, particularly in young or weakened turtles. Rapid veterinary consultation is recommended at the first signs.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The first signs are often discharge from the nostrils, clear then sometimes thicker, accompanied by repeated sneezing.
The turtle may breathe with its mouth open, produce unusual breathing sounds, and have difficulty breathing normally.
Mouth lesions may appear in the form of small whitish or yellowish plaques on the tongue or oral mucous membranes, sometimes accompanied by excessive salivation.
The animal often loses its appetite, becomes despondent, remains motionless and hides more than usual.
In severe forms affecting the liver, we can observe a yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes (jaundice) and a marked state of weakness which can go as far as the inability to stand up normally.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by a herpesvirus specific to chelonians (land and aquatic turtles). Several strains exist depending on the species of turtles concerned.
The virus infects cells in the upper respiratory tract and mouth. It can then spread to other organs, particularly the liver, in weakened animals.
Once infected, a turtle remains carrying the virus for its entire life, even after apparent recovery. The virus can reactivate during periods of stress or reduced immunity, without necessarily causing new visible symptoms but remaining contagious.
Turtles living in groups (breeders, shelters, boarding houses, private collections with several individuals) are the most exposed due to the ease of transmission.
The recent introduction of a new turtle without prior quarantine is a major risk factor.
Stress, an unsuitable environment (too low temperature, excessive humidity, poorly managed wintering) and nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune defenses and promote the appearance of symptoms or reactivation of the virus in a carrier.
Young turtles and animals already weakened by another disease are more likely to develop serious forms.
Transmission
The virus is transmitted mainly by direct contact between turtles (nasal secretions, saliva) but also indirectly by contaminated equipment (bowls, substrate, caregiver's hands, shared water basins).
There is no known transmission to humans or other domestic animal species; the disease is specific to turtles.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
test
Treatment
There is no specific validated antiviral treatment to eliminate the virus from the body. Management is mainly symptomatic and supportive.
The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial infections, as well as topical treatments to clean nasal discharge and mouth sores.
Rehydration and nutritional support (assisted feeding if necessary) are often implemented for weakened animals.
Optimizing environmental conditions (temperature, hygrometry) is an integral part of care to support the turtle's natural defenses.
Certain antivirals for veterinary use are sometimes used by specialized veterinarians depending on the case, under strict supervision.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Strict quarantine of any new turtle before introduction into an existing group is the most important preventive measure, over a prolonged period with clinical monitoring.
Avoid mixing turtles from different origins (purchases, donations, found animals) without first visiting the veterinarian.
Maintain good breeding conditions (temperature, humidity, enclosure hygiene) to limit stress and strengthen the turtles' natural defenses.
Disinfect equipment and hands between handling different turtles, especially if in doubt about the health of one of them.
Never release into the wild a turtle that has been in contact with other captive animals, in order to protect wild populations.
Possible complications
The most serious complications are secondary bacterial or fungal infections which develop in already weakened respiratory tract.
In certain animals, particularly young or weakened animals, the virus can reach the liver and cause severe hepatitis, often fatal.
The disease can also cause a complete cessation of eating, leading to significant weight loss and general weakening which complicates recovery.
Chronic carriage of the virus makes the cured animal a permanent risk of contamination for other turtles in the same living space.
When to see a veterinarian
Discharge from the nose or repeated sneezing in turtles
Open mouth, noisy or difficult breathing
Persistent loss of appetite or unusual depression
Presence of whitish or yellowish plaques in the mouth
Yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes or marked weakness
Any recent contact with a sick turtle or turtle of unknown origin
Prognosis
The prognosis is variable. Some turtles show only mild signs and recover with appropriate supportive treatment.
In the most fragile animals, particularly young ones or those already weakened, the progression can be serious, with a significant risk of mortality in the event of liver damage.
In any case, the turtle remains a lifelong carrier of the virus, meaning it can remain contagious to other turtles even after complete clinical improvement.
Frequently asked questions
My Greek tortoise has a runny nose, is it necessarily herpesvirus?
Not necessarily. Other causes (bacteria, mycoplasma, environmental irritation) can cause a runny nose. Only a veterinarian, sometimes with a PCR test, can confirm whether it is herpesvirus.
Can a cured turtle recontaminate other turtles?
Yes. Once infected, the turtle carries the virus for life and can transmit it to other turtles, even long after it appears to have recovered.
Should we isolate a sick turtle from others?
Yes, immediate isolation is essential to prevent the spread of the virus to the rest of the group during diagnosis and treatment.
Is there a vaccine against this disease in turtles?
No, there is no vaccine currently available to prevent this disease in turtles.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 August 2026
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