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MITES AND TICKS ON REPTILES

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Reptiles often contract ectoparasites eg mites and ticks, and treatment of the environment is important as well as treating the individual.

When a reptile contracts ectoparasites such as mites or ticks, it is important to clean the environment as well as the reptile itself. Sources of infection include other reptiles, and contamination of food bought for the animal, for example there have been reports of parasites being introduced with live crickets. 

None of these products are specifically licensed for use in reptiles, but several products have been  recommended to be used directly on the reptiles themselves including :

  • Fipronil spray - every 7-10 days
  • Ivermectin* spray every 7-10 days (1-2ml/litre water) , OR
  • Ivermectin* by intramuscular injection (200micrograms/kg body weight every 7 days)

* NB Ivermectin should not be used on Chelonia such as tortoises or turtles, Indigo snakes or skinks.

In addition, the tank should be emptied of all debris and a dichlorvos-impregnated strip left in the empty tank for 28 days (use a freshly cut strip 1cm square for every 30 cubic centimetres of tank). The reptile should not be returned to the tank during this period. 

 

Updated October 2013