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I've read many past posts on this forum related to "parasite load", and the general parasitic infestation of Uros. The talk about it almost seems hum ho--like it's no big deal and pretty common.
Questions:
1. Is this a common problem?
2. How does a captive bred Uro get parasites?
3. Should I worry about my captive bred 16 week old vegetarian Uro suddenly getting infested with parasites?
4. How would I know she has parasites?
It really depends on the number and type of parasite. Some are very nasty and you don't want them in any numbers. Some types are OK in small numbers. Your vet can give you the best advice about it after a fecal check.
Some parasites can be spread from vegetable food - so, yes, a CB vegetarian fed uro CAN get parasites, though I think this is not a huge problem in general. WC and pet store uros are almost always carrying something. The higher stress they're under, the more likely that the parasites are in higher numbers, too.
Basic rules to follow - always get a fecal check done on every new animal, even if the uro's from a trusted source and even if it seems perfectly healthy. If you're planning to brumate your uro, get a check done. If the uro eats lots, but seems thin OR doesn't eat and seems lethargic - get a check done. If you feel like something is "off" somehow - get a check done. And sometimes one clean check isn't enough, since sometimes there aren't signs, even when parasites are present. One of my poor uros had three or four checks before they finally discovered he had giardia.
Anywho, that's my two cents. Hope it helps.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
1.1 Collared Lizard (Ripcord and Rorschach)
2.0 Green Anoles (Bowser and Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)
Great info from Torey! 
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