
Should I get my animals screened?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I get my animals screened, is it important?
It is very important to ensure all pets are screened because some of the pathogens that could infest pets are zoonotic (can be transmitted to humans), and as you interact with your pet you are also potentially susceptible to any pathogens or parasites they may be carrying. This applies to all companion animals (pets) not just to reptiles and amphibians.
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Why should I use NCRW Laboratories to have my animals screened?
The NCRW Laboratories was established to screen all animals arriving at the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW). The centre is the first of its kind in the UK and in addition to rescuing and rehoming reptiles in need a key objective of the NCRW is to collate data on the health and welfare of reptiles kept in the UK. All profits from NCRW Laboratories are donated to the National Centre for Reptile Welfare charity.
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What parasites can my reptile or amphibian carry?
Reptiles and amphibians can be infected with:​
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Which test do I need just for parasites?
If you want to test just for parasites, we recommend the Standard Screening as this covers all known parasites including Cryptosporidia.
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Why is it important to test for Cryptosporidia?
Cryptosporidiosis is an important disease in reptiles due to its tendency to be highly contagious and high mortality rate. This is why we include testing for crypto in our standard parasitological screening at no extra cost.
What bacteria can my reptile or amphibian carry?
Your reptile and amphibians can be infected with: -
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​Can I catch these bacteria from my animals?
Yes, good hygiene is essential, hands must be thoroughly washed with hot water and soap after handling. Please note this should be done in between handling each animal, cleaning separate vivarium’s and thoroughly at the end of each session. Antiseptic soap and hand gels are available for added protection. This applies to all companion animals (pets) not just to reptiles and amphibians, if this is impractical then the use of disposable gloves between each animal / housing are recommended. Open wounds should always be covered before handling or cleaning out animals.
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How do I get my animals tested and what should I get them tested for?
We try and make the process as simple and easy as possible; we will provide all of the equipment necessary including a postpaid return envelope and detailed instructions on how to collect the sample/s
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Can I test a group of reptiles kept together?
Yes, if you have more than one animal kept in the same enclosure it is possible to pool the faeces from mutable animals and send it in as one sample. You will only get one set of results and there will only be one charge. If treatment is required though, you will need to treat all the animals. Where possible it is preferable to test each animal separately, we offer discounts to make this more affordable.
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You suggest I should try and pool faecal samples over three days, but my reptile only goes to the toilet infrequently, what do I do?
We do ask for a 3 day pooled faecal sample, if possible, as some parasites can be intermittently shed. Therefore, a sample collected over 3 days increases our chances of finding any parasites. If your reptile is going several days in between samples, after collecting the first sample, place it somewhere cool like a shed or garage until you are able to collect at least a second sample. If after a few days, it looks like it might be drying out, add one drop of cooled boiled water to keep it moist. Do not collect samples for longer than 7 days and do not refrigerate the sample. In the situation where your animal may only go once every two weeks or so ( e.g. Snakes ) then take pieces from every available stool , please avoid the white parts (urates) as these do not come through the intestinal tract. If you can only obtain the one lone sample there is the possibility of a false negative, please bear this in mind when ending your samples.
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When will I get my results?
We aim to provide results within three working days from receipt of the sample, given that we are an active busy rescue centre , the animals in our care must always be given priority
Test results will be sent by email. Please make sure this is correct and legible
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My reptile has tested positive for Salmonella and its says Serotype to follow, how long does this take?
If your reptile has tested positive for Salmonella, we send the sample to a government reference laboratory for confirmation and Serotype, this takes at least eight weeks, the results are sent to you as soon as they are ready
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Should I retest when my reptile has been treated?
Ideally yes, you should retest 2-3 weeks after treatment has finished to ensure that the medication has worked, and your animal is now clear. Because this is important, we offer a reduce rate for retest’s.
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https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/reptile-advice/
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Roundworm

Ciliates

Pinworm

Coccidia, amoeba and others

Tapeworms
(Nematodes)

Protozoa

Flagellates

Salmonella

Pseudomonas sp.

Campylobacter

Serratia sp.

E. coli

Yeasts

Klebsiella Pneomoniae

Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis (Chytrid Fungus)
causes
(chytridiomycosis)

Enterobacter sp.