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Boas--natural carriers of IBDV?

CrazyForHerps Feb 14, 2009 06:07 PM

I read in a magazine that there are some studies suggesting that boas are natural carriers of IBDV. I don't know much about IBDV, but from what I've read it is fatal to pythons. I own a ball python and I am getting a rainbow boa in a month or so. Of course the two won't have direct contact and I'll use hand sanitizer in between handling them, but should I worry about putting their bins side by side? Should I change clothes in between handling? How "contagious" is IBDV? How far do I need to go to be sure that there is no risk to my BP?
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CrazyForHerps
0.1 Ball Python, Culebra (Cu)
1.0 Bearded Dragon, Barbudo (Budo)
1.0 Tabby cat, Iraland (Ira)
Various feeder rats

Replies (4)

reticguy76 Feb 14, 2009 09:24 PM

its not so much that boas are only carriers, but that the inclusions lie dormant, for up to several years, in boas. that is why is it is crucial to always buy animals from reputable people/places and ideally get a look at the conditions of the animal, and the parents (if possible) and rest of litter (if possible)
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retic is king of kings

1.0 Tiger Retic
1.0 Albino Tiger Retic
0.1 Striped Tiger Retic (het albino)
0.1 Salmon Boa
1.0 Albino Boa
0.1 False Water Cobra

CrazyForHerps Feb 14, 2009 09:39 PM

Thanks! So, while it is dormant in a boa, can another snake still catch it?
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CrazyForHerps
0.1 Ball Python, Culebra (Cu)
1.0 Bearded Dragon, Barbudo (Budo)
1.0 Tabby cat, Iraland (Ira)
Various feeder rats

reticguy76 Feb 15, 2009 08:53 AM

anything that is transmittable can be passed either, while dormant or active in the bloodstream and/or tissues
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retic is king of kings

1.0 Tiger Retic
1.0 Albino Tiger Retic
0.1 Striped Tiger Retic (het albino)
0.1 Salmon Boa
1.0 Albino Boa
0.1 False Water Cobra

reptilicus81 Feb 17, 2009 10:26 AM

The article suggests boas are all carriers for this virus, but truth be told, we still have a lot to learn about it. If all boas carried it, and it was as easy to transmit as people suggest it is, I believe it would be far more common. I am very interested to see where research will lead us!
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Thanks,
Amy

My Boids

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