How to avoid ris???

What are the best ways to avoid ris and what causes them?

RIs (Repiratory Infections) are actually the generic term for a few different types of infection. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites can cause them. This is why it is typically recommended to see a vet if you suspect an infection of this type. The course of treatment can vary depending on the actual cause.

The best way to avoid them is to:

1. Know where your animals are coming from. The more you know about where your new animal is coming from, the more confidence you can have that the animal will arrive healthy.
2. Quarantine ALL new arrivals. Regardless of where a new arrival comes from, do not house a new addition with your existing collection until it proves itself to be healthy.
3. Don't take proper husbandry for granted. Many times infections accompany subpar conditions - dirty environments and/or improper temperature/humidity levels.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

RIs (Repiratory Infections) are actually the generic term for a few different types of infection. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites can cause them. This is why it is typically recommended to see a vet if you suspect an infection of this type. The course of treatment can vary depending on the actual cause.

The best way to avoid them is to:

1. Know where your animals are coming from. The more you know about where your new animal is coming from, the more confidence you can have that the animal will arrive healthy.
2. Quarantine ALL new arrivals. Regardless of where a new arrival comes from, do not house a new addition with your existing collection until it proves itself to be healthy.
3. Don't take proper husbandry for granted. Many times infections accompany subpar conditions - dirty environments and/or improper temperature/humidity levels.

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Thanks!

My snake developed an RI; from what I've read (a lot) I'd add stress to that list. His husbandry with me is fine. He came from a neglectful environment but had no signs of illness when I got him, and that was a couple of months ago. He's my only snake. However, something very, very stressful happened to him recently and he came down with an RI about two days later. I don't think it's unrelated; there is no other reason I can think of.

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Originally Posted by m1lkhoney

My snake developed an RI; from what I've read (a lot) I'd add stress to that list. His husbandry with me is fine. He came from a neglectful environment but had no signs of illness when I got him, and that was a couple of months ago. He's my only snake. However, something very, very stressful happened to him recently and he came down with an RI about two days later. I don't think it's unrelated; there is no other reason I can think of.

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That's a good point. Stress can depress the immune system and the bacteria that can cause an RI is often naturally present in the environment. Your snake just doesn't get visibly sick because its immune system is strong enough to defeat the bacteria before it shows visible symptoms of the disease.