Quarantine Distance?

[2.1SRR.YYC]

I'm aware that I should quarantine any new additions to my collection but what constitutes quarantine?

I looked around and most breeders are suggesting 30-60 days if acquired from a reputable dealer and 90 days if from a questionable dealer but what about the quarantine housing when receiving a group?

If the geckos are housed individually is the distance between tubs an issue? I understand that most disease is contracted by fecal/oral transfer which should not be an issue provided proper care is taken in assuring no sharing of implements, furniture or food and proper washing of hands before and after handling.

Is a different rack shelf OK for quarantine? Should I keep an empty shelf between the two groups?

I realize the greater the distance between the groups the better but sometimes it's just not possible or practical to have a different rack just for quarantine.

Thanks

 

[trizzypballr]

maybe set up a few 10 gallon tanks in a diff room?

 

[Leopardbreeder]

They should deffenitly be in different rooms. There are many airborne illnesses

 

[trizzypballr]

Hmm, actually I dont believe there are any airborne illnesses in geckos? I believe even Crypto is only spread fecally and orally, but you do not want to cross contaminate between your breeders and your quarantine geckos in any way, this is why it is best to have them in a separate room, makes it harder to accidentally cross contaminate

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I agree that most diseases that affect Leopard Geckos are transmissible via oral/fecal contact, and adenovirus is airborne although I don't know of any cases affecting leos. I don't see any reason to house quarantined geckos in another room unless there is evidence that they are symptomatic of disease. Just make sure that any items like hides, bowls, etc. stay designated to each individual enclosure, and discard soiled paper towel often. Don't forget to wash your hands! LOL!

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

Thanks Marcia!

Great to see your feeling better!!:main_thumbsup:

That's the answer I was looking for as my situation involves an acquisition of eight geckos from two different breeders. Tanks just won't work as I'm not going to go out and buy a bunch of tanks to keep all the animals separate. I have one quarantine tank for individual purchases but this time I'm going for a group purchase.

They are all going to go into the same rack and I'm going to keep close attention to what goes into and out of each tub for 60 days. Mind you, I guess it's always a good idea to monitor what goes in and out.

Yes, I'll disinfect my hands before entering any of the tubs!

I'm curious if others ALWAYS wash their hands before cleaning each tub or handling each gecko? Anyone using rubber gloves or is this overkill?
If all your animals are healthy and there are no new additions do you still wash your hands before handling?

 

[MichaelJ]

I agree with Marcia totally. We keep them in different rooms occaisonally if I just don't trust something or if they visibly having issues. As far as airborne illnesses I haven't read about any either.

I would keep them on a separate shelf if you want to be on the safe side. If you're worried than use another room to put yourself at ease.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

When your cleaning, dont let anything touch your shirt, otherwise you need to change. Just difinfect about 6-9 up your arm and you will be fine.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom52688]

Now what if you buy from a well known breeder. I just got rid of all my tanks and items and I have two tubs ready in my rack for them. Should I try and set up something to keep them seperate. I might just buy shoe boxes for them. And just use the shoe boxes next year. What is best?