SUNSHINE VIRUS
John Fowler & Rachel Barnes

Sunshine Virus is a virus which has been recorded in Australia and Europe.
This virus has been previously thought to be OPMV in Australia in the past.
However there have been no confirmed cases of "OPMV" in Australia.
OPMV is now called Ferlavirus.

The Sunshine Virus (named after the Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia) is a type of Paramyxovirus)

Basic information about the Sunshine Virus:-

- It has only been recorded in Pythons.

- It is a very serious disease that may wipe out all pythons in a collection.

- It is believed to be spread by direct contact, body fluids, faecal material and aerosols (e.g. sneezing).

- Snakes carrying the disease may show no symptoms.


Visible symptoms may include:-

•Loss of appetite (also common in healthy snakes)
• Problems balancing and keeping upright, unnatural movements.
• Body distorted in unnatural positions possibly including arching of body and/or neck at unusual angle.
• Mouth gaping
• Nasal discharge
• Skin problems
• weight loss

- If you think you may have the disease in your collection or have an unexplained death - quarantine your entire collection.

The cost to test for Sunshine virus is approximately $120 to test a single snake.

- Quarantine any new snakes for 3-6 months or longer

- Clean and feed quarantined snakes after other reptiles

- Check the OPMV links at the bottom of this page to get an idea of possible symptoms which may be similar.

Links

 

SUNSHINE VIRUS IN AUSTRALIAN
SNAKES
WILDLIFE HEALTH AUSTRALIA

Quarantining Reptiles
Herp Center - Richard Brooks

The Importance of Quarantine - New Outbreak of 'Sunshine Virus'
Aussie Pythons and Snakes - (Membership may be needed)

Other Links of Interest

Paramyxovirus Information. Aka OPMV
Reptile Forums UK

Ophidian Paramyxovirus (OPMV)
University of Florida

FERLAVIRUS
(Ophidian Paramyxovirus or OPMV) and SUNSHINE VIRUS
John Fowler