Re: raw meat

Posted by Ron St.Pierre on August 26, 1998 at 20:05:57:

In Reply to: Re: raw meat posted by Tim V on August 26, 1998 at 18:52:14:

: : Can I feed raw meat to my nile monitor?

: This topic always stirs things up. It is certainly true that monitors are already carring digestive bacteria that can cause sickness if transmitted to humans. Feeding it raw meat can introduce new, different bacteria. This is where the arguments start. The monitor may be able to remain healthy with these bacteria, but you can't. If you handle your monitor and get bit or scratched, you can become quite ill or even die. Some will point out that a monitor can transmit harmfull bacteria that are a natural part of their digestive system, even if they are fed cooked food items. This is true. But I prefer not to introduce any more than already exist. Especially since the bacteria in the uncooked meat may be somthing that the monitor is not naturally immune to. It is my belief that you should not introduce anything to a PET monitor that can come back to haunt you. Especially for myself as I must take drugs that suppress my immune system. Inform yourself and make the decision you feel most comfortable with.

Tim definitely makes a valid point however I personally have used, and continue to use, various forms of raw meat as an addition to the diets of my tegus and monitors with no affects whatsoever. I been bitten (sometimes seriously) and scratched bloody more times than I care to recount and have never had so much as a minor infection. Now if you are on medication or have a suppressed immune system I would not recommend handling reptiles or any other pet for that manner. As far as Salmonella is concerned it is found EVERYWHERE (money, your kitchen counter,even your dog). So the risk of salmonella, while very real, is also very EXAGGERATED in reptiles by the media and other sources.
Ron

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: : : Can I feed raw meat to my nile monitor? : : This topic always stirs things up. It is certainly true that monitors are already carring digestive bacteria that can cause sickness if transmitted to humans. Feeding it raw meat can introduce new, different bacteria. This is where the arguments start. The monitor may be able to remain healthy with these bacteria, but you can't. If you handle your monitor and get bit or scratched, you can become quite ill or even die. Some will point out that a monitor can transmit harmfull bacteria that are a natural part of their digestive system, even if they are fed cooked food items. This is true. But I prefer not to introduce any more than already exist. Especially since the bacteria in the uncooked meat may be somthing that the monitor is not naturally immune to. It is my belief that you should not introduce anything to a PET monitor that can come back to haunt you. Especially for myself as I must take drugs that suppress my immune system. Inform yourself and make the decision you feel most comfortable with. : Tim definitely makes a valid point however I personally have used, and continue to use, various forms of raw meat as an addition to the diets of my tegus and monitors with no affects whatsoever. I been bitten (sometimes seriously) and scratched bloody more times than I care to recount and have never had so much as a minor infection. Now if you are on medication or have a suppressed immune system I would not recommend handling reptiles or any other pet for that manner. As far as Salmonella is concerned it is found EVERYWHERE (money, your kitchen counter,even your dog). So the risk of salmonella, while very real, is also very EXAGGERATED in reptiles by the media and other sources. : Ron

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