Recently, our local Serpentarium had a large die-off of rattlesnakes and other snakes, caused by an infection of OPMV. I thought I'd share this information with other people, be careful of this virus, it appears it can be around for years without showing signs of infection until it is too late.
http://www.talltree.net/Herps/stacey/opmv.html
Above is a link to photos done of necropsies on snakes that died from Ophidian Paramyxovirus, also known as OPMV. Below is a quick type-of of some information found on the web.
All viperid species, boid, colubrid, and elapids are potential hosts and victims of this virus-both juveniles and adults. Its method of transmission is unknown, but believed to be transmitted via water bowls or respiratory droplets in the air. The natural host for OPMV is unknown, since it affects many different species. Pythons do not appear to be affected at this time, but are being investigated as possible hosts. OPMV infections have been found worldwide, including the US, Mexico, Argentina, and Germany.
Symptoms are vast, last between 5 to 12 days, and appear to include:
Stage one - loss of muscle tone, stretched out posture with elevated head
Stage 2 - restless crawling about with mouth partially open, tongues withdrawn into sheaths, eyes dilated, tremors, loss of equilibrium
Stage 3 - mouth completely open, oatmeal-like material coming from glottis
Stage 4 - mouth fully opened, pupils dilated, excessive activity, convulsions, death
In many cases, symptoms were not noted before death, often with the snakes being fine the night before, and found dead in their cages the next morning.
Diagnosis is found via necropsy.
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My collection and herp photography
