Quarantine Talk Thread

[guidofatherof5]

I think a thread discussing the quarantining of snakes is long over due. Whether those snakes are CB(captive Breed) or WC(Wild Caught)

Quarantine- A strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
Seems simple enough, but is it that simple.
Why quarantine, what are we afraid of:
External parasites and disease like mites and ticks. If you've ever had to deal with reptile mites you should be a strong advocate of strict quarantine periods.
Sometimes wild caught or even captive bred snakes have skin disorders like scale rot or infections that can be spread when sores or blisters break.
Stomatitis- Mouth rot
Blister disease
Septicemia(blood infections)
Respiratory infections(sometimes caused by septicemia)
Eye Infections
Viral infections(difficult to diagnose without blood examinations)

Then the internal reasons for quarantine.
Parasites- hookworms, pin worms, tapeworms, protozoa, flukes.
All of these are easily transmitted to a new host.

I don't think it's realistic to imply that we as keepers can protect against all these listed and the many unlisted problems. Most of us don't have the money or we don't have access to a qualified reptile Vet.
I believe there must be some kind of quarantine period for all of us. It is inconvenient and a hassle in many respects but the fear of losing and entire collect should be the driving force behind imposing one.
I quarantine all WC or purchased CB snakes for 60 days(longer if needed). They are away for the rest of my collection and a strict hand washing rule is unforced. If money allows all my snakes get a fecal examine from time to time. If a parasite is discovered the entire enclosure is treated. I consider all WC snakes to have internal parasites until proven otherwise.
As noted above a quarantine period can be extended if need. I take in many sick and weak snakes. Some due to human neglect and other due to environmental reasons. Some are just old and tired.
I never want to have the quilt of losing some of my favorite snakes/friends because it was inconvenient to house them separately.

Please feel free to discuss your quarantine procedures as I by no means consider mine to be perfect. There are many other great ideas with regards to this thread that can help us all become better caregivers to these awesome snake.

[mustang]

i didnt think stomatis was contagious?

[guidofatherof5]

i didnt think stomatis was contagious?

Infectious Stomatitis (Mouth Rot) in Reptiles: Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

[mustang]

thats what i get for thinkn

[guidofatherof5]

thats what i get for thinkn

There's nothing wrong with your thinking. We all need to ask question

[mustang]

but i like to be the one giving answers :P

[ConcinusMan]

Then you should know that no single one of us has all the answers. However, with all of us combined here together with our collective knowledge and experience, there's hardly a question to be asked that cannot find an answer here, am I right?

Good. I like to be right.

[drache]

before you can give the answers, you must have asked the questions at some point, unless you've got an annoying entity feeding you info all the time

[Spankenstyne]

Great thread. I had thought about putting something up particularly with all the talk of WC animals being added to collections (as mentioned CB animals being brought into a new home also apply). A couple of things to add:

Quarantine in a separate room, preferrably in the opposite end of the house on a separate floor if possible. It sounds excessive, but there are airborn pathogens that can be spread by proximity.

Always handle, feed, or otherwise deal with your quarantined animals last. After you've already dealt with the rest of your collection & ideally at the end of the day if possible. Then you can wash up, and toss your clothes in the laundry. This helps limit exposure with you the keeper as a carrier.

[ConcinusMan]

Good idea.