Urgent Care :: one RES died of RI last night. could the tank infect others?

[caseyshmasey]

my 4 year old Skuzzy died last night of a respiratory infection. I didn't recognize the signs and take her to the vet until it was too late I have two 9-month-old males that shared the tank with Skuzzy but they have been healthy and show no signs of RI. Is there a possibility my little ones could get sick from the water or basking rock she was on? Should I completely empty the aquarium and wash everything?

[worldpeace]

I'm not an expert but there is a high chance that the other turtles are already sick or will become sick if you do not clean the aquarium fast. RI is a very contagious disease.

Clean the tank thoroughly with water (and some vinegar if you want) and closely watch the other turtles for a few weeks. Make sure you know what symptoms you are looking for. This website provides a list of common symptoms for respiratory infection, make sure you read that if you didn't already.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Yes, it is very possible.

RIs are very infectious, and younger turtles are even more susceptible. I would recommend cleaning the entire tank with either a 10% vinegar solution or (even better) a 10% bleach solution. Make sure the bleach is able to fully evaporate before adding water.

[SpenceMasta]

other than trying to sterilize stuff, respiratory infections are caused by cold temperatures and/or malnutrition, so make sure they have adequate environment conditions cause that may have caused the first case and cant just be cleaned out if the turtles themselves arent healthy