Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease)

What Is Ophidiomycosis?

Ophidiomycosis (also called Snake Fungal Disease or SFD) is a serious skin and systemic fungal infection of snakes caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola.

First recognized in 2006, this disease has since been reported in dozens of wild and captive snake species—including garter snakes, rat snakes, pythons, and rattlesnakes. It has been documented throughout North America, parts of Europe, and in captive snakes worldwide.

Unlike many fungal infections that are secondary to other illnesses, this fungus can act as a primary pathogen, meaning it can infect even otherwise healthy snakes. In some wild populations, outbreaks have led to population declines of over 50%.

Why It Matters

• Health risk: The infection can become disfiguring, painful, and even fatal if untreated.

• Highly persistent: The fungus survives for long periods in the environment, making reinfection possible.

• Public concern: Wild snake populations are declining in some areas due to this disease.

• Captive risk: Pet snakes can acquire the infection from contaminated environments, wild-caught prey, or other snakes.

Causes & Transmission

Ophidiomycosis is caused by a keratin-loving (keratinophilic) fungus that grows on the outer layers of the skin. It can invade deeper tissues, bones, and even internal organs in severe cases.

Transmission can occur by:

• Direct contact: With an infected snake, shed skin, or contaminated surfaces.

• Environmental exposure: The fungus persists in soil, substrate, and enclosures.

• Vertical transmission: Research suggests infection can pass from a mother to her eggs or newborns.

Antibiotic use, poor husbandry, or injuries may predispose snakes to infection.

Clinical Signs to Watch For

Early recognition is key. Look for:

• Skin crusts or scabs(often yellow or white)

• Facial swelling or disfigurement

• Blisters, nodules, or open sores

• Retained sheds or abnormal shedding

• Lethargy, weight loss, or refusal to eat

• More frequent basking(especially during cooler months)

Severe cases may progress to deep tissue infection, pneumonia, eye infections, or liver involvement.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will likely recommend:

• Physical exam & history: Identifying lesions and risk factors

• Skin biopsy & histology: Looking for characteristic fungal hyphae

• Fungal culture: Growing the fungus for confirmation

• PCR/qPCR testing: Highly sensitive molecular tests, sometimes performed on shed skins

Early diagnosis improves the chance of successful treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment can be challenging and may require several approaches:

• Debridement: Gentle removal of infected crusts and scabs

• Topical antifungals: Clotrimazole or miconazole applied to lesions

• Systemic antifungals: Terbinafine or voriconazole may be used; however, some drugs are not safe or effective at typical doses

• Supportive care: Optimizing temperature, humidity, nutrition, and reducing stress

• Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections are present

Because the fungus is relatively drug-resistant, treatment may last weeks to months, and follow-up exams are crucial.

Environmental Decontamination

Strict cleaning is essential to prevent reinfection:

• Remove all substrate and replace it with clean, disposable material during treatment

• Disinfect enclosure and furnishings with 1:10 bleach solution or 70% ethanol(rinse and dry thoroughly)

• Maintain proper temperature and humidity to support immune function

• Quarantine any new snakes before introduction

The fungus can survive freezing and may persist in the environment, so diligent hygiene is key.

Prevention

• Quarantine new arrivals for at least 60–90 days with testing when possible

• Avoid wild-caught prey or substrate

• Maintain proper husbandry: Ideal temperature, humidity, and clean conditions help prevent disease

• Minimize stress—stress weakens the immune system

• Regular wellness exams—catch problems early before they become severe

When to See Your Veterinarian

Contact us immediately if you notice:

• Crusting, sores, or swelling on your snake

• Difficulty shedding or retained eye caps

• Sudden changes in appetite or activity

Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and long-term health.

Key Takeaways

• Ophidiomycosis is a serious fungal disease that can be fatal if untreated.

• Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.

• Environmental cleaning and strict biosecurity are crucial to stopping the spread.

• Ongoing monitoring is required even after successful treatment.

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