Myth 63: “RI: Respiratory Infection Is Caused By Specific Bacteria, The Keeper Is Not Responsible For It”

The Reality of Respiratory Infections in Chameleons

Contrary to the claim that respiratory infections (RIs) are solely caused by specific bacteria and absolve the keeper of responsibility, the reality is far more complex and husbandry-dependent.

Most RIs in captive reptiles, especially chameleons, are not caused by inherently aggressive pathogens. Instead, they emerge from the interaction between ever-present, airborne, opportunistic bacteria and suboptimal environmental conditions. Importantly, respiratory infections have never been documented in wild chameleons under natural conditions.

Common Bacterial Agents

The most frequent bacterial culprits in reptile RIs include:

• Aeromonas spp.

• Pseudomonas spp.

• Mycoplasma spp.

• Salmonella spp.

These organisms are often part of the ambient environment and become pathogenic only when the host's immune system is compromised. They can proliferate and spread within enclosures, especially on:

• Artificial plants

• Moist cage walls and backdrops

• Coconut fiber walls and ropes

Root Causes in Captive Husbandry

Based on extensive personal experimentation and observation, especially with montane species, the most common root causes of RI in chameleons include:

• Absence of pollen in the diet (bee pollen is critical for immune support)

• High humidity combined with high temperatures, often due to:

  • Misting under strong basking lights

  • Fogging at temperatures above 65°F (18°C)

• Low ventilation, leading to stagnant, moist air

• Poor overall health, exhaustion, or stress

• Underlying parasitoses or concurrent diseases

Preventive Measures

To prevent RI, keepers must adopt a no-compromise, naturalistic approach to chameleon husbandry:

• Study species-specific needs from reliable, science-based sources

• Supplement and gut-load feeders with bee pollen

• Avoid misting or fogging during the day at high temperatures

  • Mist only before lights turn on and after they turn off

  • If daytime misting is necessary, turn off heat sources several minutes beforehand and ensure strong ventilation

• Never fog during the day or above 65°F (18°C)

  • Use foggers only at night or early morning when temperatures are low

• Ensure excellent ventilation

  • Use mesh or hybrid cages

  • Add active ventilation systems if needed

• Maintain strict hygiene

  • Remove feces and dust regularly

  • Avoid plastic plants, ropes, and permanently moist materials like coconut walls

  • Sanitize the facility and purify air using HEPA filters and UVA sterilizers

If RI Occurs: Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms (to be detailed separately) should be recognized early. If caught in time and treated by a competent veterinarian, the prognosis is generally good.

Ideal treatment protocol includes:

• Bacterial identification

• Antibiotic sensitivity testing

• Targeted antibiotic therapy (prescribed/administered by a vet)

Caution: Antibiotics can cause liver damage and disrupt physiological balance. They are not a cure-all.

Critical Warning

No treatment will succeed unless the root causes are addressed. Without correcting husbandry conditions, any recovery is temporary. Reinfection is often fatal due to:

• Weakened immune systems

• Increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics