Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We were always told to disinfect our cages,branches and every other surface our reptiles touch.There are also several norms telling when each surface should be cleaned,for example cage bottom once a week and branches once a month.Personally I never disinfect my branches,I use those twisties of exo terra.I would like to be informed of the dangers I am exposed to and what can be the impact on my reptiles.I would really like to learn more about micro organisms and disinfection,you get my point...
Every opinion is welcome
THANKS

>>I would like to be informed of the dangers I am exposed to and what can be the impact on my reptiles.I would really like to learn more about micro organisms and disinfection,you get my point...
>>

The most notable dangers are passing Salmonella or parasites to humans or other pets. If you are deparasitizing, and the cage furnishings aren't disinfected at intervals, the animal can become reinfested. Chams may wipe their vents on the same perches they groom their eyes against or eat prey from. I probably don't have to go into the impact on reptiles with those dangers, that info is everywhere.

Another danger is low-level infection from skin scratches from your reptile's claws. This can progress into a serious infection in both humans and your chams' mates, depending on immune systems. I started disinfecting the cage interiors with a solution of Nolvasan (Chlorhexidine diacetate) and following the directions on the label, and now their claws do not cause irritated scratches. Make sure you get the diacetate formula, whatever brand you use.

If your animals are transferring between indoor and outdoor cages, disinfect more often, because they are exposed to all kinds of nasty things outside. If they are indoors all the time and you keep the feces picked up and the animals have always been free of parasites, you may not need to disinfect as often. I won't suggest a schedule because everyone's environment is different. What works for me may not work for others.

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Kristina Francis

www.melleridiscovery.com

Thanks for the information firstly,very useful.Is nolvasan the trade name?Obviously a disinfectant but as what is suggested for?I mean regarding human use.
From now on I change my disinfection schedule...
One more question,I own a large iguana and keep it in a room sized enclosure with large pvc construction as ramps,what should be the ideal disinfectant?I have been using bleach so far...
The iguana oftenly steps on to it's feces and a couple days later may end on my arms,shoulders and because of it's size makes serious scrathes on my hands.Regarding what you told above this should be a very high risk situation.It has been only lately that I spoke to a doc and told me that this is dangerous.I would be glad if you suggested what should I be start doing..
Thanks a lot

>>Thanks for the information firstly,very useful.Is nolvasan the trade name?Obviously a disinfectant but as what is suggested for?I mean regarding human use.

For disinfecting surfaces/premises that come in contact with animals. It is a bactericide and a virucide. Nolvasan is one brand name, but Chlorhexidine diacetate is made by various brands. It is not for use by children, and the label lists the protective measures one must take when using the product. You also have to rinse the disinfected surfaces prior to animal contact.

>>I have been using bleach so far...

Bleach would help control mildew and such that the Nolvasan won't help. Do not mix the bleach and the Chlorhex-. Instead, you could use one, rinse, then next time you disinfect, use the other, rinse, and so on...? Ask your exotic vet what he/she suggests.

>>It has been only lately that I spoke to a doc and told me that this is dangerous.I would be glad if you suggested what should I be start doing..
>>Thanks a lot

I do not have experience with iguanas, so I won't presume to suggest a solution. Ask the ig experts how they would correct this problem, and how they manage physical contact with their animals.

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Kristina Francis

www.melleridiscovery.com