Amebiasis in red-footed tortoises.

Of 500 red-footed tortoises imported to southern Florida, approximately 200 died during a 2-month period. Clinical signs were nonspecific and included anorexia, listlessness, and watery diarrhea, with lingering death. Necropsy consistently revealed thickened duodenum, with necrotic mucosa and multifocal to diffuse areas of hepatic necrosis. Histologic evaluation of tissues demonstrated numerous amebae in intestinal and hepatic lesions.