Mucormycosis in hatchling Florida softshell turtles

Six hatchling softshell turtles selected from a group of approximately 400 with circular gray integumentary lesions were submitted for clinical evaluation. The turtles died within 24 hours. Histologic examination of the carapace revealed ulcerative epidermitis, with bacterial colonies and tightly packed groups of fungi. A Mucor sp was isolated from the lesions.