Changes

OPMV should be suspected in [[Viperidae]] presented with signs associated with immunodeficiency.  There are several methods of diagnosis:

OPMV should be suspected in [[Viperidae]] presented with signs associated with immunodeficiency.  There are several methods of diagnosis:

===Antemortem===

===Antemortem===

A haemaglutination inhibition test (HI) for specific antibodies to OPMV has been developed (titre < 1:20 - negative, 1:40 to 1:80 - suspect and > 1:80 - positive).  A positive titre means exposure and not disease or [[Snake Shedding|shedding]] status.  Two samples for HI at a 2-4 week interval are advisable.  Negative staining electron microscopy of faecal or lung samples is possible.  A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) would be very useful.

A haemaglutination inhibition test (HI) for specific antibodies to OPMV has been developed (titre < 1:20 - negative, 1:40 to 1:80 - suspect and > 1:80 - positive).  A positive titre means exposure and not disease or [[Snake Shedding|shedding]] status.  Two samples for HI at a 2-4 week interval are advisable.  Negative staining electron microscopy of faecal or lung samples is possible.  A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test would be very useful.

'''For more information on sample collection, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation]].

'''For more information on sample collection, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation]].

===Postmortem===

===Postmortem===

* Gross necropsy - Lesions are usually subtle to non-existent but may include pulmonary (pneumonia - congestion, oedema, haemorrhage or inflammatory exudate) and pancreatic (necrosis, hyperplasia, interstitial oedema or fibrosis) lesions.  The liver may be involved.

* Gross necropsy - Lesions are usually subtle to non-existent but may include pulmonary (pneumonia - congestion, oedema, haemorrhage or inflammatory exudate) and pancreatic (necrosis, hyperplasia, interstitial oedema or fibrosis) lesions.  The liver may be involved.

There is no specific treatment for snakes showing clinical signs of OPMV infection. [[Antibiotics]] are indicated because most affected snakes die with gram-negative respiratory tract infections.   

There is no specific treatment for snakes showing clinical signs of OPMV infection. [[Antibiotics]] are indicated because most affected snakes die with gram-negative respiratory tract infections.   

Infected snakes should be isolated. Snakes suspected to be infected should remain in isolation until definitive diagnostic tests have been carried out. Reptiles that have been in direct or immediate indirect contact should be placed in isolation and serologically tested immediately, and also in 4-6 months time.   

Infected snakes should be isolated. Snakes suspected to be infected should remain in isolation until definitive diagnostic tests have been carried out. Reptiles that have been in direct or immediate indirect contact should be placed in isolation and serologically tested immediately with repeat testing in 4-6 months time.   

 

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

The best control is a sound preventative medicine programme. All new specimens should be quarantined for ninety days. Hygiene is very important because of the possibility of spread by fomites and [[Snake Mites|mites]].  Geriatric snakes may be more susceptible to paramyxovirus than young conspecifics. Modified-live and inactivated vaccines have had mitigated the spread of paramyxovirus in birds and mammals, however there is currently no vaccine available for protecting snakes against OPMV.

The best control is a sound preventative medicine programme. All new specimens should be quarantined for ninety days. Hygiene is very important because of the possibility of spread by fomites and [[Snake Mites|mites]].  Geriatric snakes may be more susceptible to paramyxovirus than young conspecifics. Modified-live and inactivated vaccines have had mitigated the spread of paramyxovirus in birds and mammals, however there is currently no vaccine available for protecting snakes against OPMV.

* '''For more information on preventative veterinary medicine, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine]] '''and''' [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice]].

* '''For more information on preventative veterinary medicine, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine]] '''and''' [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice]].

==References==

==References==

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 401. ISBN 072169327X  

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 401. ISBN 072169327X