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[luke.r.s]

the ban on imports and exports has some effect in limiting the volume of what comes in and out of the country, but thiers a hell of a lot of australia to police so yes a lot can get missed. i would like to keep some exotics if LEGALLY avalible as their is no way i would risk having mine taken from me.

as a second point even legally heavily enforced imports can introduce disease - EI equine Influenza is a current topical example, although their has been an increased relaxing of the quarintein periods over the years which may have something to do with the vast amount of money produced through horse racing.

this shows that one missed animal can have a huge disease impact, yes i am aware that due to the way herps are kept such rapid progression would not happen as easily. although with the natural herp population of australia transmission and infection of the wild population could occur quickly, just look at how easy it is for a snake/lizard to escape - a lid not closed properly, a small escape hole they will undoubtably find.

and as many herpers are aware their are already populations of exotic reptiles living as feral pests, asian house geckos are probably the most prolific that people in northern australia can easily identify with.

p.s sorry if the sentincing doesnt make too much sense just got home from work.
-L