All samples were submitted for hematological and plasma biochemical determinations within 30 min after collection. Whole blood examination included RBC, WBC, differential WBC, and determination of PCV, and Hb concentrations. Acutely affected snakes had leukocytosis, relative lymphocytosis, lower total protein and globulin values, and significantly higher SGOT values than did chronically affected snakes. To determine the actual presence or absence of inclusion bodies requires biopsies of organ tissue for analysis. It apparently fatal to all but the asymptomatic carriers.
Time of death varies between individuals, and pythons tend to die faster than boas.
It may be mild in boas and may go undiagnosed. It is, therefore, best to prevent exposure of pythons to boas. Once the disease has been diagnosed, euthanasia of affected snakes is the only way to prevent the infection from spreading. Schumacher states that snakes in public and private collections in the U.S., Africa and Europe have been diagnosed with this disease. Atiologische und pathologische Untersuchungen uber die sog.