Parasites

What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives (sheltering, feeding, growing and in many cases, reproducing) on or in the body of a different organism (the host) while contributing nothing to the survival of the host. Parasites are normally much smaller than the host and have a shorter life cycle.

But, captive bred reptiles mean parasite-free right?????

Most people know that in the wild, reptiles harbour parasites. However, there are many people who wrongly think that captive bred reptiles will not have parasites. In the wild most reptiles probably have a small parasite load. This may not cause too much of a problem in the wild since, wild reptiles are not confined to a small space, they can move around, away from their feces and shed skins (both of which can harbour parasites) and can also get away from any parasite eggs which may have been laid in the vicinity. However, captive conditions do not allow this freedom and parasite problems can get out of hand very quickly. In captivity, the habitat conditions are very favourable for your reptile, and are fairly constant. This also means that it is the ideal environment for survival of the parasite.

So, cleanliness is very important

Cage hygience is very important. Water should be changed at least every two days, and water bowls should be cleaned. Reptile feces should be removed from the tank as soon as possible, and uneaten crickets should not be left in the tank. If both feces and uneaten crickets are left in the tank, parasite problems can spiral out of control (for instance, crickets can carry pinworms, so lets say your crickets are infected with pinworms, you reptile eats these becoming infected with a small parasitic load, the reptile then sheds some parasites in its feces, the uneaten crickets then eat the feces, thereby taking on a bigger parasite load, your reptile then eats these crickets, and so the cylce goes on). As well as being very careful about not infecting one cage after dealing with another, you should also be very careful not to infect yourself, since some reptile parasites can also be passed to humans. Having said that, its not that reptiles are dangerous to your health, there is just as much chance of contracting a parasite from a pet dog or cat as there is from a reptile.

So, how do I know if my reptile has parasites?

Ectoparasites live on the outside of the body, and are normally visible to the naked eye. Endoparasites are internal parasites, most endoparasites can be identified through a fecal float. Click here to see some photos of matter isolated from reptile faeces.

Upon receiving a new animal, its feces should be examined by a qualified herp vet. This way any internal parasites can be detected and treated as soon as possible. Once a clean bill of health has been established (and maintained), periodic (maybe once per year) fecal checks are a good way of ensuring that your reptile stays parasite-free. All new reptiles should be quarantined for at least three months to ensure that they are healthy. During this time, they should be closely monitored for signs of ill health.

Parasite life cycles

Two distinct types of life cycle are possessed by parasites. Some parasites have an indirect life cycle. This means that a vector or intermediate host is required in order for the parasites life cycle to be complete. With this type of life cycle, one infected animal cannot infect another animal, it is the intermediate host which spreads the parasite. So, if you get rid of the intermediate host, then the parasite cannot be spread. Mites and ticks can act as intermediate hosts, causing double trouble, since not only do you have to deal with the mites, you would also have to deal with whatever parasite they had infected your reptile with.

Other parasites have a direct life cycle. This means that the entire life cycle, including reproduction can happen in the host alone. Infestations of parasites with a direct life cycle can build up very quickly within the host, and can be spread from one infected animal to others. This type of parasite can be particularly harmful, especially in captive animals.