Posted by:
oldherper
at Wed Aug 27 10:05:00 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by oldherper ]
Roccal-D is a 3rd generation quaternary ammonia based veterinary disinfectant, with a deodorizer. It is normally diluted at a 128:1 ratio with water. Since ammonia is the ONLY thing proven to kill Cryptosporidium, it is an excellent choice for use with reptile cages. I use it alternately with a 10:1 Chlorine bleach solution. In that way, I know I'll kill all parasite larvae and eggs as well as virus and bacterium. Don't forget to disinfect shelf and rack surfaces while you are at it as well as linoleum snake-room floors.
In using either preparation, it is essential to allow "soak" time, at least 10 minutes, then rinse yur cages and cage furnishings thoroughly and allow to air-dry preferably in the sun. Chlorine bleach is an irritant to reptiles and Roccal-D can be toxic.
John has an excellent suggestion to use double caging, so you can rotate between cleanings. I number my cages and water bowls and hide boxes so that I can use the same ones for each snake as a further precaution against cross-contamination. It is probably unnecessary since the cages and furnishings are thoroughly disinfected, but it makes me feel better. I also maintain several cages (and furnishings) that are "quarantine only". Those are kept in a separate room (my quarantine room) and are never used in the general collection. If I have a snake that turns out sick in quarantine, that cage is destroyed and replaced. New snakes are quarantined for a period of 180 days.
Roccal-D is available by the gallon from veterinary supply houses, or you veterinarian can order it for you. The last gallon I bought was in the neighborhood of $40.00 as I remember, but because of the dilution (one ounce to a gallon of water) it will last a LONG time. I mix a gallon at a time and just refill plastic spray bottles with it.
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RE: Thanks John---->>> - oldherper, Wed Aug 27 10:05:00 2003