"I am sorry, but parasite amplification only occurs when the snake is kept in unhealthy conditions. If you allow them the conditions they REQUIRE, they rid themselves of parasites very quickly.



As you should know,I believe most parasites have an intermediate host, and that is missing in captivity."





Frank that response represents a profound misunderstanding of the problem.



Parasite amplification occurs in the captive ENVIRONMENT not specifically in the actual animal. This causes two conditions:



1) where the environment is so contaminated that healthy animals are continually re-infected. This is important where an intermediate host is not required. Example mites, you find them you better treat for them because support alone wont do the trick.



2) when the environment becomes highly contaminated (as with worm eggs) such that it becomes a danger to the keeper. Last time I checked most captive king snakes eat and are kept by warm blooded organisms and can themselves be intermediate hosts for parasites that affect their keeper. Like I said before if you keep critters in isolation and don’t want to treat, fine, have at it but if you sell or trade your animal’s ethics require that you address any known parasitic infections. If you can’t get over that little truth you need to stop breeding and selling reptiles!



And again please stop assuming you know what is going on with my collection! I can’t remember the last time I had to treat for parasites. This is on only because I support my animals well but also because I buy from responsible breeders who treat whenever parasitic infections are in evidence.
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“Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Emmerson

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