VietNamNet Bridge – By October 6, the Can Tho Import-Export Seafood JSC killed nearly 18,000 red-eared sliders totaling nearly 30 tons in weight.

In April, this firm imported 40 tons of red-eared turtles from the US to their factory in Vinh Long province to be processed for meat.

Red-eared sliders are said by scientists to carry the salmonella virus that causes typhoid to human. They are listed in the IUCN Red list of threatened species as near-threatened and described as a potentially invasive species once in a non- native environment which could lead to ecological imbalance. Sliders have been banned in several countries in the world but are one of few species approved to be imported in Vietnam.

Around ten tons of sliders died. Although the firm buried them, they released an unpleasant smell, causing disruption for nearby residents. People were also afraid that sliders would escape to the natural environment and compete with indigenous species for food and basking sites.

As the American exporter refused to take back the animals, the Ministry of Agriculture asked the importer to cull the turtles. However, the firm wanted to slaughter turtles to collect meat. This task was nearly finished by October 6.

A search for the remaining red eared turtles in the area will be supervised by the local authorities. Once all sliders have been killed, water will be pumped out, ponds will be sterilized and sewage will be processed.

Slider meat is frozen and preserved in cold storages in Can Tho City. It is then processed for food consumption and supplied to domestic consumers or export outlets. Shells are detached and dried for animal consumption. Blood and organs are disposed and processed on the spot.

PV