Presented by Dr. James Bogan, DVM, PhD
Director, Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC), Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Exploring One of Reptile Medicine’s Most Persistent Diseases
MiDOG Animal Diagnostics recently hosted an insightful continuing education webinar led by Dr. James Bogan, DVM, PhD—Director of the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) and Chief Veterinary Officer at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The session, “Gastric Cryptosporidiosis in Snakes,” shed light on one of the most challenging and often underdiagnosed conditions in reptile health: gastric cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium serpentis.
Dr. Bogan guided attendees through the disease’s pathology, epidemiology, and diagnostic complexities, highlighting how this intracellular parasite impacts reptile health and collection management worldwide.
Key Takeaways
-
Cryptosporidium serpentis remains a leading cause of chronic gastritis and wasting in snakes, often eluding traditional diagnostics.
-
Clinical presentations can vary widely, making early recognition and targeted testing essential.
-
Advanced molecular tools—such as next-generation sequencing (NGS)—allow for precise detection and differentiation of C. serpentis from other gastrointestinal pathogens.
-
Proactive management, biosecurity, and screening protocols are critical to controlling outbreaks in both zoological and research settings.
Advancing Reptile Health Through DNA-Based Diagnostics
This discussion underscored the growing importance of molecular diagnostics in exotic and zoological medicine. MiDOG’s All-in-One NGS platform offers veterinarians the ability to identify all bacteria and fungi within a sample, delivering rapid, comprehensive insights beyond the limits of culture and PCR.
By integrating NGS into clinical workflows, veterinarians and herpetologists can enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve treatment outcomes, and strengthen the overall health of reptile collections.
Missed the Live Session?
Stay tuned for future CE opportunities and upcoming webinars featuring leaders in exotic and zoological medicine.