Quarantine mammals/birds from reptile collection?

[Amanda47]

I know reptiles should be quarantined before being put in the same room as the collection, but what about other types of animals, like mammals or birds? If I got a cat, or a bird, or a rat, should I still keep them separated for a time?

Are there any diseases a snake can get from a bird or mammal? Birds seems more likely to pass something on (to a reptile) than a mammal, but I really have no clue.

Also, if they should be quarantined, how would I know the non-reptile is safe? If it doesn't die in three months?

I've been thinking about getting something cuddly, but I don't want to risk the snake's health or life. They eat rodents, so hopefully I'm being overly cautious and silly.

 

[Susan]

Most diseases are species specific, meaning they aren't transmitted from one species to another. Yes, there are a few diseases/parasites that infect multiple species, including humans, but the only one I can think of that involves snakes is Salmonella. As long as you practice good husbandry and wash your hands between handling one creature and another, I don't think you need to worry about adding a cuddly as a pet.

 

[Guruofchem]

Most organisms that would be pathogenic to an endotherm don't do well with ectotherms, and vice versa, so I wouldn't worry too much. As Susan said, practice good hygiene and you should have no troubles.

 

[Alli_Draggy]

Not snakes, exactly, but there have been some cases where cats have spread salmonella from a herp to a human by playing in/drinking the water the herp had been using and then licking a human or something a human used (like drinking out of a human's water glass). It's more a problem with indoor-outdoor cats and outside turtle enclosures or frog ponds, but I do shut my cats out when I'm doing anything with water bowls.

 

[Amanda47]

Good to know, thanks guys

 

[Topazfyre]

I agree with the above statement. I don't think your concern will be pathogens as much as behavioural problems with the new animals. Cats and dogs are predators, and to a cat a snake is no different from the string you use to play with it except it moves on its own (making it all the more awesome as a play toy). Knocking the vivs over is another thing to keep in mind. If the snakes are in a typical plexiglass viv, you should be fine, but if they're in a lightweight breeder's setup (plastic bin, for instance) you want to make sure it's in a safe place and that the animals can't knock or open it.

Also, if you get a rodent, like a rabbit or rat, you should note that your snake might be a bit more excitable with the scent of 'food' in the room. My snakes grew up with the smell of rabbits and mice around them, so it's not as much of a problem, but introducing the smell to a snake who's not used to it may elicit a response in the snake. Again, off topic, but just some other things to keep in mind.

 

[lynda]

I have a 2-yr.old Golden Retriever (Honey) and just got an adult corn (Ki). Honey is curious when I am holding Ki, and wants to check him out. Once, when I wasn't watching, they got nose to nose; another time Honey gave a little lick on Ki's back. I don't think either would hurt the other. My concern is that we live in rattlesnake country - and I don't want Honey to get too used to the snake, and certainly don't want her to see a snake as part of the pack. A little lick on a rattlesnake??? So I am keeping them apart, and telling Honey "leave it" if she approaches Ki. Hadn't even thought about disease.

 

[lynda]

That was all ON topic - and really useful information and advice. Thanks! Now that I think about it, I'll bet that not only are individual snakes' scents different, but that there's a big difference between pit vipers and corns. I am going to consult our vet and dog trainer. My dog needs to run free regularly, and snakes are a worry.