http://tahilla.typepad.com/petsmrsa

not sure of the source info, but it looks good -

http://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=resources&webcode=mrsa_basicinfo

this site also offers some tidbits on animals contracting mrsa, but nothing specific i can find on google about snakes contracting mrsa =\

ok, now my curiosity's all piqued. I'm having a hard time nailing it down. I'll send an email to our network vets and see what they say.

thatd be great. as far as ive read many pets can have mrsa transfered to them, but  i cant find a damn thing about snakes & mrsa contraction.

Staph in general is not zoonotic to reptiles but I am not sure about that specific one. I hope the vet network gives a good answer.

I would think it would be pretty easy for a healthcare worker to inadvertently pass MRSA, MRSI, or MRSE to one of their reptiles, and have it colonize on that reptile.. since staph is a common flora organism on the skin of most living creatures........ handwashing should always remain paramount

MRSA isn't airbone so unless your snakes come in contact with any bodily fluids that you have and it in turn gets into body, it shouldn't affect them. There's going to be some research at work that involves MRSA and while we're more concerned with the sheep giving it to the staff, the risk isn't too high for us as long as we're not coming in direct contact with the surgery site (and only if its open/oozing).

I'd make sure to use some good strong disinfectants in your snake room and wash your hands before and after just to be cautious- and keep your bodily fluids away from the snakes. :p

I worked in a lab studying MRSA skin infections (human) the first 2 years I owned reptiles.  I don't wear a lab coat any more than I have to...but I'm an absolutely nutty hand-washer.  it really is the best way to prevent spread of infectious diseases.

oh, and I haven't heard back but will let you know when/if I do -

MRSA can infect the lungs of living creatures, though its not considered airborne. i would never let my snakes come in contact with one of my wounds and i always wash my hands. i know the general info on mrsa, having had it for a year or so. i know mrsa can effect particular species more than others, and that pets like dogs, cats, etc are more prone to staph and mrsa. im just particularly interested in knowing about snake contraction and colonization. i suppose it doesnt matter either way, because if one of my snakes were to break out in a boil/wound i would automatically take them to a vet for care and testing. im still interested in knowing what the network vets have to say though. thanks for everyones input thus far.

Dr Adolf Maas was first to respond, and has this to say:

"'I've seen MRSA in every species, and has been reported in everything from monkeys to fish.  It is always a pathogen to all animals, as a microbiologist once told me.  Yes, reptiles get it, and it's a risk.  I think we've seen two or three confirmed cases in the last month.

thank you so much Aimee for getting an expert opinion on this topic. i try to take precautions and thats all i can do for now because i dont think i can find another caretaker for my snakes. im just devastated. this is upsetting news that both my pets and my own health are at risk. im lost right now as to what to do. but thanks again for everyones input, and thanks again for your help Aimee.

no prob. do you want me to add comments from the others, if/when they have a chance to respond? I sent it to 4 vets.

sure, thatd be great.