Is it okay to release red eared sliders with shell rot into the wild?

Question

I have three red eared sliders with shell rot and I wanted to release them into a natural lake near my house (where I’ve seen other sliders) in the hopes that the environment may be better for them and so they can heal. I’m going to college and can’t take care of them anymore and my parents won’t. I was wondering if I can release them (with shell rot) or if I need to treat them beforehand.

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, Please do not release your sliders into the wild. Domestic reptiles being released into the wild is the number one cause of fatal disease spread in wildlife. I would recommend taking your turtles into an animal shelter where they can receive care and be rehomed. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Is it okay to release red eared sliders with shell rot into the wild?

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