Reptile Health

Better reptile health starts with prevention.

Learn about important reptile pathogens, the diseases they are associated with and how prevention and screening fit into responsible keeping. This information is available whether or not ERHR currently offers the corresponding test.

Learn

Pathogens, diseases and prevention.

Test

Tests ERHR currently offers.

Document

Verifiable test documentation per animal.

Browse by reptile group

All viruses and bacteria

• Paramyxovirus

  The best known viral cause of epidemic respiratory disease in snakes, historically devastating in viperid collections.

  Testing is not currently available through ERHR.
• Adenovirus

  The classic agent of 'inclusion body hepatitis' in bearded dragons and a common finding in snakes and lizards.

  Testing is not currently available through ERHR.
• Herpesvirus

  A lifelong latent infection, most significant in tortoises, where it causes severe stomatitis-rhinitis and recurrent outbreaks after stress.

  Testing is not currently available through ERHR.
• Reptarenavirus

  The confirmed cause of Boid Inclusion Body Disease (IBD), a slow, fatal disease of boas and pythons.

  Test available through ERHR
• Nidovirus

  The leading cause of chronic respiratory disease in pythons, particularly widespread in ball and carpet pythons.

  Test available through ERHR
• Mycoplasma agassizii

  The bacterial cause of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in tortoises — chronic, recurring and lifelong.

  Testing is not currently available through ERHR.

Prevention and biosecurity

This information is educational. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a clinical veterinary examination.