This is a classic scenario for the indication of Cryptosporidia movement through a collection. While not a given, I would say it is extremely suspect. One characteristic symptom to look for, especially with the thinner corn snakes, is a mid-body swelling or lump. Another symptom is usually diarrhea, so that is something else to watch for. Crypto needs no intermediate host and the oocysts are extremely resilient and difficult to kill, therefore crypto can probably move through a collection easier than any other pathogen.

Ian is correct in that that all of your snakes need to be separated and quarantined and everything disinfected until it can be determined what’s going on here. Best to use a strong ammonia solution followed by a good rinse and then a strong bleach cleaning. Make sure to keep the bleach and ammonia separated. Buy some cheap latex gloves for cleaning and maintenance and change gloves when moving between snakes or cages. As Ian said, a vet can have a fecal sample checked for the crypto oocysts, although they can sometimes be difficult to locate even in an infected animal. Another interesting thing about crypto is that some infected snakes can be asymptomatic carriers, and these individuals may harbor the oocysts and can spread the infection to other snakes even when they don’t show any signs of the infection themselves. Let us know how the outcome of the fecal examinations.

Kelly

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