Reptile Parasite Screen: 2

This reptile parasite screen provides greater information to allow for monitoring and managing your reptile’s health. The range of parasites and bacteria test for is as stated below:

• Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, and tapeworms.
• Ciliated protozoa such as Balantidium and Nyctotherus.
• Flagellated protozoa such as Giardia.
• Protozoans such as Coccidia and Cryptosporidium and Amoeba.
• Bacterial: Campylobacter and Salmonella 

Please note that this test requires a 3-day sample, this can be collected over several days. While this can be difficult to achieve with some exotic species, if you have any problems, please contact the office for advice.

Report 1 – Worm Count Test

Tested and issued the same working day the sample arrives into the lab.  The worm egg screen will identify and quantify of all species present within the family groups of:

• Ascarids
• Hookworms
• Pinworms
• Trichurid

In addition, as standard, this screen also reports on:

• Cestodes (Tapeworms*)
• Protozoa including Coccidia, Balantidium, Nyctotherus 

*Tapeworms are very intermittent shedders and do not always show on a worm egg screen.  If present in the sample, the species will be identified. 

Report 2 – Giardia & Cryptosporidium Test

Tested and issued the same working day the sample arrives into the lab. Using antigen technology, a separate report will be provided detailing the presence or absence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens.

Report 3 – Campylobacter & Salmonella Tests

Testing can take up to 5 working days using PCR testing techniques. A separate report will be provided detailing the presence or absence of campylobacter and salmonella.

Note

This test pack comes with complete instructions for each portion of the test.

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic protozoan parasite that causes the gastrointestinal disease cryptosporidiosis, which can infect both animals and humans (zoonosis). This parasite is highly resilient and can survive in various environmental conditions, making it a common contaminant in water and food sources. Infection occurs when animals or humans ingest the parasite, often through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected faecal matter.

Typical symptoms in animals infected with Cryptosporidium may include persistent watery diarrhoea, which can be particularly severe in young or immunocompromised animals.

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that resides in the gastrointestinal tract and is often contracted through the consumption of contaminated water. This parasite is highly contagious among pets and can also be transmitted to humans. In many cases  cats may carry giardia without displaying any symptoms, yet they can still spread the infection to other animals and potentially to humans. If your dog or cat does exhibit symptoms, these may include intermittent vomiting, diarrhoea, as well as lethargy and weight loss.

Salmonella can be transmitted from reptiles to humans, potentially causing infection. It is known that pet reptiles pose a risk of Salmonella, as many reptiles carry the bacteria in their intestines without showing any signs of illness.

Campylobacter is a common bacterial pathogens that can affect the gastrointestinal tract of reptiles. Squamates (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) are a potential reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. Regular monitoring and appropriate management practices are recommended to ensure the health of the reptiles and to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission.

There is a ‘use by date’ on each kit which MUST be adhered to.  The use by date will  be 6 months from date of order.  Unfortunately, no refunds can be given for late submission or unused tests however please contact the office to discuss options if this occurs.

This kit has been designed to provide ultimate sample protection during transit, whilst also minimising our environmental impact as far as practically possible.  The kit includes:

• One recyclable padded envelope, made with 60% recycled material
• Free tracked return 24hr postage to get the samples to the lab
• One white paper laboratory request form (worm count test) with instruction sheet
• One red paper laboratory request form (lungworm test) with instruction sheet
• One blue paper laboratory request form with  instruction sheet
• Three recyclable sample collection boxes in resealable write-on panelled bags
• Two biodegradable additional sealable bags
• One biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon
• One protective disposable glove