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Cryptosporidium is one of the most concerning diseases reptile keepers and breeders may encounter, but misinformation and fear can make it difficult to understand what it actually is and how it should be handled. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins is joined by special guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms to educate us about Cryptosporidium in reptiles. We discuss what Cryptosporidium is, how it spreads, which symptoms reptile keepers should watch for, how veterinarians test for it, whether an infected reptile can appear healthy, and what steps keepers can take to reduce the risk of introducing it into a collection. Topics include: • What Cryptosporidium is • The difference between Cryptosporidium species • How Crypto spreads through a reptile collection • Regurgitation, weight loss and other possible symptoms • Whether infected reptiles can remain asymptomatic • How fecal testing, PCR testing and veterinary examinations are used • Why one negative test may not always provide a complete answer • Quarantine procedures for newly acquired reptiles • Cleaning, disinfection and cross-contamination prevention • What to do when Crypto is suspected • Whether effective treatment options currently exist • Protecting the rest of a reptile collection • When euthanasia may become part of the veterinary discussion In snakes, reptile-associated cryptosporidiosis is commonly linked with recurring regurgitation, weight loss, chronic weakness and changes involving the stomach lining and digestive function. Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing because these symptoms may also be caused by other medical or husbandry problems. (Merck Veterinary Manual) Treatment remains difficult, and supportive veterinary care may help stabilize an affected reptile, but no consistently reliable cure is currently recognized. Any suspected case should be handled with the guidance of an experienced reptile veterinarian. (Merck Veterinary Manual) This episode is intended for education and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified reptile veterinarian. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms

Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

Keywords Cryptosporidium in reptiles reptile Crypto snake Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium symptoms reptile disease prevention reptile quarantine reptile PCR testing reptile fecal testing snake regurgitation reptile veterinary care Jessica Hare Hare Hollow Farms Alisha Harbin Herpin Harbins Small Town Xotics Reptile Guild Podcast