Do you kiss your snake (or allow your kids to)?

This is from another post on another site... BWSmith is a respected member of the reptile community, and he found this nice little prize... this info is NOT mine, but definately something to consider!!!!!!!


"Just a nice reminder why proper precautions should always be taken with working with reptiles. THey can harbor some pretty interesting parasites.

http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2063.jpg

http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2064.jpg

I found this in the cage of my male WC Mehelya capensis capensis (Cape File Snake). Admittedly, I did not recognise it and had to send out photos for ID. This is a Pentastomid, also called a Tongue Worm (because of its shape) or Lung Worm (since it lives in the lungs of the host). This particular one was about an inch long. Here is the fun part, it is zoonic (can transmit to humans). The snake caughs up and passes thousands of microscopic eggs in the water bowl and substrate. If you happen to tough the substrate, then have a snack later or wipe your mouth, you can ingest the eggs. Within hours they hatch and burrow through your intestines and migrate throughout your body organs forming cysts.

Of course, I didn't recognize it at first and it looked like a tube of worms, so I punctured it with a razor. The pressure inside the organism expelled the insides.
http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2068.jpg
http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2070.jpg


Did I mention that they can live in your body for up to 2 years?


Sweet dreams http://redtailboa.net/forums/images/...on_biggrin.gif"

I've got to admit I've done it before, but if they want anything more then just a kiss they have to take me to dinner and a movie first.

Mark

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Here is the fun part, it is zoonic (can transmit to humans). The snake caughs up and passes thousands of microscopic eggs in the water bowl and substrate. If you happen to tough the substrate, then have a snack later or wipe your mouth, you can ingest the eggs. Within hours they hatch and burrow through your intestines and migrate throughout your body organs forming cysts

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yeah perfectly safe to let your kids kiss a reptile :colbert: read it an weep snake kissers :snake: :P :D

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Originally Posted by snakey68

read it an weep snake kissers

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2FF.

:rofl:

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkportal/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10003/web_pict2068.jpg[/img]
http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2070.jpg

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OK, I finally REALLY lost my appetite. WOW. I am speechless.

I agree... these pics scared me into submission. My cleaning habits and sanitation habits weren't perfect. But they are about as close as they can be now...


These pics make me wanna...
:puke2:

I say, if you want to kiss your snake/s, dog/s, cat/s and various other pets then you go right ahead, it really has no ill effect on me. :)

Interesting thread, and fascinating parasite!

I do kiss my dogs and cats on the head, but no frenching, even if some of them really really want to. They are all on monthly parasite protocols, and very much indoor pets, so I'm not that worried.

No snake kissing though...I know what they lay in if I don't get them cleaned right away!

well, i'm going to go soak in a tub of bleach now.

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Originally Posted by mlededee

well, i'm going to go soak in a tub of bleach now.

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What? You didn't already do that?

I must be the weird one :D

i usually soak in straight chlorhexadine but this called for more serious action. :P

I prefer the scented bleach, doesn't burn the nostrils as much. ;)

And yep, I actually do douse myself in chlorhexidine if I have rats or snakes in quarantine. THEN go shower, LOL. Chlorhexidine baths for everyone!

I was doing a search on Chlorhexidine and this post popped up. I know this post is a few days old but I had to chime in….Don’t we kiss our significant others? Aren’t human mouths dirty? Don’t we put our hands by our faces after touching money or other objects in the world? There are TONS of people who don’t wash their hands and then have human feces on their hands. I think, and don’t quote me on this because I don’t have the research to back it up but will find some if people want me too, that money was studied and it was found to have feces on it. To me, the world is a much dirtier place than kissing my dog or a snake (which I can’t really say that I have done, but I won’t say that in the future it won’t happen). At least I know where my snake and dogs have been, where I don’t know what is in the world that I am touching. Plus, again no quoting here until I can find the research, aren’t dogs mouths cleaner than humans? They have some sort of enzymes in there to help with cleaning out wounds; otherwise they would die of infections in the wild. My :2cent:, I don’t think it is that bad to kiss an animal.

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Don’t we kiss our significant others?

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Yes we do however significant others don't sniff or eat poop, nor do they lick their own but.

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Originally Posted by Ksovich

At least I know where my snake and dogs have been, where I don’t know what is in the world that I am touching.

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The scary fact is, you DON'T know where they've been. Are they in your sight 24/7, and kept in a plain white clean room?

Yep, the world is a positively disgusting place. You can catch all kinds of bugs from handling money or kissing someone---Mono anyone? And how many colds have you had in your life?

And you can catch just as many bugs from kissing a critter. The question is, why take the risk (especially with kids)?

We can't wrap ourselves in a plastic bubble all our lives. We do what we can to keep healthy. Some people take vitamins, some people eat an apple a day. For me... not kissing my snakes (or my cat, or my dog) is a nice preventative.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

Yep, the world is a positively disgusting place. You can catch all kinds of bugs from handling money or kissing someone---Mono anyone? And how many colds have you had in your life?

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don't remind me... already feel like hell... :oops: lol

i somehow am lucky enough to contract BOTH mono and hepA at the same time... and no i dont kiss my snakes...

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

Yes we do however significant others don't sniff or eat poop, nor do they lick their own but.

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Okay, I am going to look this up now, but I think that dogs have something in their mouths that kill all the germs so their mouths are actually cleaner than ours are, EVEN after their lick their bums or eat poo.

You would be surprised how many people have traces of feces in their mouths and on their hands from money alone, so you can still get it from the significant other. I work at a Dr.’s office, I see LOTS of stuff. MRSA is much scarier to me than salmonella and anyone, anywhere, with open skin especially, could get MRSA because of how long it lives on surfaces.

I have more control over where and what my snakes and dogs encounter than I do with people in the world.

To each their own, if people want to do something it is their right as long as it is not hurting someone else.

Mmmmm personally I'd still rather french kiss my boyfriend than my Boxer.

I dont kiss my snakes because i dont see any reason too.

what happenes when you get salmonella? do you lose weight?
Any way, I have to say I do kiss all my reptiles.. I can't help it, but
i always wash my face and hands after..

The problem with the world today is all these stupid studies on this is dirty and that is dirty... germs are good for your body and good for your immune system... I dont know about everyone else but I rarely get sick... when I say rarely I mean maybe once in the past 5 yrs?? I dont wash my hands after handling my snakes and I kiss my dog... I can even vouch for a couple times where i had been talking to someone and my dog layed a good one on me and his tongue went in my mouth... I'm still here and I'm as healthy as ever... To me its those people who go out of their way to make sure everythings clean and theirs no dirt on anything that get sick the most... 5 second rule.... naw more like 5 minute rule... What doesnt kill you makes you stronger and builds up your immune system... If you want to be healthy and have a strong immune system you need to give your body practice killing off germs.

Josh, you do make some good points. There needs to be a balance struck between good hygiene and over-sanitizing everything. Our bodies DO need to be exposed to reasonable amounts of "germs" in order to build and maintain a natural immunity to them.

That being said...for me personally....knowing that my snake has slithered through her own wastes....and knowing that a dog probably ate some cat's poo a few minutes before trying to lick me.....ewww....I'd rather wash and not kiss...thank you very much. ;)

knowing what i now know about the parasites that reptiles can carry and harbor with no obvious outward signs for long periods of time...heck NO i will not ever kiss my reptiles! i love them to death but i can convey that in a multitude of other ways. some of the parasites that reptiles carry CAN be transferred to humans (and i'm not just talking about salmonella) and after reading about some of these things i'd really rather not take any chances.

my 3.5 yr old son, wants to kiss George, has has once. He tries to hug him though... He hugs the Bearded Dragon too!! I have a very loving kiddo!! forgot to add, we wash up afterwards!!!

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Originally Posted by JoshJP7

The problem with the world today is all these stupid studies on this is dirty and that is dirty... germs are good for your body and good for your immune system... I dont know about everyone else but I rarely get sick... when I say rarely I mean maybe once in the past 5 yrs?? I dont wash my hands after handling my snakes and I kiss my dog... I can even vouch for a couple times where i had been talking to someone and my dog layed a good one on me and his tongue went in my mouth... I'm still here and I'm as healthy as ever... To me its those people who go out of their way to make sure everythings clean and theirs no dirt on anything that get sick the most... 5 second rule.... naw more like 5 minute rule... What doesnt kill you makes you stronger and builds up your immune system... If you want to be healthy and have a strong immune system you need to give your body practice killing off germs.

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i agree 100% i was never carefull with anything, yet i never missed a day of school because i never got sick. i still never get sick! i think germs are good for you, so yes, i sometimes kiss my snakes. but im not worryed because they have all had vet checks and i keep their cages clean, i do not have to worry about them slithering over their poop like some people, plus they all get baths afer they poop.

No I don't kiss any of our pets or let our kids do that shoot had friends kids get fleas that was hard enough to help them cure.Lice another nasty parasite don't need any internal ones. As for the actual risk of salmonila, your more likely to get that at burger king or micky D's or any of your favorite fast food place's, still not a reason to kiss your snake.Thanks for bringing up the topic never really thought people would consider it.Though can anyone name the dirtest place in your house. A your dogs food or water bowl, your toilet or your bathtub. Guesses anyone? Well I'll save the suspense it's not the dogs bowl that 25 times less dirty then this choice, got you thinking it's the toilet now right nope thats almost 4 times cleaner then the correct answer. Yeah you got it it's the bathtub. So before you bath yourself you should really sanitize your tub. That's just my happy thought for everyone to consider today.

I'm not really a snake kisser but I have been known to make face contact. Perhaps you could call it really prude kissing :-)

My personal opinion is that most "casual sanitization" praciticed today is rooted in ignorance, mostly ineffective, and driven by advertisers.

My mother worked in the medical field for most of her career. I can tell you that true sanitization is *hard* and it is almost impossible to be 100% effective (She worked on equipment for a "boy in a bubble" case and it is wild how much they had to go through to create a bacteria free environment for him). In the realm of sanitation techniques I would say that slathering on some hand sanitizer is probably about as effective as "early withdrawl" is as a birth control technique.

I also do not agree that it is irresponsible to let your kids kiss their pet snake. Not only are they in far more peril from all the human beings around them - over-protecting children from bacteria is harmful to them.

Anyway, my opinion only. I'm not trying to change anybody's mind. And, certainly, good hygeine practices don't hurt anything as long as their effectiveness levels are understood.

I dont.. But My wife Does!!:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

I dont.. But My wife Does!!:rolleyes:

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Liar!! You know you do just not your own! :D

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Originally Posted by Louie1

Liar!! You know you do just not your own! :D

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Hi Buddy!:salute: I love you man!!:tears:

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

Hi Buddy!:salute: I love you man!!:tears:

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I love you too! You still can't kiss my snake!:colbert:

eWWWWW

I kiss my snakes :)

If it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger. There are a lot of germs in the human mouth too, but that doesn't seem to stop anybody.

I have before, but I don't make it a regular practice to have a good-bye smooch every morning.

I don't really think it's as big of a deal as some of you guys are making it out to be. Every door handle I touch probably has 500x the amount of germs a snake carries and only God knows how often I'll end up touching my face before I get a chance to wash my hands.

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Originally Posted by Wordsmith

If it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger.

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While it might not kill it can make pretty sick and also make others around you sick.

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Infection with any of several species of the gram-negative bacilli Salmonella results in gastroenteritis and sometimes local tissue infections.

About 2,200 types of Salmonella are known, including the one that causes typhoid fever (see Bacterial Infections: Typhoid Fever). Each type can produce gastrointestinal upset, enteric fever, and specific localized infections. With the exception of the type that causes typhoid fever, Salmonella infects the digestive tracts of many domestic and wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Contaminated foods—particularly meat, poultry, eggs, egg products, and raw milk—are common sources of Salmonella. Another source is infected pet reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles). Up to 90% of pet reptiles in the United States are infected with Salmonella. Salmonella infections are a significant public health problem in the United States.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of Salmonella infection are usually confined to the digestive tract and start 12 to 48 hours after ingesting Salmonella. The first symptoms are nausea and cramping abdominal pain, soon followed by watery diarrhea, fever, and sometimes vomiting. The infection is often gone within 1 to 4 days, but it may last much longer. Some people become carriers and continue to pass the bacteria in their stool well after symptoms are gone.

Very rarely, Salmonella leaves the intestines and travels through the bloodstream to infect other sites, such as the bones (particularly in people with sickle cell disease), joints, or heart valves. Occasionally, a tumor may become infected and develop an abscess that provides a source for continued blood infection.

Diagnosis is confirmed in a laboratory by culturing a rectal swab or sample of stool or blood taken from an infected person.

Treatment

Salmonella gastroenteritis is treated with fluids and a bland diet. Antibiotics do not shorten recovery time but do prolong the excretion of bacteria in the stool and are therefore usually not given. However, infants, people in nursing homes, and those with a weakened immune system are given antibiotics because they are at higher risk for complications. In carriers who do not have symptoms, the infection usually resolves on its own; antibiotic treatment is rarely needed and may not be effective.

People with Salmonella in their blood must take antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks. Abscesses (collections of pus) are treated by surgical drainage and 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy. People with infection in blood vessels, heart valves, or other sites generally require surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy.

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The last part really sound fun doesn't it? :rolleyes:

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Up to 90% of pet reptiles in the United States are infected with Salmonella. Salmonella infections are a significant public health problem in the United States.

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If 90% of pet reptiles have Salmonella, then wouldn't we be hearing about a lot people being infected with it? I know lots of people with reptiles and have never heard of them being infected with it.
I kiss my snakes all the time and have never been sick afterwards, I sometimes don't even wash my hands after :O oh my gawd I'm going to get sick :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by MontyNSpike

If 90% of pet reptiles have Salmonella, then wouldn't we be hearing about a lot people being infected with it?

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Well some people are more responsible than others (thanks god)

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I know lots of people with reptiles and have never heard of them being infected with it.

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So do I and none of the one I know have ever had this problem because they are responsible and ALWAYS practise safe handling.

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I kiss my snakes all the time and have never been sick afterwards, I sometimes don't even wash my hands after :O oh my gawd I'm going to get sick :rolleyes

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You say you don’t wash your hands afterward so let’s imagine this scenario for a minute you handle your reptile and than touch a child’s hand.

The child is either very young or has a weaken immune system and put his hand in his mouth.

The child gets sick or worst dies and the salmonella outbreak is traced back to YOU a reptile owner.

Now while you might not care what do you think will happen as far as legislation goes, how would you feel about the child you have endangered or killed?

Because it is unlikely this does not mean it cannot happen.

If a salmonella outbreak was traced back to reptile owners this would give more bullets to the government to banned this hobby might not bother you but it does me.

Safe handling is YOUR responsibility and you need to see the big picture.

I don't like letting anyone's face get near my snakes. A defensive bite can happen anytime and would do alot to push backward any favorable idea of snakes that many people have.

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

You say you don’t wash your hands afterward so let’s imagine this scenario for a minute you handle your reptile and than touch a child’s hand.

The child is either very young or has a weaken immune system and put his hand in his mouth.

The child gets sick or worst dies and the salmonella outbreak is traced back to YOU a reptile owner.


Safe handling is YOUR responsibility and you need to see the big picture.

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First off, I don't have kids and never come into contact with them while am at home, which is where all my reptiles reside. I do encounter them at work, but my hands are washed then. 2nd, I shower on a regular basis which kills lots of germs because of soap, it's a great thing. I handle my reptiles safely all the time. I clean them too and clean their cages on a regular basis. So I consider myself a safe handler. I know there are responsible pet owners out there, but even they would have affected animals according to your findings. I am well aware of the Governments ban on snakes and such. I am also aware of the ban on constrictors in San Francisco, which is why I can never move there because I own 3 constrictors. So, don't worry, I do see the big picture. I just don't see the big deal in kissing a snake with the most microscopic chance of catching something. When people start dying because of snake or reptile caused Salmonella, I might reconsider washing my hands right after holding my snakes and kissing them goodnight, until then I will carry on doing what I am doing...
Oh yeah, the other day I let a friend of mine hold one of my snakes, and he is afraid of them and doesn't know why. He did fine and so did the snake. It was anther step forward with educating people and getting them over their fear of these often misunderstood creatures.

When I get home from work, I usually give my 2 girl cats a kiss on the top of their head, but that's as far as I go.

I don't kiss my snake, and I probably never will.

Not even boyfriend type animals? Mine acts like a monkey sometimes. :D

Um, No!

I love Salzedo dearly, but I do not kiss him. Besides, I just don't think he would enjoy having a huge heat-radiating predator-sized creature put any part of him near its mouth. :P

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

What is better / OK - anti-bacterial, hand-washing, or either?

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After handling Salzedo, or spot-cleaning his cage, or even handling the spray bottle I use to 'top up' the humidity, I use liquid hand sanitizer (like they use in hospitals) twice on my hands. Then I use anti-bacterial hand soap and wash in hot water. This is a stable regiment I do not lax in.

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Originally Posted by Skoalbasher

When I get home from work, I usually give my 2 girl cats a kiss on the top of their head, but that's as far as I go.

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Would you kiss them if they were boy cats?

I don't kiss snakes and I always make everyone who handles them wash up afterwards. Although, I have kissed cats and rabbits before (but not on the mouth). That's probably not sanitary either... I wonder where one draws the line?

I dont kiss them, but if they come to my face, I usually let them explore a bit even if it means them rubbing all over my face (only the few that I really trust). I keep my mouth shut, and until I get sick I wont change :P Its amazing how many people are posting against kissing snakes but about half of the votes seem to "silently" support it...

I don't kiss Furio but sometimes he stretches out and crawls around my face "tasting" my nose... he must not like it because he hasn't bit haha

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Originally Posted by mlededee

who wants to kiss this?:

http://www.cookreptiles.com/photos/bps/grossness.jpg

thanks, but i'll pass.

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What is that???? :weirdface

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

This is from another post on another site... BWSmith is a respected member of the reptile community, and he found this nice little prize... this info is NOT mine, but definately something to consider!!!!!!!


"Just a nice reminder why proper precautions should always be taken with working with reptiles. THey can harbor some pretty interesting parasites.

http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2063.jpg

http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2064.jpg

I found this in the cage of my male WC Mehelya capensis capensis (Cape File Snake). Admittedly, I did not recognise it and had to send out photos for ID. This is a Pentastomid, also called a Tongue Worm (because of its shape) or Lung Worm (since it lives in the lungs of the host). This particular one was about an inch long. Here is the fun part, it is zoonic (can transmit to humans). The snake caughs up and passes thousands of microscopic eggs in the water bowl and substrate. If you happen to tough the substrate, then have a snack later or wipe your mouth, you can ingest the eggs. Within hours they hatch and burrow through your intestines and migrate throughout your body organs forming cysts.

Of course, I didn't recognize it at first and it looked like a tube of worms, so I punctured it with a razor. The pressure inside the organism expelled the insides.
http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2068.jpg
http://www.reptileeducation.com/mkpo...b_pict2070.jpg


Did I mention that they can live in your body for up to 2 years?


Sweet dreams http://redtailboa.net/forums/images/...on_biggrin.gif"

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OMG!! :O
(I really need to learn how to quote only sections of a post!)