Advancing Health, Ethics, and Awareness in Reptile Care
QUARANTINE PROTOCOL FOR NEW REPTILE
Purpose & Importance of Quarantine
Quarantine is a vital practice for protecting your existing reptile collection from diseases, parasites,
and stress-related complications brought in by new arrivals. Even snakes that appear healthy can harbor pathogens that may not show symptoms for weeks or even months. Examples include visible threats, such as snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis), and more insidious pathogens, like Serpentovirus (Nidovirus), Arenavirus, and Cryptosporidium, all of which can be highly contagious and potentially devastating if introduced to a collection.
Bringing a new animal into your reptile room without quarantine is like opening the door to an invisible threat. Viruses like Serpentovirus can remain asymptomatic for long periods, silently spreading across your collection before any symptoms appear. Parasites can go unnoticed while multiplying, and environmental stress may suppress the immune system, allowing latent conditions to activate.
Quarantine is your first line of defense. It gives time and space for observation, testing, and treatment, ensuring that your existing animals remain protected. It also provides a safe and stable environment for the new snake to recover from transport, adjust to its new surroundings, and stabilize before facing further changes or social exposure.
It's not just about safety; it's about responsibility. Proper quarantine demonstrates respect for the life and health of every animal you keep and for the broader reptile community that your decisions may impact.
Goals of Quarantine
Prevent pathogens transmission (e.g., viruses, bacteria, parasites)
Detect and treat pathogens
Allow the snake to acclimate and recover from transport stress
Monitor health closely before integration
Establish a baseline for behavior, weight, feeding, and general wellness
Skipping quarantine puts your entire collection at risk. It can lead to widespread illness, costly veterinary bills, and irreversible damage to the health of your animals and your reputation.
Duration of Quarantine
Quarantine should last a minimum of 4 months, with 4–8 months recommended. Extend the duration if signs of illness appear, if test results are pending or unclear, or if the snake is wild-caught or was previously kept in poor conditions.
Quarantine Setup
A proper quarantine setup is critical for both effective observation and biosecurity.
The enclosure should be simple, easy to clean, and tailored to the basic husbandry needs of the species being kept.
For most reptiles, a secure terrarium or tub with minimal furnishings works best, allowing thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Provide essential elements only, such as appropriate heating, humidity control, hides, and water, while avoiding complex decorations that could harbor pathogens or make monitoring difficult.
The goal is to create an environment that supports the animal’s health and comfort while enabling close observation and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Use a separate room or at least a sealed, isolated rack.
Quarantine enclosures should not share airflow with the main collection. Separate ventilation is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of airborne pathogen transmission.
Equip with:
Disposable substrate (e.g., paper towels)
Minimal furnishings
Separate water dishes, tools, and feeding tongs
Temperature and humidity controls
Clean daily and disinfect weekly
Biosecurity Practices
Wear dedicated clothing and gloves in the quarantine area
Wash your hands and change your clothing when entering or exiting
Use separate cleaning tools and equipment
Clean and disinfect tools after each use
Handle quarantine animals last in your routine
Ideally, use a separate room with its own airflow.
If this is not possible, place the animal in a sealed rack or tub with its own air filtration system.
Equipment, tools, and cleaning supplies must be kept exclusively for the quarantined snakes. It is better to have each snake its own feeding tongs. In cases of high snake numbers, a container with a disinfecting solution (70% alcohol or other approved solutions) and several feeding tools should be available. After each snake, place the feeding tool into the disinfecting solution and take another.
Use easily disinfectable enclosures (plastic tubs, paper substrate).
Keep minimal furnishings to observe feces, urates, and behavior easily
Health Monitoring: Observation & Record Keeping
Consistent observation and detailed record-keeping are the backbone of an effective quarantine. By maintaining accurate, daily records, you can detect subtle changes that may indicate health problems long before they become apparent. This data is also invaluable for veterinarians, should intervention be necessary.
What to track:
Feeding behavior: Note food type, size, feeding response, acceptance/refusal, and any regurgitation.
Weight: Weigh the snake weekly using a scale and record the weight in grams.
Defecation and urates: Log frequency, consistency, and color. Diarrhea or the absence of feces for extended periods can indicate internal issues.
Shedding cycles: Track pre-shed behavior, shed quality (complete or incomplete), and frequency.
Hydration: Look for signs of dehydration, like wrinkled skin or sunken eyes.
Respiratory signs: Check for unusual breathing sounds, open-mouth breathing, nasal bubbles, or excessive yawning.
Skin and scales: Observe for stuck shed, scale rot, cuts, or lesions.
External parasites: Monitor daily for mites, especially around the eyes, vent, and under scales.
General behavior: Is the snake alert and responsive? Are there changes in activity level or temperament?
How to track:
Use a quarantine log sheet, spreadsheet, or digital tracking system.
Record entries daily, even if no issues are observed (write “No change” or “Normal” if applicable).
Keep photos of anything unusual for reference or veterinary consultation.
Assign each snake its own file or folder for all documents, swab IDs, test results, and treatments.
Detailed records not only help you catch problems early, but they also allow you to identify patterns and make informed decisions about when a snake is truly ready to leave quarantine.
Testing & Interpretation
Testing is a cornerstone of quarantine and infection control for diseases like serpentovirus and other viral or bacterial pathogens. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations and nuances of diagnostic testing, especially PCR tests, which are widely used for virus detection.
Key Considerations:
No test is perfect: A negative result doesn’t mean a snake is disease-free—it means that, at that moment, no detectable genetic material was found. Viruses may be present but undetectable due to shedding cycles, low viral loads, or errors in sample collection.
Test timing matters: Testing three times within one or two weeks gives less certainty. It might be that a snake isn’t shedding the virus at that time. This approach may miss intermittent shedders, pathogen incubation time, or early-stage infections.
Long-term monitoring is more reliable: Testing schedule that includes three tests over a 4- 6 month period, coupled with vigilant observation, provides more certainty that the snake is virus-free.
Environmental and physiological factors: Shedding of viruses can increase or decrease depending on the snake’s stress levels, immune function, and seasonal changes. This makes repeat testing crucial over time.
Sample quality and technique: Collecting swabs properly is essential. Poor technique can lead to false negatives.
Recommended Path
Collect the first swab within the first few days of arrival—ideally before the snake settles and stress levels drop, which can reduce viral shedding.
Repeat PCR testing at least twice more during the quarantine period.
Different pathogens require different types of samples. Submitting a single random swab for all tests is often ineffective. Always confirm with your reptile veterinarian or the diagnostic laboratory which specific sample material is needed for the tests you plan to run.
Use a reputable lab experienced in reptile pathogens.
To be as certain as possible, you must commit to continuous testing and long-term monitoring. The more you test, the closer you get to certainty.
Veterinary Checkup
Testing is a cornerstone of quarantine and infection control for diseases like serpentovirus and other viral or bacterial pathogens. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations and nuances of diagnostic testing, especially PCR tests, which are widely used for virus detection.
Initial Veterinary Visit:
Timing: Schedule the initial checkup within the first few days of arrival.
Complete Physical Exam: The vet should assess hydration, body condition, respiratory health, oral cavity, skin, and vent area.
Diagnostic Sampling:
Collect swabs for PCR testing (oral and cloacal) for Serpentoviruses, Arenaviruses, Reoviruses, and other relevant pathogens.
Submit a fresh fecal sample for parasite screening (ova, protozoa, and pinworms).
Deworming: Based on fecal results or vet discretion, begin an appropriate deworming regimen.
Parasite Control: If mites or external parasites are detected, the vet may recommend safe acaricide treatment and follow-up care.
Ongoing Veterinary Involvement:
Repeat testing: Re-test swabs after a few months to increase diagnostic reliability.
Monitor health: Consult the vet immediately if signs of illness arise during quarantine.
Medical records: Maintain copies of all test results, treatments, and diagnoses as part of your permanent quarantine file.
Even if the snake appears healthy, veterinary input serves as a safeguard, adding a professional layer of care and enhancing biosecurity protocols. Partnering with a reptile vet also fosters a reliable relationship for ongoing support with your collection.
Cleaning & Disinfection Procedures
Proper cleaning and disinfection are critical to preventing the spread of pathogens within the quarantine space and protecting your established collection. Quarantine enclosures should be treated with the same level of caution and attention as a hospital isolation room.
Daily Cleaning
Spot clean any feces, urates, shed skin, or uneaten food immediately.
Replace soiled paper substrate daily or as needed.
Refresh water bowls daily, and wash them with hot water and mild dish soap before refilling.
Wear disposable gloves, and change gloves between snakes. And dedicated clothing or a gown when cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.
If possible, use a designated cleaning area. Clean and service one snake at a time, and disinfect between animals to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Weekly Deep Disinfection
Remove the snake to a temporary, clean container.
Take out and discard the substrate.
Wash all enclosure surfaces, hides, and water dishes with hot soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly.
Disinfect using a reptile-safe disinfectant (e.g., F10, diluted bleach solution at 1:32, or veterinary-grade chlorhexidine).
When disinfecting, ensure the disinfectant remains on the surfaces for the manufacturer’s recommended contact time to achieve full effectiveness. Once the contact time has elapsed, rinse all surfaces thoroughly to remove any residues, as these can be harmful. Finally, allow all surfaces to air dry completely before adding new substrate and returning the animal.
Cross-Contamination Prevention
Use dedicated tools and supplies for each reptile in the quarantine enclosures.
Clean tools outside the main reptile room.
Never reuse cleaning supplies between quarantine and main collection.
Dispose of gloves and cleaning cloths after each use.
Routine and thorough cleaning isn’t just about keeping things tidy, it’s about eliminating microscopic threats and reinforcing your entire biosecurity protocol.
Feeding Protocols
Feeding during quarantine is more than just nutrition—it's an opportunity to observe behavior, digestion, and appetite, all of which are important indicators of overall health. Feeding also presents a risk of contamination if not done with strict biosecurity measures.
Feeding Guidelines
Feed separately from your main collection days to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Use dedicated feeding tongs for quarantine snakes.
Offer appropriately sized, pre-killed prey (frozen/thawed preferred) to reduce injury risk.
Avoid overfeeding. Start with conservative prey size and frequency, especially if the snake is underweight or appears stressed.
Do not offer food during shedding or if signs of illness (e.g., wheezing, swelling, lethargy) are present.
What To Record
Date and time of feeding
Type and size of prey item
Response (eager, hesitant, refused)
Outcome (swallowed, regurgitated, dropped)
Notes on behavior or abnormalities (e.g., striking but not eating, overly aggressive, disinterested)
Additional Considerations:
Wait at least 5–7 days after arrival before offering the snake its first meal to allow it to acclimate.
Quarantined snakes often experience stress-related appetite changes. Repeated refusals should be documented and discussed with a reptile vet.
Avoid using communal feeding tools or thawing containers across different animals.
Feeding is both a care practice and a diagnostic tool. Used properly, it supports health, documents patterns, and helps determine readiness for integration into your main collection.
End-of-Quarantine Clearance
The final stage of quarantine is as crucial as the beginning. Proper clearance ensures that the snake is not only outwardly healthy but also free of detectable pathogens and ready to join your main collection safely. Skipping or rushing this phase risks undoing all the previous months of careful care and observation.
Requirements for Clearance
Quarantine Duration: The snake must complete at least 4 to 8 months in quarantine, depending on its origin, condition, and testing timeline.
Stable Health: No signs of illness such as respiratory issues, weight loss, regurgitation, or abnormal behavior for a sustained period.
Consistent Feeding & Shedding: Regular feeding response and successful, full sheds are indicators of good acclimation and internal balance.
Diagnostic Confirmation:
At least three tests for Serpentovirus and other relevant pathogens, spaced apart as mentioned above.
Negative fecal tests for internal parasites.
Veterinary Approval: A final checkup by a reptile vet is highly recommended. This includes a final physical exam and review of test results and records.
Documentation
Maintain a complete file for each snake, including:
All test results (PCR, fecals)
Feeding and health records
Dates and notes of veterinary visits
Any treatments administered
Optional: Have your vet sign off on a clearance certificate for internal use or for buyers if the animal will be rehomed.
Only after all quarantine conditions are met should the snake be considered for integration. Record keeping and regular monitoring are essential practices for all live animals, not just after introduction. Continue close observation for several weeks after transition, as environmental changes can sometimes trigger delayed symptoms.
What to Do in Case of Illness
Despite your best efforts, illness can still occur during quarantine. If this happens, immediately consult a qualified reptile veterinarian and follow their guidance. Avoid random testing, as not all diseases are infectious, and unnecessary tests waste time and money. Acting quickly with veterinary support increases the snake’s chances of recovery and helps prevent the spread of potential pathogens to other animals.
Immediate Actions
Further Isolate the Snake: Place the affected animal in a separate quarantine tub within the same room, or ideally in a different room if available.
Limit Contact: Handle only when necessary. Use separate gloves, tools, and clothing when working with the sick snake.
Document any symptoms: keeping written notes and taking clear photographs. The more detailed information you can provide, the better your veterinarian can assess the situation
Notify Your Veterinarian: Contact a veterinarian experienced in reptiles immediately. Share your records and recent observations.
Treatment & Monitoring
Follow your vet’s prescribed treatment plan (medications, supportive care, hydration, etc.).
Maintain meticulous records of medication doses, administration dates, and patient responses.
Monitor weight, appetite, and behavior on a daily basis.
Disinfection & Biosecurity
Deep-clean the enclosure, tools, and nearby surfaces with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
Wash your hands, change clothes, and sanitize all items before and after entering the room.
Adjusting Quarantine
Reset or extend the quarantine clock based on the recovery timeline.
Re-test after the resolution of symptoms and treatment.
Continue to house the animal separately until multiple negative tests confirm recovery.
Early detection, swift isolation, and veterinary collaboration are the keys to managing illness during quarantine and protecting the rest of your collection.
Quarantine isn’t just a precaution - it’s a standard of care. It reflects your commitment to the long-term wellness of your animals and the integrity of the reptile-keeping community.