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This seems to be becoming a heated debate, I have heard only one person claim to know the facts and people are agreeing because the person is respected, and yes.. I do respect Stella as well, but I was told contradicting information from a source I also have respect for and I am not the type to assume the answer, so now I would like the facts.

So, lets get to the bottom of this...

Here are my facts.. Things I know are 100% true:

I use MeadowsLake brand cypress mulch that I get at a local nursery as a normal substrate. When shedding becomes an issue I use a little bit of damp Fafard brand sphagnum peat moss, from the same nursey, inside the reptiles hide. This is never left in for more then 3 to 12 hours before being removed and replaced with fresh moss. This has never caused any outbreak of sporotrichosis in any of my uses. This is used when shedding is becoming an issue, so it's rare. This is used in conjuction with soaking, when a tegu will allow soaking without stressing out.

My question is this, has ANYONE actually done the same and had their tegu infected with sporotrichosis or any other fungus? Or is this one of those internet rumors that was heard and believed just because it was spoken as law by someone with experience with reptiles and it became a norm?

Please do not post "I believe..." or "I think...", let's keep this post to facts. Have you used a method like I do? Has it worked for you without side effects or fungal issues? Did your tegu contract sporotrichosis?

Please only post a reply to this thread if you have used moss with or without an issue with sporotrichosis.

Let's get to the facts. I just want to know the facts based on everyones experiances.
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Rick
theTegu.com

New Tegu Community: theTegu.com - Webcam: Tux.theTegu.com

This subject has been clarified. There was a misunderstanding between moss types. Sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss are different.

Sphagnum moss may carry sporothrix schenckii and should be avoided in a tegu enclosure, but sphagnum peat moss is safe for most reptiles, but you need to take care not to let it dry or clump on your tegus feet. It can be used moist, in a hide, with care, but should probably not be used on a regular basis or as a substrate.

As a cautionary note: If you don't think you have the time or memory to make sure it's not going to dry ot clump, you should avoid even sphagnum peat moss as it can dry on your tegu causing further shedding issues or perhaps even lose of toes.

I thank Stella for clarifying this. I wish we could have resolved this sooner, but at least it is now clear and we all walk away with a more detailed reason for the use or lack of use of certain mosses.
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Rick
theTegu.com

New Tegu Community: theTegu.com - Webcam: Tux.theTegu.com