I've read in several reputable sources, that IBD is actually much more common than people believe. At least in boa collections. I do think it is mis-diagnosed, as you say... regularly. However, it was quoted in a source that nobody can say their collection is IBD-free with any certainty because of the fact that it can be asymptomatic in boas and they can carry it, and pass it to other snakes who may die from it, and not die from it themselves, or ever show any signs of it throughout their whole lifetimes.
Based on all the differing opinions on this retrovirus, I really don't know how conclusive we can be on it. From what I understand, people still aren't sure it if is airborne or just blood/fluid transmitted, and so take extra precautions. I know it would be my worst nightmare myself.
Not to scare anyone or negate anyone's opinion, but I thought I'd chime in. I honestly hope it isn't as widespread as I've read it could be. The other unfortunate thing is that the only definite tests are on deceased animals, so many people won't even know the truth with a live biopsy. In Brown's case, he bothered to test after death, I think that was really smart. Now he doesn't have to worry about offspring or others having it from the snake that was ill because he knows for sure.
Just my thoughts!
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Steph S.
Boas...
1.1 Albino boas (Loki & Hope)
1.4 07 Het. albino boas (Petty & Lady,Sierra,Madeline,Lola)
0.1 Reverse stripe poss. het albino (Cookie)
0.1 Salmon/hypo (Scarlet)
0.1 Anery poss. het snow (Missy)
1.0 Anery (Reno)
1.0 Probable Super Salmontine
0.1 DH Sunglow (Bonnie)
0.0.1 Hypo het anery
1.0.0 Het. Anery (Guy & ?)
0.3 Normals (Ophelia, Sasha, & Lulu)
1.1 Surinames (Solomon & Surreal)
1.2 Hog Isles (Mr.Orange & Peaches, Tang.)
0.0.1 Central American (Sassy)
0.1 Emerald Tree boa (Jade)
1.0 ATB (Satan... seriously!)
Pythons...
2.1 GTPs (B., Monty & Jewel)
0.0.3 BPs (MJ, Precious, Houdini)
1.1 Carpet Pythons (Jackson & Charlotte)
0.1 Blood python (Akaia)
Misc.
1.1 Mandarin Ratsnakes (Jack & Jill)
1.0 Boxer/Pitt Mutt (Tyson)

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