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| | ===Hygiene=== | | ===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. | | 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. |
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| − | ==Considerations for Snakes==
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| − | ===Constrictors===
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| − | 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.
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| − | ===Venomous snakes===
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| − | 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.
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| − | *At least two people should always be involved in handling a venomous snake
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| − | *Large, obvious signs that read "VENOMOUS SNAKE" should be placed on the outside of the enclosure
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| − | *An emergency telephone with essential contact numbers should be located nearby of venomous snake enclosures
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| − | *An antivenin protocol should be developed with a local hospital
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| | '''Useful resources''' | | '''Useful resources''' |
| − | *[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/213400.htm&word=snakes Snakebite Introduction (invenomation treatment) - The Merck Veterinary Manual]
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| | *[http://who.int/zoonoses/en/ Zoonoses - WHO] | | *[http://who.int/zoonoses/en/ Zoonoses - WHO] |
| | [[Category:Snake_Husbandry]] | | [[Category:Snake_Husbandry]] |
| | [[Category:Lizard_Husbandry]] | | [[Category:Lizard_Husbandry]] |