title: Chronic cryptosporidiosis in Australian elapid snakes: control of an outbreak in a captive colony.
abstract: An outbreak of chronic cryptosporidiosis resulting in hypertrophic gastritis occurred in a captive colony of Australian elapid snakes. Two species of the genus Notechis were involved: Notechis ater (Black Tiger Snake) and Notechis scutatus (Eastern or Mainland Tiger Snake). The infection was eventually fatal in all 9 affected snakes. Typical histopathological findings of the stomach included mucosal thickening with cystic dilatation of gastric glands, moderate oedema and fibrosis of the lamina propria, and a mild to moderate patchy infiltration of inflammatory cells. Procedures implemented to contain the outbreak included the use of a formaldehyde-based disinfectant, prompt removal of faecal matter, uneaten and regurgitated food from enclosures, and examination of faecal specimens for Cryptosporidium oocytes and other pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria.
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Carmel
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Groves
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D017815:Elapidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005758:Gastritis, Hypertrophic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning