Great post Wolfy and Jo, and awesome link Robin! I agree... a good quarantine procedure sticky would be super. I also qt in my bed room, separate from the spare bedroom that houses the snakies. I've gone as long a 4 months on some. *knock on wood* I've never had a problem, but I've heard some pretty scary stuff. Ashley, I hope I didn't come across wrong when asking about you qua renting... I never qt'd things before I knew better, thankfully I didn't learn from getting my collection wiped out, but I've heard it happens.
As for transmitting stuff... I know there are people here with much more knowledge on the subject, but if I understand correctly, there are both bacterial and viral elements that effect snakes. And yes, some transmit from other species. The scary thing is that like other viruses, a snake can be a carrier... or the sickness can lie dormant... So who knows!?!?!? I'd really like to know more about it... I just try to do the best quarantien as possible, use hand sterilizer, etc...cause you never know. As for bringing things home from a shop etc... I THINK mites would be the biggest concern? Like I said, I'm sure there are more knowledgeable members when it comes to all this... maybe someone else will chime in. As far as qting a snake from the same source... I'd still do it. It's just a good habit to get into!