I’ve written numerous times about risks (mainly infectious disease risks) associated with some types of exotic pets. I’m not against all exotic pets, but I am against keeping improper pets and doing so in improper situations. The latter largely involves keeping species at high risk for certain pathogens like Salmonella in households with high-risk people

The Bronx Zoo has closed it’s reptile house following the disappearance of an Egyptian cobra. Officials noticed the 20-inch-long snake was missing on Saturday, and they are presumably carrying out a diligent and very careful search.

There’s probably no risk to the public (as long as the snake wasn’t stolen). It’s likely curled up

A New Jersey man managed to avoid being a good example of Darwin’s "natural selection," thanks to the help of medical professionals and the Bronx Zoo.

Eric Bortz (who, I’m sad to say, works at a veterinary clinic), purchased three snakes – a copperhead (venomous), a timber rattlesnake (venomous) and a monocled cobra (venomous)

MiceDirect, a company that sells frozen mice, rats and chicks as reptile feed, has issued a recall because of Salmonella contamination of their product. Contaminated critters have been sold across the US (except Hawaii) through mail order and pet stores, and recalled product codes can be found in the FDA recall notice. Contamination