Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was sick, my kids were sick, my wife was sick and sure enough two of my males came down with upper respiratory infections. Does anybody know if there is any evidence of zoonosis with respiratory infections?

Luckily I caught it early and have a good vet. One had recently been shipped and the other had been in breeding mode for the last month or more. It is likely they were just weakened enough to open the door. Both seem to be getting better and have their appetite back. The same can't be said for me. Excuse me while I blow my nose....
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Steve Frist

www.stevefristreptiles.com

5rings@Netscape.com

Steve, check your house humidity that may explain the RI in all.
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Our house is around 35%. I keep my Bloods at 60-70% with periods of higher humidity during difficult sheds. Regardless of humidity there must still be a pathogen present to cause a RI. I have considerably more fear of high humidity than low. Blood pythons are of course very tolerant of high humidity but high humidity coupled with the stagnant air that results from cramped quarters and a weakened defense (for any reason) spells trouble. I just wondered if anyone had ever observed human x reptile zoonosis. Somewhere they had to contact a pathogen. The chances are remote but it sure is an interesting question.
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Steve Frist

www.stevefristreptiles.com

5rings@Netscape.com

The problem with captive snakes is that they are already carrying most of the bacteria species that can cause their RI when under the right conditions. These conditions being stress from low temps, low humidity, or other sub-optimal environmental conditions. Studies have shown these bacteria to be present in most captive snakes, and in a fair number of wild caught snakes. In their natural environment and/or under low stress conditions, the snakes immune system keeps these pathogenic organisms in check. It is stress brought on by sub-optimal conditions in captivity that compromises the immune system and allows these bacteria to replicate rapidly causing illness.

Low humidity with bloods will definitely cause more problems than a slightly high humidity. I feel that this is a given with them. The low air exchange issue is usually not a problem unless it is really stagnant. Also, as far as snake to human transference of bacterial related RI, it is a possibility I guess, but probably extremely remote, and something I have never heard of before.

Kelly