Are Mites Species Specific?

[maausen]

Post title kind of says it all. I recently started working at a veterinarian hospital and work with all kinds of animals. I recently treated a rabbit for ear and skin mites and of course came in contact with it. I began to wonder if somehow I could bring these nasty things home to my snakes? Anyone know?

[RickyNY]

Don't worry about mammals, but if you treat a reptile or another snake, then Yes be very cautious.

[maausen]

Okay thank you! If I do end up treating a reptile how would you suggest I do it so I don’t bring something home?

[RickyNY]

Sorry, I got no idea... That's why I don't go to reptile shows.

[redshepherd]

Okay thank you! If I do end up treating a reptile how would you suggest I do it so I don’t bring something home?

If you know in advance about the reptile with mites, you can treat your whole room and around the enclosure with PAM beforehand. And maybe do a whole change of clothes outside your home and immediately shower!

[Trisnake]

Yeah I’d say always bring a change of clothes with you to work on the chance you work with a reptile you weren’t planning on. Change and put the contaminated clothes in a plastic bag before heading home, put the clothes in the washer once you’re home. Then take a shower.

If you have forewarning about the sick reptile I’d treat the whole room with PAM or other mite spray/powder beforehand as well.