Quarantine, breeding loans, snakes especially...

[Pythoninfinite]

Something worth considering if you're giving some thought to "borrowing" another reptile to pair up with your own - quarantine!

Those of you with snakes are always (and very sensibly) advised to quarantine any new arrivals for a minimum of 6 (and 12 is better) months before introducing it into the main collection. I'm sure that very few people do this, or manage it correctly for the full period of time. The viral diseases IBD and OPMV are out there and can have very long incubation times before manifesting themselves.

It follows from this that any borrowings for breeding should be negotiated actually 6 to 12 months in advance of the planned activity, unless you are VERY sure of the management protocols in the other collection. Those animals selected should be kept isolated from new acquisitions for that period of time.

I would not consider trying to do a deal now for this season, you might get far more than you bargained for. If you're doing breeding deals now it should be for next season, and the animals managed appropriately between now and then.

Jamie.

[pugsly]

Couldn't agree more jamie..

[CodeRed]

Glad you posted this as I am currently looking at some bredli and jungle loaners. Now I have to consider setting up a separate quarantine room. I need a bigger house

[Kersten]

Spot on Jamie, it's amazing how many times I've heard people say they wont be quarantining new purchases because their animals "came from a reputable dealer"........and breeding loans arranged over the net just wont be happening here, ever.

[nvenm8]

I have one out on loan now; she went through all the proper quarantine procedures (nearly 12 months) and will get the same treatment when she returns.
The person I lent her to has husbandry procedures that many would consider over the top, that is the only reason why I allowed her to go on a sex holiday, and the fact that it is my brother .
This will be the last time I allow a loan of any of my babies.

[Pythoninfinite]

Good one nvenm8, I really don't think you can go over the top with this, the more care the better I reckon. Was that your brother or the snake that went on a sex holiday :wink: ?

J.

[nvenm8]

I wish! my wife has me in a 12 month quarantine at the moment

[star11]

One question....how far apart should the new quarantined snake be from the others. Obviously being very careful with hands, prongs etc...

[pugsly]

As far a possible would be good. At least another room of the house, and using different feeding tools, water bowls etc. Always wash hands in between feeds or handling each snake. You can't be to careful as so little is known about IBD and OPMV.

That and a healthy snake can show symptoms only a few days before it dies.

[peterescue]

Sounds a bit over the top? Speaking from experience I can only say these are the minimum measures you can take. Other than that its just roulette.

[freddy]

hey just a question is there any tests (like blood) you can have done to see if they have these diseases or what?

[pugsly]

Not in Australia, the only test is a post-mortem one.

[SNKMST]

All quarentined animals should have seperate utensils eg. water bowl, feeding tongs. These should never be used on another animal until completely sterilised.

Hands should be washed very well before handling other snakes in quarentine, as for what with, F10 is one example umm Jamie if you could help me out here with the others avaliable.

You should treat every animal in quarentine as an individual and never as a group.

and I suggest having certain clothing that you wear into your quarentine room or a pair of overalls that can be removed before comming in contact with your collection.

[Pythoninfinite]

Yup all that, and as Peter says, these really are minimum measures. The disinfectant I use is Virkon S, mainly because it was the first one I encountered. It has proved to be very economical, I bought 2.5kg of the powder for about $165 if I recall, about 3 years ago, and used at the rate of 7gm/litre, I stil have half of it left. It is used commercially in high-intensity farming, like piggeries and poultry farms. Pleasant to use, low toxicity to us & snakes (can spray your hands with it between animals, clean utensils & cages). Works against bacteria, fungi & viruses. Probably similar to F10 which I believe you can get thru your vet..

Jamie.

[freddy]

rightio i still got some questions for yas
1. are hatchies able to get OPMV and IBD?
2. if the mother has the disease can she pass it onto the hatchies?
3. if the father has it will he pass it onto the mother and hatchies?
4. what are some obvious symptoms?