We want to express our gratitude to those vendors and the public who came to the show! This year was record breaking for us, in terms of attendance.
We would like to formally address the fact that snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis) were found on snakes purchased from a vendor who attended our show. We put trust in our vendors to properly treat and quarantine their animals, and to only bring those that are clean and healthy. We do start every Expo with vet checks and have a vet on duty for the entirety of the weekend, but sadly these things can occasionally go undetected.
This is one of many reasons we at the BCRC promote the use of proper quarantine procedures, as there is an inherent risk at any show where animals are exposed that you may bring something back home with you. The concerns have been brought up to said vendor, and the BCRC are diligently working to tighten up how our next shows are conducted to significantly lessen the chance of this happening in the future.
At this time, we urge all vendors who brought their animals, and the general public who took home animals to always carefully examine said animals at your earliest availability, and to reach out to the seller if you have any concerns on the animals care or overall health.
More information on snake mites…
Causes, Prevention, And Treatment Of Snake Mites, Acariasis
By KEVIN WRIGHT, DVM, DABVP (RA)
Wikipedia’s Entry on Ophionyssus Natricis (snake mites)
Mites On Snake
By Margaret A. Wissman, DVM, DABVP