i would love to see how many snakes are brought out of their enclusures this weekend at the expo
Hygiene protocols will be in place for the expo as has been the case from previous years..I can't speak for anyone else but NO ONE will be handling our animals under any circumstances,it was always going to be this way well before these threads were started.Here is a snip of the procedures.
Hygiene Protocol :
• All reptiles are to be brought to the show in a white or light-coloured cotton bag or pillowslip inside a ventilated sturdy clear plastic container with securely clipped on lid.
• All reptiles will be inspected for mites or any obvious signs of disease before being allowed entry to the exhibition area.
• Exhibitors will not be able to handle reptiles other than their own.
• Reptiles are not to be removed from the cage until the end of the show, unless authorised by an official or veterinarian, appointed by the show committee.
• Judges, officials, veterinarians or anyone handling animals should take care to keep their clothing and equipment clean, and disinfect hands between handling reptiles.
• Any unauthorised person removing a reptile from a display cage will be asked to leave the show immediately.
• All cages are to be brand new, having never held animals prior to the show.
• Cages should all be on the one level and not stacked. An exception will be made in the case of multiple entries in the same class being entered by the one exhibitor. A maximum of two cages may be stacked at any one time.
• Breeders Choice®, or butchers paper is to be used as a substrate. Other substrates are not acceptable.
• Hygiene stations providing F10® or Virkon® spray will be available at strategic points (pre-show inspection table, inspection room and throughout the exhibition area) so that handlers can disinfect their hands immediately after contact with a reptile.
• A veterinarian will be present or at least contactable by telephone during the course of the show.
• A quarantine room will be available for close inspection or isolation of suspect reptiles.
• A footbath containing a suitable disinfectant such as F10® or Virkon® shall be at the entrance to this room. Everyone entering or leaving the room shall use the footbath.
• Reptiles can only be removed from a container once inside the examination room. Only owners, designated officials or the appointed veterinarian may handle the reptile. After handling a reptile, hands must be disinfected prior to leaving the room. The owner or those nominated by owner must be easily reachable or preferably to stay with the animal(s) for the duration of the show.