Parasitic and infectious diseases in snakes

Parasites are creatures that feed off another animal. There are two basic types of parasites, internal ones that live inside the body (endoparasite), and external ones that live on the outside (ectoparasite).

One example of an internal parasite is roundworm (endoparasites). Roundworms and tapeworms are found inside the intestines.

Mites and ticks are external (ectoparasites) parasites that feed off the blood and inflict  bites on the skin.

Snakes are also prone to infections by a single celled parasite called Cryptosporidium that attacks the stomach lining and causes it to thicken. Snakes with this infection do not eat and usually regurgitate; it is also a very infectious condition with no cure. This disease is seen commonly in corn snakes. Weighing your snake weekly can help you indicate any change and pick up diseases quickly.

If you see any moving black or red dots on your snake’s skin, or worms in his feces, you need to take him to the veterinarian as these are signs of parasites. He will need to be treated with parasite control which needs to be prescribed by the veterinary surgeon.

There are a number of viruses that can affect snakes; fortunately these are not common.

Ophidian Paramyxovirus and Inclusion Body Disease are spread by mites (ectoparasites) and can cause anorexia, lung and brain infections. Buying captive bred snakes and choosing holiday accommodation carefully for your snake can reduce the risk of infection.

When choosing a suitable place for your snake to stay whilst you are away, try to find a carer that is happy to come to your house to care for him rather than moving your snake to a strange new environment elsewhere. Alternatively, it’s worth considering if you can move your snake’s whole vivarium to the carers house if they would prefer to care for your snake in their own home.

Both bacterial and fungal diseases can also be infectious.

Infections need treatment from a veterinarian. You should act quickly if you have a number of reptiles to try and prevent diseases spreading.