question

[aceboogie09]

i was told that its possible for ball pythons to carry diseases.

is this true?

if so what kind of diseases?and what are the odds?

[grim reaper in NY]

Salmonella is the biggest disease our pets can carry. All reptiles have the ability to carry this disease. That's why proper hand hygiene is crucial to avoid any potential exposures to this disease. There may be others, but this one is the biggie.

[aceboogie09]

but is there n e way to detect this?i mnea i feel that i am very clean, i try and keep him and is surroundings as clean as possible.but is there a way to detect it?

[Kaorte]

Yeah there is a way to detect it, you get sick.
You shouldn't ever have a problem if you wash your hands and don't clean up his waste and then touch your face or something.

I don't think keeping the snakes enclosure clean has much of an impact on the chances of YOU getting salmonella. It really just has to do with keeping yourself clean after handling a snake.

[Neal]

+1

Just keep the enclosure clean, wash your hands after handling, and don't touch your face before you wash your hands, actually don't touch your face in general for any reason, that's a bad habbit.

[word]

I don't own a BP just quite yet, but now I'm curious... what if I wrap the snake around my neck? Will that pose any danger to me? Well, besides it strangling me ;]

[Ben Biscy]

+1

don't touch your face in general for any reason, that's a bad habbit.

why?

[Wh00h0069]

I don't own a BP just quite yet, but now I'm curious... what if I wrap the snake around my neck? Will that pose any danger to me? Well, besides it strangling me ;]

It is not suggested to wrap snakes around your neck, because it could increase your chance of being bit in the face. Also salmonella runs though the snake’s digestive tract. If the snake has salmonella, has defecated, and got some on him, putting him around your neck could increase your chance of getting salmonella poisoning. For example, if the snake brushes up against your face.

[Lara]

The best way not to contact it is to keep proper hygiene when handling them and their enclosures. I have had herps for 20+ yrs and NEVER gotten sick from any of my herps b/c I keep them very clean and always wash my hands before and after handling any of them.
If you want check out this link : http://www.petstation.com/repsalmo.html
Very good info on how to prevent getting it.