1. Parasites in pet reptiles by Heigo Hausenberg

2. Article information Authors: Rataj, A. V., Lindtner-Knific, R., Vlahović, K., Mavri, U., Dovč, A. Published: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2011, 53:33

5. For many species, the basic requirements for nutrition and housing are unknown

6. Stressful life, concentration of animals and the presence of different species in a small living space actuate development, multiplication and spreading of parasites.

8. viruses

9. bacteria

10. yeast

11. funguses

12. ticks

13. mites

14. Aim The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of parasites in populations of reptiles, intended to be pet animals in close contact with people.

15. Materials Reptiles imported into Slovenia from 2000 to 2005, specimens of native species taken from the wild and captive bred species were investigated. A total of 949 reptiles (55 snakes, 331 lizards and 563 turtles), belonging to 68 different species, were examined for the presence of endo and ectoparasites.

17. External examination

18. Necropsy

19. Examination of blood, faeces and different swabs

20. Systematic examination of the digestive tract

22. Eighteen different species of endoparasites in 252 (76.1%) of 331 examined lizards were determined.

23. 498 (88.5%) of 563 examined turtles were determined postive for endoparasite infection.

25. A large number of reptiles have been in contact with parasites, thus all reptiles have to be examined and tested prior to introducing them to our homes.

26. Thank you for your attention