BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I am active on a local forum and have recently read of two people here who have lost their ENTIRE collections due to the aquisition of new, diseased animals. I want to start a list of possible diseases and parasites that blueys could acquire from other herps (especially other blueys.) Remember that those of us using secondhand tanks or supplies could also introduce disease/parasites indirectly.

By the way, are there any scary Rhabdoviruses we should worry about?
(That is what they think killed off a local python collection.)

Also, how long do you forum experts or herp experts quarantine your new arrivals? How do you accomplish this? (Different rooms, opposite sides of the room, etc.) Do you do vet checks or fecals? What else do you do before introducing new herps into your households? I know some snake breeders actually soak their snakes in disinfectant/anti-ectoparasite solutions!

Thanks guys! I know I am probably the queen of paranoia but I really am interested in possible pathogens that could harm my scaley children. I must have valid reasons for nighttime insomnia.

Also, today is my birthday so if you have nothing academic to contribute, you can still wish me a happy birthday!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

All I know of is Mites and Worms, maybe an RI.

I knew my guys from Andrew would be good, but Pryce was another thing entirely. He got a full vet check and a dewormer. I also made sure to bleach my used tank, even though it only held dirt before.

I see little reason for a panic attack though. From all I've heard, BTS tend to be a very hardy group, and we don't have the epidemic that DeadEye is fighting. Still quarantine of course, for at least a couple weeks. Always better to be safe.

Aggie- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You never told me your bday was coming up. I also have a Bday coming up on the 16th. Turning the big 21!

I will post later about my quarantine habits, etc.

happy birthday

Happy belated birthday Aggie!

Have not given too much thought to the quarantine issue. I figured knowing you are dealing with a reliable breeder was enough insurance to buy and diligence and good husbandry when you got it home was an appropriate disaster plan.
So ... you are having nighttime insomnia? I hear that! Sending you a pm on that topic.

aggiegirl wrote:By the way, are there any scary Rhabdoviruses we should worry about?
(That is what they think killed off a local python collection.)

IBD, inclusion body disease is contagious to pythons and boas. I have never heard of any extremely virulant diseases in the US that BTS are supseptible to.

To be honest, unless you truly quarantine in a room with different air, there is little reason to put them in different rooms. Mites, parasites, etc, are a good reason to quarantine in another room.

Glad there aren't too many yucky things that our guys can get!
The only problem that I've encountered is pinworms. I know many of these guys have parasites but I don't know if these always need to be treated as pathogens. I have heard varying opinions.
As the number of herps in my house has increased, this becomes more of a concern. I still quarantine for good measure but I won't resort to drastic measures. I may PM Deadeye and see if there are other contagious diseases that we should know about.
Thanks guys!

I cant stress enough how important fecal exams are! Please no matter where you get your animals from. You really cant tell someone your animals are parasite free untill you find out. Fecal exams are roughly 15 dollars and are worth it. It only takes one animal with crypto to destroy your collections.

I quarentine my guys for roughly 60 days if they are any issues during that time they will be noticable. I keep them in the same room but on the other side. I wash my hands after every time I even touch their cage (even the outside). You can never be toooo careful. Most spreading of disease and parasites is from the lack of being careful.

Happy Birthday, Capricorns!

My main concern for Blueys would be those mites from Boas. Pinworms were an issue for Chuff when I first got him as well.
I agree with getting a fecal done on everybody though, because there is no guarantee that snails, crickets, or any other feeders are completely parasite-free. Its just whether the load is more than a healthy animal could withstand, and what kinds are out there.

We quarantine in separate rooms for 1-2 months.

Good thread! I don't know of any virus names or anything like that that effect BTS...





Happy BDAY.

Happy Birthday mate, I thought that most of the parasites would have to be ingested so unless it eats blue poo,they shouldnt get infected that way.