Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Technical Specialist Vertebrate Pests with the Invasive Plants and Animals Unit, Nathan Cutter, said the general public were instrumental in bringing to the department’s attention the presence of the illegal American Corn Snake.

“The discovery is a serious biosecurity concern as the American Corn Snake is recognised as an invasive species which is known to have established feral populations in places including the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas,” Mr Cutter said.

“The American Corn Snake is a potential host for exotic pests and diseases that are a threat to our native and domestic animals, including a tick-spread bacterium (Cowdria ruminantium) which can result in the death of grazing animals.

“The American Corn Snake is also known as a carrier of the parasite, Cryptosporidium which can infect humans, domestic and native animals with diarrhoeal disease.”

Local snake catcher Brenton Asquith was called to capture the snake which may have been illegally bred and then deliberately released into the park.

DPI arranged for the snake to be transported to a local veterinarian, Dr Gavin Rippon, to confirm the species identification, the collection of tissue samples and to conduct a humane euthanasia.

The tissue samples were sent to the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG) and to DPI Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) for biosecurity screening and analysis of the animal’s genetic profile.

Every individual animal’s DNA is unique but very similar to other members of its species, so the code in the DNA can be used to identify a species and even an individual animal.

This means positive identification and tracing of illegally kept animals to their place of origin may be achieved using an animal’s ‘DNA fingerprint’. Report unusual animal sightings to DPI on 1800 680 244 or online http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebrate-pests