I was wondering how many of these afflicted snakes in captivity were/are housed in rack systems/tubs? From personal experience tubs, though a necessary evil sometimes, are inherently poor when it comes to ventilation. Just throwing it out there as food for thought as a possible contributing factor??

Of course this does nothing to explain Paul's field experiences. If this is pathogen-related, could it be a latent culprit possibly triggered by stress/substandard care/housing? Some species are just not as well suited for rack-style housing as are others regardless of the efficiencies they provide the keeper.

Bill