Just a couple thoughts... I have read on several occasions the opinion that IBD may be an airborne virus. If IBD was indeed airborne, there would be no boids in herpetoculture. Just imagine how quickly IBD would wipe out every boa if it was airborne. IBD in one boa would quickly spread to many boas at a reptile show, or one case would wipe out entire collections quickly. Someone who handles one boa at a show may hold twelve others, and the chain would continue. When cage cleaning rolls around at some large breeders, hundreds of cages will be cleaned the same day, by the same person or only a few people. Boas would be dropping left and right. Even though not every boa carrying IBD will show signs, if IBD was as widespread as some lecture, it would be a much more common topic, and we would hear of more IBD cases. I do believe that IBD, and paramyxovirus, and retroviruses are a concern for reptile keepers. I also believe that for every correctly diagnosed case of a retrovirus, there are many more mis-diagnosed cases. That is simply my opinion on the research I have done, and the extremely under-educated (concerning reptiles) veterinarians with whom I have discussed this topic. The greatest example being multiple vets who admitted diagnosing any snake with neurological issues as having IBD. Can you diagnose IBD over the phone? Apparently some vets have this amazing capacity. Why would they do this? A diagnosis of IBD encompasses and safeguards the vet. Who is going to prove them wrong? Even if no inclusion bodies are found through biopsy, that does not rule out a retrovirus. Even more confusing, if inclusion bodies are found, that does not mean the animal had IBD.

As was mentioned, when buying reptiles, buy from a reputable source. You may be able to buy an albino boa for $100 cheaper on the classifieds, but is it worth the risk? There are many small and large breeders that sell clean reptiles and utilize proper husbandry. Why gamble your entire collection with uncertainty? Look at the ad or talk to the breeder. It is fairly simple to spot the con artists. Reptiles that are maintained under bad husbandry will get sick and spread disease. It is that simple. People who are in this business for the wrong reasons with no regard for the welfare of the animals will spread disease. It is that simple. Support the good guys in the business and the hobby will continue to grow and you will be able to enjoy your reptiles the rest of your life, and pass on the opportunity to future generations.






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Phil Goss
www.GossReptiles.com

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