New page: {{unfinished}} Lizards and snakes present problems to handlers and owners not just because of their venom and size but also due to the possibility of zoonosis. Care must be taken with all...
{{unfinished}}
Lizards and snakes present problems to handlers and owners not just because of their venom and size but also due to the possibility of zoonosis. Care must be taken with all lizards when they are handled even if they are not perceived as dangerous. Consider the following points.

==Zoonoses==
The common zoonosis associated with reptiles is [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]]. Subclinical infections of reptiles are common and the [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] can often be isolated from faeces. However, most reptiles naturally carry these [[Bacteria|bacteria]] as a component of their indigenous gut flora, and they are rarely a cause of primary disease. Over 2400 different serotypes of [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] are known and all should be considered pathogenic.
*Pregnant women, children under five years and immunocompromised persons should avoid contact with reptiles and reptile implements
*The [http://cdc.gov CDC] recommends that reptiles should not be kept in child-care centres and households in which persons at risk reside
*Provide information to potential purchasers and owners about the risk of acquiring [[Salmonella|salmonella]]
*Proper hygiene measures should be conducted around reptiles at all times
*Reptiles should be kept out of sites where potential for transmission exists

[[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] is the most important zoonotic agent. Reptiles can also harbour several different opportunistic Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that can infect humans. These include [[Aeromonas species, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Vibrio species|''Aeromonas'']], [[Campylobacter species|''Campylobacter'']], [[Enterobacteriaceae|''Enterobacter'']], [[Klebsiella|''Klebsiella'']], [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']], ''Pseudomonas'', [[Mycobacteria spp.|''Mycobacterium'' spp.]], ''Coxiella burnetti'', [[Chlamydia and Chlamydophila species|''Chlamydophila psittaci'']], ''Aspergillus'', [[Systemic Mycoses|''Zygomycosis'']], [[Yeast-like fungi|''Candida'']], ''Trichosporon'', ''Trichophyton'' and [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]]. These potentially zoonotic diseases can be managed by practicing routine hygiene practices.

===Hygiene===
The majority of reptile-related [[Salmonella|salmonellosis]] reported in humans could be avoided if common sanitary practices were followed. Washing hands with soap is an effective method to remove [[Salmonella|''Salmonella'' spp.]] organisms and minimize contamination of the environment. Disinfectants, such as sodium hypocholorite, should be used to disinfect the snake's enclosure including food and water dishes, and other cage furniture.

----

==Considerations for Snakes==
===Constrictors===
Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present. They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury, even death. There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.

===Venomous snakes===
Venomous snakes should obviously only be handled by experienced personnel with appropriate equipment and preferably be treated by experienced veterinarians. Proper identification of any venomous snakes is of the utmost importance. In case of a human bite, it is necessary to have access to antivenin. A veterinarian working with venomous snakes needs to be aware of the laws regarding dangerous animals. Possession of venomous snakes is regulated so make certain that the owner has the appropriate licences. Also check with the appropriate authorities if you, the veterinarian, need to be specially licensed to treat or house venomous snakes.
*At least two people should always be involved in handling a venomous snake
*Large, obvious signs that read "VENOMOUS SNAKE" should be placed on the outside of the enclosure
*An emergency telephone with essential contact numbers should be located nearby of venomous snake enclosures
*An antivenin protocol should be developed with a local hospital


'''Useful resources'''
*[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/213400.htm&word=snakes Snakebite Introduction (invenomation treatment) - The Merck Veterinary Manual]
*[http://who.int/zoonoses/en/ Zoonoses - WHO]
[[Category:Snake_Husbandry]]
Author
917

edits