Update on Snake Fungal Disease (SFD)
I wanted to let people know there is an important update on this issue.
As you know, SFD is a contagious, deadly disease with no known cure. When I bought the 9 neonate Nerodia floridana from a Florida wholesaler, one developed symptoms of SFD within a week of arriving and died shortly afterwards. All were kept in sanitized containers individually, but all developed symptoms of the disease within the month.
I moved the snakes into a large, natural enclosure that allowed them to feel secure, regulate their own temperature (hot spot of 115F) and a good UV light. The snakes shed often, fed well and symptoms subsided, eventually disappearing.
At this point the remaining snakes looked perfectly healthy. But the disease apparently remained active internally. About 6 months after symptoms disappeared one snake suddenly showed symptoms again and was tested positive for SFD. It dies shortly afterward.
But here is the update: Another snake died suddenly showing no external signs of SFD. It was sick one day, dead the next. The snake was placed in the fridge and brought to the Iowa State University Vet med college diagnostic lab for a necropsy. (I am checking to see how much of the preliminary report I can release here, but will at the very least verify with a moderator). The snake was essentially being eaten up internally by SFD. This was verified by Dr Allendar at U of IL with both a qPCR and grown out.
Why is this a big deal? Basically, it means that we cant trust that any healthy appearing snake isn't dying of SFD. Since SFD is now being found all over the country in wild snakes it would make me strongly question whether it is safe to buy any snake from any dealer that also sells wild caught snakes.
My recently deceased snake appeared perfectly healthy - fat and happy - for months. I'm thinking it was October to March - 6 months - that it was outwardly healthy. So even an extended quarantine of more than 6 months may not be enough to ensure your not bring a snake with a contagious, lethal disease into your collection.
And some of the snakes from the original batch are still thriving. Are they resistant? Did they somehow not contract it? We don't know. Many people have told me to euthanize these remaining snakes and sterilize everything. Butt I'm taking the risk in order to learn what I can about this disease. I've spent lots of money on the $3.00 snakes in order to do so. And will certainly spend lots more.
The infected snakes have always been maintained in a strict quarantine - a separate room of their own, nothing exchanged, nothing comes out of their enclosure ever.
Also, a note about Underground Reptiles. While I personally would not buy from them as long as they are dealing with wild caught snakes, this subject is bigger than just them. There are dozens of dealers that deal with native herps, even pet store that will sell native snakes. All should be educated about the risk and all should immediately stop selling native animals and completely sanitize their entire facility, including any equipment, boots, gloves, water bowls, enclosures, etc..
And if you are a field herper please report any snake you see with SFD symptoms. Snap a photo if you can. Don't touch it! Sanitize your hands and equipment with 20% bleach solution.
