Gecko Parasites/Quarantine

[Chevalrose]

As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm interested in getting a LG. I had a few questions about possible parasites and quarantining.

1) Do all geckos usually have some type of parasite naturally, or do they acquire them somehow? If so, how can I prevent them from getting them?

2) I have other animals (4 rats and a cat) in my apartment. The gecko tank would be near the rat cage. Is there a high chance of spreading these parasites to my other animals. I believe I heard they don't get mites, so as long as I use hand sanitizer/wash my hands after I come into contact with the gecko or the tank that should prevent a spread, right?

3) Should I quarantine the leopard gecko from my other pets, or is that really only if I were introducing it to other reptiles?

Thanks!

 

[Shera]

I'm no expert, so I'm sure someone here can answer better, but I'm pretty sure that leos acquire the parasites from the insects they eat. You can help reduce the risk and number of different parasites by only feeding captive bred insects (never wild ones), and by getting your feeders from a reliable source. Regardless though, I think many leos still manage to get parasites from their feeders. Some people chose to get a fecal test done each year.

If you wash your hands well between handling pets, then there is no reason they should be spread to other pets or yourself (or from those other pets to your leos). I was under the impression leos can get mites, but I don't know for sure, and I don't know if it's a special kind of mite.

I don't really understand the 3rd question, you wouldn't actually have your cat or rats interact with your leo would you? Housing it separately and not allowing contact between your leo and other pets, is essentially quarantine, but that's the way it should stay.

 

[Chevalrose]

No, I wasn't planning on having them interact at all. I didn't know if there were anything a LG could have that would be harmful by just being in the same air supply as my other pets. Especially since it will be near my rat cage.

 

[Shera]

No, I wasn't planning on having them interact at all. I didn't know if there were anything a LG could have that would be harmful by just being in the same air supply as my other pets. Especially since it will be near my rat cage.

I really don't think so. I'm not a vet though. Maybe Maia can chime in?