IBD = Mad Snakes Disease

[Invisible Snake]

Has anyone ever heard of this? It affects boas and pythons. ‘Mad snake disease’ may 
be caused by rodent virus - Environment - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/mad-snake-disease-may-be-caused-by-rodent-virus-1-2465888)

[guidofatherof5]

Good info. to have. Thank for the post.

[ProXimuS]

Wow that sounds strange. Thanks for the link!

[Eight]

I've come across it before, but I don't personally know anyone who's boids have been affected by this. Good shout putting it up though.

[ScimitarX]

We lost a group of amazon tree boas to it several years ago. Its a very nasty disease. Wouldnt wish it on anyones collection

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to hear that Claire.

[EasternGirl]

Yes, IBD is also known as "star-gazing" and happens a lot with boas and pythons from what I understand. I was concerned about it with Possum when I first got him...but it doesn't usually occur in garters. Yes, very sorry to hear that Claire.

[ScimitarX]

Thanks. Those particular snakes had been rescued by one of the reptile stores around in and were in bad shape when we got them. We sorted them out and they were fine for ages. Then one of them died suddenly, and then the others got ill. Thankfully, we found a good vet, who found out what it was. We followed strict quarantine measures and fortunately it didnt spread to the rest of our animals.

[EasternGirl]

Did you notice the star-gazing that people describe occuring in these snakes? They apparently hold their heads up and stare and the head tends to wobble back and forth.

[ScimitarX]

yes, they had star gazing, and they couldnt control their movements, they would be wrapped in knots like the article says. Everything typical to neurological symptoms. They went downhil very fast. Went off their food, didnt shed properly then we found them at the bottom of the tank, rather than on their perches, because they couldnt grip the branches due to not being able to control moving. Few days after finding them like that they died.

[Invisible Snake]

IBD appears to be related to the ebola virus that affects humans.


How A Virus In Snakes Could Offer Clues To Ebola In Humans | WBUR & NPR (http://www.wbur.org/npr/158501873/how-a-virus-in-snakes-could-offer-clues-to-ebola-in-humans)

[ConcinusMan]

Hmm... I've certainly heard of inclusion body disease (IBD) but had no idea it was caused by a virus spread by rodents. I've never heard of any confirmed cases in garters but I suppose it could happen.