I know some of you probably rolled your eyes when you read the title, but just bear with me...
...in light of the recent discussions regarding mixing different species together (coincidentally, this same issue has sprung up independentally on other forums I visit), I decided to share yet another reason why this isn't a good idea, at least concerning boid species.
Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) is arguably the most serious ailment that can befall a python or boa. Suspected to be a virus, it is highly contagious, easily transmitted by direct contact with cagemates, and by the keeper via unwashed hands or clothing. It is even thought to be airborne as well. The "reptile" mite is a commonly-suspected carrier, but it is not present in all cases of IBD, so it remains inconclusive that it is responsible for this disease.
What is worse is that it is currently untreatable, and any snake diagnosed with IBD should be euthanized.
Symptoms primarily include neurological damage, such as disorientation (i.e. inability to maintain an upright position), "star-gazing" (unresponsivness & constantly staring upwards), paralysis, pupil dilation, and sometimes, regurgitation.
I bring this up because many people choose to house their snakes together in the same enclosure, and red-tailed boas with pythons are a common mix. This is usually how the disease spreads throughout an entire collection.
Part of the problem can be solved by throrough quarantine methods. Always isolate a new snake for a good 90 days before housing with others, even if with the same species. And always deal with mites effectively and try to wash your hands after handling a snake before touching another.
...in light of the recent discussions regarding mixing different species together (coincidentally, this same issue has sprung up independentally on other forums I visit), I decided to share yet another reason why this isn't a good idea, at least concerning boid species.
Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) is arguably the most serious ailment that can befall a python or boa. Suspected to be a virus, it is highly contagious, easily transmitted by direct contact with cagemates, and by the keeper via unwashed hands or clothing. It is even thought to be airborne as well. The "reptile" mite is a commonly-suspected carrier, but it is not present in all cases of IBD, so it remains inconclusive that it is responsible for this disease.
What is worse is that it is currently untreatable, and any snake diagnosed with IBD should be euthanized.
Symptoms primarily include neurological damage, such as disorientation (i.e. inability to maintain an upright position), "star-gazing" (unresponsivness & constantly staring upwards), paralysis, pupil dilation, and sometimes, regurgitation.
I bring this up because many people choose to house their snakes together in the same enclosure, and red-tailed boas with pythons are a common mix. This is usually how the disease spreads throughout an entire collection.
Part of the problem can be solved by throrough quarantine methods. Always isolate a new snake for a good 90 days before housing with others, even if with the same species. And always deal with mites effectively and try to wash your hands after handling a snake before touching another.
