Here is the Problem with This!!!!

That information is QUITE outdated. As much as I admire Mr Jacobson, his work is quite expensive, and the same test he usually requests to guarantee that it is INCLUSION BODY DISEASE, can be done for HUNDREDS of dollars less. I sent him a few animals in the late 90's. Completely stressed out I was lucky to find that my animals, DID NOT have Inclusions present in the BIOSPY. Even though one of those animals I witnessed COPULATING many times with the PEARL BOA who died with INCLUSION BODIES PRESENT, came back NEGATIVE. However, he told me that it could still have them down the road, which was EXTREEMLY frustrating for me to hear. Two years later I euthanised him because I just didn't want that risk. He was sent off and tested, and again he was NEGATIVE. I don't want to make accusations, but I think a lot of the work he has done and the conclusions he has made would make anyone NEVER want to even keep a Boa, much less Breed one. I also don't agree with some of his findings. I don't want to type another novel, so I'll save it.

I have found Cal Berkly has been doing a lot more valuable research and getting down to some better answers. Although 24K was given to the IBD research so far in FL, I couldn't find any accountabilty as to what the money was applied exactly for, and how each study was conducted. I asked 2 times, but couldn't get a satisfactory answer. I could have been more proactive, but I thought it was better to go to my family phisician, and get some XANAX, Valium or any other mind altering drug. I then thought of eating some Hemp brownies that some Hippy makes and sells outside of CAL BERKLEY, but my wife reminded me, that I shouldn't for other religious reasons!!!! This is a JOKE!!!! J/K!!!!!!

I wish I could give you CONCLUSIVE answers to the IBD virus. However, I can't. I have come to the conclusion after the council of a very well established Herp Vet, Mr. Stahl, that it was UNDO stress and completely irresponsible FOR ME to biospy perfectly healthy animals. Instead, I'm using the process of elimination in very controled Breeding. I have found my sanity has been restored since going to that method.

Here is a MAJOR problem I see with BIOPSY. I saw Linda's response to Bill, and Linda, you know I love you and you have EVERY RIGHT to do what you feel comfortable with your animals. However, I PERSONALLY feel it is extreme undo stress. Even Stahl mentioned it is GREAT stress. HE is very experienced and has done HUNDREDS of Biopsys. He can do it with only making an 1 inch incision. (When I had it done to 3 animals in 97, they were Butchered). What happens if you come up with INCLUSION cells in the liver. With JACOBSONS findings, it is still inconclusive that the animal is an A sympotmatic Carrier, and can pass that on. IF inclusions are found, it has an INCREASED chance, but untill you really decalsify the skull to get the BRAIN tissue (which can't be done on a live animal) you won't be able to know CONCLUSIVELY. Unless new information has come about that I am not aware of, then this is just a chance I would not take.

I think Responsible breeding is MY BEST chance of elliminating my chances of infecting my collection with the IBD animal. Already knowing that ANY of my PERFECTLY healthy Animals could be HARBORING the Virus is enough to make me go out and RALPH!!!! No offense to Ralphs out there!!!! I have decided that these animals were worth the Risk, and should I have a problem down the road with a customer that I can conclusivly find is one that I gave him, then I'll make sure I deal with that when the time comes in a more then fair way.

(I know I opened up a can a worms there, and I don't expect other breeders to chime in. I WOULDN'T. Now, I have to admit that my day at the office was unproductive due to the FORUM!!!! DARNIT!!!! Jeremy

Dangit, it is now 12 in the EAST, so most people won't be able to reply untill tomorrow. I then realize that I may have another UNPRODUCTIVE work day due to the BOA FORUM!!!!

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