This disease is often confused with other conditions, like parasitic, fungal or bacterial infections that effect the nervous system. All of these conditions may present with symptoms that resemble those of IBDV. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, paralysis, head tremors, disorientation, and inability to right itself and regurgitation. The species that appears to be most effected by this condition are Red-tailed boas (Boa c. constrictor). Despite the fact that Red-tailed boas are the most commonly effected species it does occur in many other species as well, in fact up until the mid 80's this disease was primarily seen in Burmese Pythons (Python mourus bivittatus). This increase in the presence of the disease in Red-tailed boas may be a result of the increased popularity of the species in captivity.
It has been suspected that the snake mite, (Ophionyssus natricis), may be the method of transmission for this virus. The exact route of transmission is currently unknown, but studies are currently underway to isolate this virus and discover both the route of transmission and to develop a virus-specific immunoflouorescence assay.
Diagnosis of this disease is extremely difficult since little is known about it and more research is required. The only thing that is a given when this condition is present is that the prognosis is always guarded at best and more than likely grave as a result of the fact that there does not exist a recommended treatment and any attempt to treat an animal with these symptoms is antidotal.
