I highly doubt that half of all imported boas have IBD. Truthfully, there is very little that is known as a 100% fact about "IBD". In fact, look up "inclusion bodies" and do some quick reading. You'll find that inclusion bodies show up for a lot of various reasons. Essentially, they are folded proteins that (and this is contested too) that are the result of a bacteria or virus. The following is my opinion: Bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation and inflammation produces a lot of things, including proteins. So basically, inclusion bodies are the result of a bodies inflammatory responses.



So, IMO, to state that something died of INCLUSION BODY disease is to basically state that the animal died from some sort of infection or bacteria, but nothing more specific.



Now, to say that half of all imported boas could show inclusion bodies in a biopsy or necropsy may very well be true because we all know that imported animals have various parasites and bacteria internally and externally. Does that mean they have IBD? No.



IBD as we know it in herpetoculture is classically diagnosed with symptoms such as refusal to eat, neurological problems, and rapid weight loss, etc.. There are MANY things that could cause that. Heck, I say try an experiment. Refuse to eat for a week and see if you lose weight and become a little disoriented. My guess is that you would. But, according to those three main "symptoms", you could have IBD. So that means we have to throw you in a freezer!! lol Totally kidding by the way.



As for your question about older boas. I have a couple of theories. One is that older boas are generally darker and "uglier" and hence, don't get shown off much. 2)Those that are willing to show off their animals are GENERALLY the "newbies" or have only been around a few years and they are really excited about their animals and constantly post them. These animals were generally purchased as babies, hence the lack of age. The older more experienced keepers (again, IN GENERAL - there are definitely exceptions) aren't like a little girl at her senior prom over boas anymore, although they do enjoy them. Of course there are other theories that I have and I'm sure you could come up with you own too.



One thing to think about... THOUSANDS, literally, THOUSANDS of boas are produced in the US each year with THOUSANDS more imported. There are LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of hobbyists who never post on forums, for various reasons. There are boas everywhere in the US, and in large numbers. We only see (and this is my guess) less than 1% of what's out there.



hmm... I think that's about it for this rant. Back to waiting in the courthouse... jury duty sucks!

jb
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Jonathan Brady

*You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.*

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