Warning: Sickness in florida killing snakes

[ReptileJenna]

I thought I would let people know that there is something going around the snake circuit in Florida.

I've had three snakes (two colubrids, one python ) die this pass month out of the blue, and the reptile veterinarian (she is really good) I took the snakes to does not know what it is, but is telling me to basically put the sick snakes far, far away in like another house away from healthy snakes.

The signs are extreme weakness followed by sudden death. I bought a snake that had it from a reptile show (I don't remember the breeder name, but it was a major breeder so sorry), and it infected some snakes in my quarantine room. My collection has been safe so far.

Be careful, and if any one else is seeing these signs or knows what it is, please let me know.

[el8ch]

Sorry about the loss of your snakes. Sounds like a vicious little bug going around...

Quarantine speaks volumes!!

[loonunit]

It's really scary that colubrid AND pythons can get it. If you have any more details, please share...

[Anatopism]

While Florida is a long ways away from Australia, it's always good to stay up to date on possible diseases/illnesses:

http://phys.org/news/2012-07-uf-vete...ked-death.html

[ReptileJenna]

Wow, interesting article about that Australian virus.

More Details about Symptoms:
The snakes basically become nothing but mush and are so weak they can't do anything, but they will still try to act normal (will continue to accept food), so it is hard to notice at first, especially in large collections.

If you are going to the Daytona Breeder's Expo this week, CHECK ALL SNAKES BEFORE BUYING for weakness. If it seems out of character or mushy in any way, I don't recommend getting it due to the possibility of this virus.

Also, one of the snake's that died had blood coming out of its nose. It might just be that snake, since the others didn't have the blood once they died, but you never know.

It has nothing to do with a respiratory infection, and we haven't found any parasites; it is possible that its something rare. Who knows at this point.

[Annarose15]

I'm sorry for your losses. Are you getting a necropsy done?

[Don]

I'm sorry for your loss. I don't want to sound critical when you are suffering a loss, but there are some things that would really help.

You bought a snake from a big breeder, but don't remember the name? You don't keep records of your purchased animals and where they come from? Is your vet doing any pathology work or did she do a necropsy? You are hitting a major panic button here without giving any details. I think if this is as serious as you claim, a few more details would be helpful. You say that it is hitting the circuit in Florida, but don't tell us how, who or where in Florida this is spreading. All of this just days before Daytona.

[aldebono]

Whoo University of Florida! , I am going to link this to the meet up at Daytona thread so everyone there will know as well.

Scary stuff. We are already dealing with cytrid in the amphibian world.

- - - Updated - - -

Don,

I am just taking this as an enforcer to "take strict QT procedures and follow through with after show, at home sterilization of self and clothes". Which we should be doing anyway.

[kitedemon]

That is very scary!!! I'd guess following correct disinfecting procedures is becoming quite critical... check your instructions and watch the contact times!!!

[rabernet]

I'm sorry for your loss. I don't want to sound critical when you are suffering a loss, but there are some things that would really help.

You bought a snake from a big breeder, but don't remember the name? You don't keep records of your purchased animals and where they come from? Is your vet doing any pathology work or did she do a necropsy? You are hitting a major panic button here without giving any details. I think if this is as serious as you claim, a few more details would be helpful. You say that it is hitting the circuit in Florida, but don't tell us how, who or where in Florida this is spreading. All of this just days before Daytona.

I'm with Don here. A little vague with details.

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