Keep a ‘clean’ routine: Bellinger River Snapping Turtle mortality

Summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) scientists have detected a new virus believed to be the cause of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi; BRST) mortalities. There is no evidence to suggest the virus affects other turtle species in this river system. However, until we learn more about the virus, it is important to take steps that might prevent it from spreading to unaffected areas or other river catchments.

Topics in this Primefact include:

• Bellinger river 'clean' routine
• how community can help
• when visiting the Bellinger river
• when leaving the Bellinger river
• what happened to the turtles
• are any other animals affected
• is the water safe?
• how to report observations of sick turtles