Question about Respiratory Infections

[Libby]

Another newbie question!

Can snakes and humans pass respiratory infections back and forth, or do we get different types of infections being different species? I want to know if I should keep my sick kid away from our sweet little ball python or if he can still hold her!

[Freakie_frog]

Totally different types of infections all together..Now I wouldn't let a sick kid play with a snake because of an already stressed immune system they might pick something else up from the animal like Salmonella, but as long as proper hygene is followed before and after handleing it sould be fine..

[kitedemon]

Zoonosis (transmitting illness between snake and human) with Royal pythons is very limited. I believe the only thing as FF mentioned is salmonella and even that is rare, it comes from snake poop so washing up after cleaning up is important, and don't lick the snake butt.

[Libby]

Totally different types of infections all together..Now I wouldn't let a sick kid play with a snake because of an already stressed immune system they might pick something else up from the animal like Salmonella, but as long as proper hygene is followed before and after handleing it sould be fine..

Thanks, that was exactly what I needed to know! We do wash hands both before and after handling her.

Zoonosis (transmitting illness between snake and human) with Royal pythons is very limited. I believe the only thing as FF mentioned is salmonella and even that is rare, it comes from snake poop so washing up after cleaning up is important, and don't lick the snake butt.

No butt licking. Check. (Though my son did once say, "I know I shouldn't kiss her, but I still want to.") It's nice to know I can always come to the forums to get solid advice!

[kitedemon]

Sorry couldn't help myself. All kidding aside there is a chance to pick up salmonella but to be honest I personally am not overly careful about it I wash carefully before I handle my snakes and after cleaning fecal matter but after handling not so careful. (not setting a good example but it is true) This is not advise it is best to wash after touching any animal but I often forget. As for kissing likely not a good idea but my concern is more for the snake than person. I know they can carry salmonella and some do but I personally have never heard of a case traced to a snake before (likely they are cases I just am unaware of them) it is far more likely to come out of the kitchen than the snake IMO.