Originally Posted by mjcnj

1st off the information I am getting from these pages is only 1/3 of the totall information I have received. The other 2/3 is from Vets, Breeders ( Larger than anyone, with more knowledge than anyone that has responded to me on this site ) So any questions are just that questions in order to get responses and opinions. In the end I would never jeapordize another living animal. My intent, by disclosing this, should show my desire to get this information out to others. So that noone else has to go through this.

But I will share some information from the other 2/3 of people, lets say the true experts and what they have said.

1) a high % of boas if tested would show the presence of Inclusion bodies in there system.
2) it is a week virus, the first virus ever attempted to be grown in lab conditions, took over 2 years. Highly improbable that it would be transmitted through the air.

* Based on 1 & 2. A good % of snakes at the shows would more than likely, if tested, be positive for IBD. OK Lets say 10 out of 1000. They are in the room, in the air, they may even be handled by someone who does not wash his hor her hands. It would or could be a contamination of the majority of the snakes there. Not to mention, they go home and handle there pregnant snake....

** If you, Generally anyone, had 10 boas checked with blood testing, easily 5 could show up with IBD in the blood. NOW they may never ever show signs of the disease, and they may live a long life.

*** BIG BREEDER OF BOAS, one of the biggest, Stated, "it is cost prohibitive to have his incoming, present stock and new babies sold, to be checked." "It is just something Boas may have, just like we have certain dehabilitating cells in our systems. The boas can and may live there natural life fine with 0 problems"

**** Vet specializing in Reptile / snakes.
Exposure to this disease is not considered to be airborn. However, any snake can and will get sick if living conditions are not kept sanitary. If feces are left to pile up, soiled paper or bedding is left, any snakes chances are greated to get sick from the natural break down of this and airborne particals can be snet throughout. BASICS snake handling rules should always prevail, keep your cages clean, wash hands before handling the next snake. Not sanitizing your hands COULD transfer disease.

The only conclusion I can take from the info I have been given is that if tested a good % of the boas of people who go to shows, their boas would come up positive for IBD. It is something Boas may or may not have. But your snake that may appear healthy, eats, sheds properly and appears from the outside clinically healthy can and may right now, have IBD in its blood. But you will never know because you have no reason to have it checked. So why pay an office visit and a blood test bill, your snake is fine, right, maybe not.

In the end, IF I DID NOT PUT MY BALL IN WITH MY BOAS, I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOW THE BOAS HAD THIS IBD. THINK ABOUT IT, HOW MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD TO HAVE THERE SNAKES TESTED, NEVER EVEN HAD A SICK SNAKE, YET THEY HAVE A BOA WITH IBD, BUT BECAUSE THE SNAKE DOES NOT SHOW THE SYMPTOMS OF IT, THEY GO TO SHOWS, THEY BREED THE SNAKE AND SO ON.

I just think from what I have been told, the ibd thing is out there in boas and thats that!

I know my snakes have it, I will never do anything to ever put someones collection at risk, but euthenizing healhy boas is not the answer, not putting them with other snakes and especially pythons is definitely good advice. But I like every other person who enjoys going to shows, will shower put clean clothes on and go to a show and enjoy it like everyone else who owns a boa.

Thanks for your time and let the onslaught begin. Please do not think I am rude if I do not respond ny further. I have had a very long week and frankly I want to put this behind me!

Take care of your boas, keep things clean, be very cautious with exposing Pythons to your boas and if they appear sick get them seen or treat them sooner then later.