George thought this deserved more points then I had originally assigned & I agreed.

Sylvias previoused said, "Last I read was that colubrids can carry but are not affected by it but I don't even know where I read it so who knows how credible that is"

That is something I also have read multiple places without an expansion on how/why this is thought to be.

I wonder, if they are not affected by it, that most people dont even consider them as a possible vector? If they arent showing any signs of it and you have boas/pythons in your collection It'd be pretty easy to overlook I would guess.

I look forward to what others have to say.

This is why I keep Jen's dirt snakes away from my pretty snakes.

I have also read that Colubrids, as Boas, can be carriers. I think mites could/will carry IBD from a Colubrid or Boa that is an asymptomatic to other snakes. Pythons typically show signs very quickly, and also ones with compromised / weak immune systems.

U of F has the most current (and scientific) information I've found to date.  They do mention the Kingsnake case, but I didn't find anything further on Colubrids.  They also provide blood sample testing.. although their service is temporarily unavailable.  http://labs.vetmed.ufl.edu/sample-requirements/microbiology-parasitology-serology/zoo-med-infections/boid-ibd/

Thanks for that Dale!

Even with a lack of info (since it still seems there isn't much research on it still in non boa/pythons) everything still seems to point towards it being unlikely or rarely possible. So one kingsnake & a group of palm vipers have shown symptoms, but actual disease is still unconfirmed.

What led to this question was an intereting discussion in another group over someone receiving a corn with neuro symptoms. Scratch that, not an interesting discussion. Me mostly wanting to bash my head against a wall.

Given the snake's situation (I don't want to go into detail plus there is a serious lack of detail in the back history anyways), I suggested overheating. Sounded like owner #1 was heating it with a beardie type setup. Owner #2 used a more normal snake heat light & snake showed neuro symptoms for the 6m in their care. Just don't have info on if symptoms started with owner #1 or #2. Of course parasites, toxins, or even genetic star gazing are extremely possible. 

So someone said it must be IBD which had led to spiraling downward discussion (mostly me trying to knock sense into them that it's likely not IBD while owner #3 is saying, "Yes! It must be IBD!"

I almost want to convince them to let me take it just so I can prove them wrong.

You are correct... many other things can create symptoms that could be taken as ones of IBD. Overheating, and consequently dehydration can cause issues as such. Mite treatments are known to as well.

paramyxovirus has a similar presentation and is airborne. *shudder*

And the IBD retrovirus protein coat has been shown to be nearly identical to Ebola.  Lets hope its just the protein coat, AND it doesn't mutate.  Pretty sure it would be the last piece of ammo the wife would need if there was a possibility of my snakes spreading Hemorrhagic Fever.  Now there's a shudder.

geez, Dale, if that happens we're all screwed.

Well, it would certainly put a dent in Daytona's turn out ;).  Luckily protein coat doesn't = viral firepower... only ability to survive outside of the host.

Hey I just met you. And this is crazy. But award some points. Close this question, maybe?

Love it!