Quarantine procedure questions come up occasionally on the site. I haven't noticed a sticky thread and thought this topic should be one. Strong quarantine protocol is highly recommended for anyone keeping more than one herp. The protocol prevents the spread of mites, diseases, and other pathogens.
.
General protocol:
.
1) Set up the snake in a completely separate room. Ideally this room should be a rarely used room, but I realize not many of us have the luxury. It's a good method not to put quarantined animals in your bedroom or near your clothes. (I have done this, but only as a last option...) Depending on size/needs of the reptile a plastic bin with holes drilled in the sides lined with newspaper works perfectly. If the animal's enclosure is easily moved then simply move the enclosure into the new room.
2) Use a completely separate set of cleaning, feeding, recording supplies. Leave a spray bottle, paper towels, newspaper/other substrate (mulch, aspen, etc), disinfectant (
What do you clean cages with?), pens/pencil, data cards, feeding tongs, pooper scooper if you use one, etc in the room with the snake.
3) ALWAYS work quarantined animals last. Then change clothes and shower. DO NOT enter the rest of your collection for the rest of the day!! If for some reason you forget and check on the quarantined animal, same protocol applies, shower, change clothes, DO NOT check on other snakes.
4) Don't let other family members or guests (or family member's guests) visit the quarantined room. They may mean well, but may not always remember to follow procedure.
5) Leave the animal in quarantine for at least 60 days, 90 days is more preferable.
.
.
Mite specific
.
1. a) For any new acquisition, no matter the source, set up the animal in a quarantined room/area. It's easiest to set the animal up in a plastic tub with newspaper. You can easily see mites on newspaper. Spray the lid, plastic tub, hide box, and both sides of the newspaper with mite killer (Provent a Mite, Repel, Equate Lice spray). Let sit out to dry and air out for 2-3 hours to be safe. Put water bowl and snake in tub.
b) For mites on an existing animal in the collection remove it to a separate room. If possible set up in a plastic tub or remove the entire enclosure to the new room. If cage is not moveable, spray the inside of the cage liberally with mite killer and leave sealed.
DO NOT try to remove bedding such as aspen, mulch, coco bark, etc because you will just stir the contents and possibly spread mites and eggs into the air and therefore into your snake room!! Spray first then remove! Spray the outside of the cage and those near it with mite killer. After the cage had settled, remove bedding and seal trash bag before walking through the house.
2) If I've seen a number of mites on the animal, I've even gone so far as to spray a line of lice killer across the floor in the doorway.
3) Check at 30+ days for new mites. The approximate hatch time for mite eggs is about 30 days. To be safe, spray enclosure and cage furnishings again. Remove and dispose of bedding, seal the bag before walking through the house. Repeat as needed...
4) Follow the general protocl and read this:
How to get rid of mitesl
.
If anyone else has ideas or criticisms feel free to comment!
iHerp. Do you?
Linear Mode
