Snake Handler Removes Parasitic Worm From Snake

Occurred on May 12, 2015 / Piccadilly, South Australia, Australia

Info: A Pygmy Copperhead was removed from a rock wall in the backyard of a Picadilly house in The Adelaide Hills. Upon capture, it was noticed to have a lump protruding from its skin in the lower part of its body. So it was taken home to be operated on. The snake and equipment were sterilized and a tiny incision was needed just underneath one of its scales to squeeze out the 15cm roundworm, which most probably would have ended his life in an awful way if it wasn't removed. Roundworm is the most common parasite among reptiles.
The snake was kept for a short period of time to make sure he was okay and then released back into the wild. Pygmy Copperheads are unfortunately prone to parasites, as they feed on mainly skinks and frogs. Frogs are unfortunately full of parasites, and it's then passed on through the frog to the snake. Pygmy Copperheads are on the threatened species list and are only found in remote parts of The Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island in South Australia.