Possible New Brutal Disease

[Skiploder]

I have no doubt that the labs running the tests on the diseased/dead retics were selected because they specialize in these tests.

I've read the estimates of the breeder's losses - a quarter of a million bucks in snakes on the low end, including several one-of-a-kind morphs. He wants answers and has the motivation and resources to pursue them.

Specializing in testing is one thing. When one of my snakes died this past spring due to osteomyelitis a lab confirmed the pathology, but her remains were sent to a research center that is studying the disease. There are only a handful of people studying viruses in snakes in this country. Once Mr. Pruitt knows what is decimating his collection - what's next?

Well, working on a way to treat, and test against future outbreaks. Look no further than the snail's pace progress made against IBD and OPMV. You can go back and read about how people got decimated by viral outbreaks in their collections, and yet the Hobby made pathetic gestures towards funding research and most people could barely even figure out whether they were dealing with adenoviruses, ranaviruses, OPMV, etc.

Aubrey is also looking out for the community he loves and wants to protect.

That's awesome. I don't know Aubrey but I will do this - find out who is running the tests and who will be doing the work with regards to identifying and coming up with positive steps towards this disease. Once that is confirmed I will donate $100 to that researcher and I will post receipt of that payment here.

Is anyone else willing to do the same? Or are we going to continue to wring our hands like we have done with other ophidian viruses for the last 25 years?