Parasitism in snakes

Abstract

The captive breeding of snakes has increased recently due to several reasons: their use as pets, wildlife conservation, research, technological development, antivenom serum production, among others. Parasitism in these animals is common and may reach high rates of parasitic load, intensified due to the stress of captivity, which leads to immune system depression. The parasitic agents not only influence the viability of animals kept in captivity, but also have zoonotic potential. This is a review of Brazilian snakes and their parasites. This review is aimed at assisting professionals in the area of proper captive snake maintenance.