Over 10 years more than 20 million reptiles were imported to the EU. Escaped or intentional released “pet” reptiles can become invasive alien species and thus, contribute to the spread of parasites and infectious diseases that threaten local wildlife.
The O. ophiodiicola fungus causes the Snake Fungal Disease that can lead snakes to death. European strains are distinct from the US strain. It can affect any snake species, including pets and wild snakes. It’s been confirmed that individuals of the following European species had it: Grass snake (Natrix natrix) in the UK and Switzerland, and dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in the Czech Republic.
Pet trade
Worldwide / Mortal fungus
Originally found in North America, the milk snakes have been widely kept as pets since the 70s and they still remain very popular within the snake pet trade. They can be the source of Salmonella and other infectious diseases such as the Snake Fungal Disease (fungus strain from North America) caused by the O. ophiodiicola fungus.
Exotic species / America / Legal / Disease carrier
Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum
Do you know the consequences of pet trade?
Grass snake is a native species that can be found in Western Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland and Italy. This species is under special protection in Europe and is considered threatened or highly threatened in some countries. Recent studies show that some individuals of grass snake have been infected with Snake Fungal Disease in the UK.
Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola
Something is coming out of this box and it’s even worse than you think
Native species / Europe / Protected / Declining populations
Over 10 years more than 20 million reptiles were imported to the EU, contributing to the spread of parasites and infectious diseases that threaten local wildlife.
Barred grass snake Natrix helvetica
Something is coming out of this box and it’s even worse than you think