Inclusion Body Disease (IBD)
This is a devastating virus that affects boid snakes, or Boa Constrictors and Python species. This virus causes damage to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and also the kidneys, spleen and pancreas. Boas can be carriers of the virus without showing symptoms, so this can make it dangerous to house Boas and Python species within the same collection.
Symptoms
Signs of acute IBD in boids include:
How Is It Spread?
Because this is a virus, it can be transmitted through direct contact with other infected snakes (respiratory or oral secretions) or through indirect contact with the owner/keeper (the virus can hitch a ride on the clothing and hands of the person as well as water dishes and other environmental/cleaning devices). If you suspect IBD in your snake population then discuss proper quarantine protocols with your veterinarian to help minimize the risk of infecting other snakes. A quarantine of 6 months for new Boas or Pythons is recommended before introducing them into your population.
The snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) has been implicated in transmitting IBD as a large number of snake collections with diagnosed IBD infections also had battle mite infestations previously, but this has not been definitively proven. Keeping good hygiene practices and having appropriate substrates will help prevent mite infestations.
Diagnosis
Definitive diagnosis requires biopsies of affected sites. Because other treatable diseases can have similar symptoms of chronic IBD, testing is recommended for those snakes. Snakes with acute IBD and severe neurological signs are usually so significantly affected that diagnosis is made on necropsy after humanely euthanizing the snake. Necropsy is highly recommended if you have other snakes in your collection that have possibly been exposed to IBD.
Treatment
There is no treatment for IBD. Humane euthanasia is recommended if symptoms and bloodwork are suggestive of IBD. This disease is so devastating to the snake that keeping a snake alive, even with force feeding and supportive care, is in my opinion cruel.
I Have A Snake With Confirmed IBD - What Now?
This is a tough situation. If you have other boid snakes, then having a thorough physical exam and bloodwork run on each snake is important. Do not bring any new snakes into your home during this time. Make sure and wash your hands and disinfect any materials you use on multiple snakes in between handling each snake. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, a gown or apron, or change clothes in between handling each snake to help minimize the spread of the disease. Handle any snake you suspect was exposed to the virus after handling non-exposed snakes.
If you run or own a reptile collection with a large number of other snakes, then it is best to consult your reptile veterinarian on proper quarantine, disinfection and testing protocols for your collection.
Symptoms
Signs of acute IBD in boids include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of the righting reflex (when a snake is flipped over it cannot return itself to a normal position)
- Stargazing (head upturned in a stiff posture)
- Inability to strike/blindness
- Seizures or head tremors
- Sudden death
- Anorexia (not wanting to eat)
- Regurgitation of food
- Weight loss
- Improper shedding
- Mouthrot or stomatitis
- Upper respiratory infections or pneumonia
How Is It Spread?
Because this is a virus, it can be transmitted through direct contact with other infected snakes (respiratory or oral secretions) or through indirect contact with the owner/keeper (the virus can hitch a ride on the clothing and hands of the person as well as water dishes and other environmental/cleaning devices). If you suspect IBD in your snake population then discuss proper quarantine protocols with your veterinarian to help minimize the risk of infecting other snakes. A quarantine of 6 months for new Boas or Pythons is recommended before introducing them into your population.
The snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) has been implicated in transmitting IBD as a large number of snake collections with diagnosed IBD infections also had battle mite infestations previously, but this has not been definitively proven. Keeping good hygiene practices and having appropriate substrates will help prevent mite infestations.
Diagnosis
Definitive diagnosis requires biopsies of affected sites. Because other treatable diseases can have similar symptoms of chronic IBD, testing is recommended for those snakes. Snakes with acute IBD and severe neurological signs are usually so significantly affected that diagnosis is made on necropsy after humanely euthanizing the snake. Necropsy is highly recommended if you have other snakes in your collection that have possibly been exposed to IBD.
Treatment
There is no treatment for IBD. Humane euthanasia is recommended if symptoms and bloodwork are suggestive of IBD. This disease is so devastating to the snake that keeping a snake alive, even with force feeding and supportive care, is in my opinion cruel.
I Have A Snake With Confirmed IBD - What Now?
This is a tough situation. If you have other boid snakes, then having a thorough physical exam and bloodwork run on each snake is important. Do not bring any new snakes into your home during this time. Make sure and wash your hands and disinfect any materials you use on multiple snakes in between handling each snake. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, a gown or apron, or change clothes in between handling each snake to help minimize the spread of the disease. Handle any snake you suspect was exposed to the virus after handling non-exposed snakes.
If you run or own a reptile collection with a large number of other snakes, then it is best to consult your reptile veterinarian on proper quarantine, disinfection and testing protocols for your collection.