Jonny
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
This is a post to alert to everyone that Dr Tim Hyndman has developed a test for Sunshine Virus (previously thought to be OPMV) on live snakes. This development seems to have slipped under the radar. Previously the disease was only able to be diagnosed post mortem.
At our clinic we have diagnosed several cases and all been confirmed with the testing. All case histories had new snakes entering the collections within the last 12 months and quarantine had only been performed for 6 months. Testing is done on the live snakes with a mouth and cloacal swab and submitted for PCR. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the result to come back.
The prompting for this post was mainly by the clients who's collections have been devastated and euthanased valuable animals which has taken a significant emotional and financial toll on them. I would recommend that anyone considering adding animals to their collection to quarantine and test for Sunshine Virus.
To have your animal tested it is best to contact your reptile vet and they should be familiar with the protocol or can contact Dr Tim Hyndman at Murdoch University for testing information.
Regards
Jonathon Howard
Sugarloaf Animal Hospital
This is a post to alert to everyone that Dr Tim Hyndman has developed a test for Sunshine Virus (previously thought to be OPMV) on live snakes. This development seems to have slipped under the radar. Previously the disease was only able to be diagnosed post mortem.
At our clinic we have diagnosed several cases and all been confirmed with the testing. All case histories had new snakes entering the collections within the last 12 months and quarantine had only been performed for 6 months. Testing is done on the live snakes with a mouth and cloacal swab and submitted for PCR. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the result to come back.
The prompting for this post was mainly by the clients who's collections have been devastated and euthanased valuable animals which has taken a significant emotional and financial toll on them. I would recommend that anyone considering adding animals to their collection to quarantine and test for Sunshine Virus.
To have your animal tested it is best to contact your reptile vet and they should be familiar with the protocol or can contact Dr Tim Hyndman at Murdoch University for testing information.
Regards
Jonathon Howard
Sugarloaf Animal Hospital