Inclusion Body Disease (IBD)

What is it?

Inclusion body disease is a serious, contagious viral disease of boas and pythons caused by reptarenaviruses. Boas may carry it for months or years without signs, while pythons often become ill faster. It mainly affects the nervous system. Snake mites may help spread it.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include regurgitation and weight loss, head tremors or 'stargazing', trouble righting itself when turned over, poor muscle tone and lethargy, and recurrent infections.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis uses blood tests, PCR testing, and sometimes tissue biopsies. There is no cure; supportive care is possible, but infected snakes should be isolated.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• IBD is usually ultimately fatal.
• Strict quarantine, testing new snakes, and mite control are the best prevention.