Biological Characteritics and Treatments of Leech (Piscicola sp.) Parasitized on Turtle (Heosemys annandalii)

Abstract

      Piscicola sp. causing lesions on soft skin tissues was firstly detected on the turtles Heosemys annandalii in Vietnam. The present research was conducted to investigate leech infection on four different kinds of turtles and to determine some biological features of the species and efficiency of CuSO₄ and Ca(OH)₂ treatment. The result showed that Piscicola sp. only parasitizes on the turtle Heosemys annandalii with high density (67.7 ± 3.9 leechs/turtle). The leech has a length between 11.4 - 25.5 mm on average and cylindrical shape with two suction heads. The maturation time of the eggs from being laid was 5.8 ± 0.3 days with hatching percentage 81.5 ± 9.3% at 26-27°C condition. Immersion in lime Ca(OH)₂ at 75 ppt and copper sulfate CuSO₄ at 10 - 15ppm can completely kill the leeches on turtles. However, CuSO₄ showed the highest efficiency due to no negative influence on turtle health.