So I called a herp hobby shop a bit ago and explained my snake saliva project and asked if he would be willing to let me come swab the mouth of some of his BP's to determine what bacteria are present in the saliva. I explained I've already done this to one of mine and the swab is harmless to the snake, and that mine had E. coli in its saliva. He kinda freaked out saying I need to contact the CDC because of that and thought it was contagious. He first said no to it cause he didn't want to hurt his snakes by breaking a tooth or infecting their mouths, or get them sick because mine "has E. coli". I tried to explain they won't get an infection because it's a sterile swab, it won't pull any teeth, and not all E. coli is pathogenic. He told me he wasn't comfortable with me doing it and to contact a vet or go to Busch Gardens (Tampa), so I apologized that he wasn't willing to help increase the knowledge of BP's. He did invite me to come talk in person and try to explain more, so I may be able to after all.
What do you all think, am I asking too much?

-Rich