Do Gopher Tortoises Carry Diseases?

Do Gopher Tortoises Carry Diseases? Do gopher tortoises carry diseases? These long-lived reptiles are found throughout Florida and are affected by various diseases including upper respiratory tract disease. A number of pathogens such as Mycoplasma spp., Herpesvirus, and Ranavirus are known to cause upper respiratory tract disease in gopher tortoises. Do gopher turtles carry salmonella?