Millions of Americans own at least one pet reptile or amphibian. But did you know that herps are more likely than any other animal group to secretly harbor microbes? In fact, an estimated 15% of domestic reptiles and amphibians carry a pathogen without showing any symptoms.
So, why do herps require such intensive biosecurity standards, and what should you do to protect your own pets? Keep reading to find out!
What is Herp Pathogen Testing?
Simply put, pathogen testing is the process of checking animals for harmful agents that can cause disease. Because these pathogens often go undetected, lab testing is the only way to determine if herps are as healthy as they appear. At the Healthy Trade Institute, we use validated molecular diagnostics to test amphibians, snakes, and bearded dragons for the following pathogens:
- Ranavirus (Rv)
- Chytrid fungi (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal))
- Agamid adenovirus 1 (AAdv)
- Cryptosporidium serpentis (Cs)
- Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo)
Our best piece of advice? Use pathogen testing as a preventative measure. It’s way easier than trying to recover from an outbreak later on!
Exotic Animal Testing Shouldn’t Be Optional
Are you a herp breeder, trader, rescuer, or owner? If so, pathogen testing should be a non-negotiable. Every time you bring a new animal through your front door or send one to a new home, you’ll want to make sure they aren’t unknowingly harboring any bacteria.
We recommend testing your exotic pets routinely — every 1 to 2 years — in addition to whenever unexplained symptoms show up. Regular testing is the only way to ensure your animals are safe and healthy!
How Herp Pathogen Testing Works
To make the screening process as simple as possible, we’ve created a clear, three-step process anyone can follow.
Step 1: Submit a Form
You’ll find three form options on our website – for amphibians, snakes, or bearded dragons. Select the appropriate template, download it to your computer, and fill it out accordingly.
Email the submitted forms to Danielle Galvin at dgalvin@healthytrade.org. You can also contact Danielle with any questions you might have about sample collection and pathogen testing!
Step 2: Mail Your Samples
Within 24 hours after your form submission and sample collection, you can send in your samples for testing. Please use a next-day delivery service and send your samples to:
Danielle Galvin
2431 Joe Johnson Dr.
ANR Bldg Rm 401
Knoxville, TN 37996
Step 3: Receive Your Herp Pathogen Testing Results
HTI will reach out with your animal’s results in 7-10 business days. If needed, we will also walk you through the next steps, should you have any positive cases.
The Truth? Businesses Thrive with Pathogen Testing!
Routinely checking on your herps can save your business from a detrimental outbreak in the future. Alongside preventative care comes:
- Lower veterinary costs
- Fewer outbreaks or forced shutdowns
- More buyer confidence and assurance
Plus, by publicising your care efforts, you’re effectively differentiating your business from any competitors. Pathogen testing shows that you care for your animals and their future owners.
Building a Healthier, More Sustainable Pet Trade
At HTI, we’re on a mission to improve the standards of herp care. We share the importance of pathogen screening and responsible husbandry to strengthen the exotic pet community from the ground up.
Explore more on our website to learn more about our impact on herpetoculture and contribute to our mission.