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Parasitology

Ectoparasites in captive reptiles

02 February 2019

Clinical

20 mins read

02 February 2019

Volume 10 · Issue 1

ISSN (print): 2044-0065

ISSN (online): 2052-2959

Ectoparasites in captive reptiles

Abstract

Pet reptile ownership has increased substantially over the last few years, with 1.6% of the 12 million homes in the UK that reported having a pet, having at least one reptile. Ectoparasite infestations can have negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of pet reptiles, and can become life-threatening if left unchecked. Three groups of mites are known to cause major infestations and play a role in causing clinical disease. A wide variety of tick species are also associated with captive reptiles. Diagnosis/detection of ectoparasites is very straightforward, with the identification of the different parasites on clinical examination or skin scrapings. There is an array of different chemical treatments for these infestations; however, environmental control is also necessary when trying to keep parasites at bay. A quarantine section should be in place in any vivarium receiving imported species, and these reptiles should be kept in quarantine for at least 90 days, isolated from the main reptile population. In the present article, the authors present information on the key external parasites commonly reported from captive reptiles in the UK.

In the last decades, an increase in pet ownership of lizards, snakes and chelonians has developed. Despite the controversies currently being debated surrounding the need to balance animal welfare, human health and wellbeing and conservation needs, reptiles remain popular pets, accounting for 1.6% of the estimated 12 million UK homes reporting pet ownership in 2017 (44% of all households) (PFMA, 2017). The abundance of tick species associated with reptiles means that veterinary nurses would benefit from an understanding of the tick life cycle, host preference and attachment sites. In addition, three groups of mites are known to be the main cause of infestations in reptiles in captivity, and play a role in clinical disease. This article, therefore, reviews the major groups of ectoparasites found in confined reptiles, along with their significance and factors contributing to clinical disease, and outlines the treatment options.

There are no reports of the common mammalian ectoparasitic insects, such as fleas and lice, in reptiles, along with clinical symptoms. These insects are therefore not included in this clinical review; the focus will be the arachnid ectoparasites, mites and ticks.

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