MITES from Cleveland reptile show!

[MontyP2016]

This past Sunday was the Cleveland Ohio reptile show. I brought a couple snakes there to sell, ended up trading a guy and wound up with a mite infested ball python. I should've looked him over more before I got him but I didn't, my fault. I don't even know who the guy was, can't believe how stupid I was. Typically I get a business card from anyone I deal with but my son wasn't feeling well and we had to hurry up. It was a guy and his brother running the stands, in the corner across from RodentPro. They had a bunch of different snakes and skinks. If you went there, just double check your animals! I'll take this as a lesson learned!

[Albert Clark]

Sorry you had to experience the downside of expos. However it's a reality that has got to be more widely reported. Expos are the number one way to pick up mites and take them home. It is becoming more and more common. Some people who already are aware of this are taking precautions prior to attending these expos. Some just don't attend them at all. Pre- treating tubs with PAM and or Reptile spray if you plan on purchasing is one idea. Practicing good hygiene by hand washing and using hand sanitizer as you move from table to table. Having a plan and even a list of things you wish to purchase prior to entering the expo helps to limit your time spent. After returning home, disrobe at a sensible location, put all clothing into a plastic bag and treat everything as a exposure. If you are bringing animals home, make sure they go directly into quarantine and into their pre-treated enclosures away from any established collection. Hope this helped.