Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question regarding the possibilty of disease being spread between different types of reptiles.
I currently work with Chelonians only(turtles and tortoises). I recently purchased several Red Eyed Crocodile Skinks and am somewhat concerned about the possbility of transferring disease to my turtles/tortoises.
In general are reptile diseases and parasites species specific or can they be freely transferred from one type of reptile to another?
Thanks for the help
Jackie

There are many parasites and diseases which are species specific, however probably just as much are not. As long as quarantine procedures are taken and proper husbandry is a given than your lizards should pose no more of a problem than a new chelonian would.

I know from dealing with many sick reptiles (rescues and being cheated on a purchase) that some sicknesses can transmit between species, and some cannot. Parasites, bacteria, and virus' all have members that are species specific and some that are generalists. The common sicknesses are usually generalists (i.e., coccidia, reptilian pneumonias, mites) so they can move between testud. and lizards.

Good husbandry cleanliness and an isolation period for the lizards should take care of any problems.