Regarding "Quarantine"
Although a wild caught boxie may seem asymptomatic; 99% of all wild boxies have pathogens. They can live with them in an open range; but that situation changes within a closed captive area (same substrate for increased contamination) and close proximity to other boxies.
To further complicate things, we must consider the other variables such as STRESS; or a change in the boxies homeostasis. All that a boxie does in the wild that meets it’s needs including normal feeding, being handled, their daily walk along it’s home range, the preference for favorite foods, their breeding habits, being able to feel safe, genetic factors, and many more variables influence STRESS. As stress increases so does lowering a boxie’s immune system. That’s when we see a boxie that looked fine upon acquiring him; change over weeks in captivity.
Viral pathogens have been known to pass from one chelonian to another via air currents in close proximity.
For those of you who have outdoor quarantine areas; do you remember to change your shoes before entering a quarantine area( and after)? Also all utensils that were used in a a Quarantine Area must at least be chemically immersed for 24 hours in a fungicide, virus-cide and bactericide. Truly if cost were not a factor an autoclave is best.
Before learning of many individuals who lost entire colonies of reptiles, I would have felt that the above is a bit overkill. However at this time, I'd rather err on being over cautious than learn of a repeat devastating incident. Please see LINK below of an earlier post I've written on "Quarantine."
Consequently time is our best friend. We can wait six months, a year, two weeks; I propose eight weeks for the aforementioned reasons. In conclusion one must consider, we never know which ones will be carriers that can contaminate our entire colony....
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