Blindfold inclusion disease (arenavirus)
Body inclusion disease is a serious viral disease, initially described in boid snakes (boas, pythons), caused by arenaviruses. In the Blindspot (Anguis fragilis), a legless lizard sometimes kept in captivity, suspicious or close cases have...
What is it?
Body inclusion disease is a serious viral disease, initially described in boid snakes (boas, pythons), caused by arenaviruses. In the Blindspot (Anguis fragilis), a legless lizard sometimes kept in captivity, suspicious or close cases have been reported, but scientific data remains very limited for this specific species. It mainly affects the nervous system and can lead to progressive and irreversible neurological disorders.
Key point
Illness considered serious and most often fatal in the long term, with no known curative treatment.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The signs often develop slowly, over several weeks to several months. There is a progressive loss of appetite, weight loss and unusual lethargy. Neurological disorders may appear: twisting movements of the body, inability to straighten up correctly, disorientation, tremors. Digestive disorders (regurgitation) are also reported in species where the disease is well documented.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by an arenavirus (RNA virus), close to the viruses responsible for body inclusion disease in boids (boas and pythons). The virus infects cells in many organs, including the nervous system and digestive tract, where it forms characteristic clumps called inclusion bodies. The Blind, although being a legless lizard often confused with a snake, can be susceptible to arenaviruses similar to those affecting snakes in captivity.
Contact with infected reptiles or reptiles of unknown origin, cohabitation or sharing of material between several reptiles in captivity, stressful or unhygienic detention conditions, lack of quarantine when introducing a new animal.
Transmission
Transmission occurs mainly by direct contact between reptiles (in particular via parasitic mites which could play a vector role), as well as by contaminated breeding equipment shared between several animals (trays, tongs, cleaning tools).
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Definitive diagnosis is difficult in a living animal. The veterinarian specializing in exotic animals relies on the history of the animal, the general clinical examination and the neurological signs observed. Additional analyzes (search for viral material, blood tests) can be offered but remain difficult to access in everyday practice. Often, the diagnosis is only confirmed after the death of the animal, by autopsy and laboratory analysis (demonstration of characteristic inclusion bodies in the cells).
Treatment
There is no recognized specific antiviral treatment. Management is only symptomatic and supportive: comfort care, assisted nutrition if necessary, management of possible secondary infections by a veterinarian. Euthanasia can be discussed with the veterinarian in advanced cases to avoid the animal's suffering.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is based on strict quarantine of any new animal before introducing it to other reptiles, the absence of sharing of equipment (trays, cleaning tools) between terrariums, and rigorous disinfection. There is no vaccine. Avoiding acquiring animals of uncertain origin or from farms where cases have been reported is also recommended.
Possible complications
Severe weight loss, inability to feed, secondary infections linked to general weakening, death of the animal in the majority of proven cases.
When to see a veterinarian
The animal has refused to eat for several days.
You observe abnormal movements, body twisting or loss of balance.
The animal visibly loses weight despite a normal diet.
You notice marked lethargy or an unusual change in behavior.
Another reptile from the same place of detention shows similar signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis is poor once neurological symptoms set in. The disease most often progresses chronically and progressively towards death, with no known possibility of cure to date.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Blind Girl really catch this disease?
Scientific data on this disease specifically in the Blind are very limited. It is mainly documented in boid snakes in captivity. Suspected cases in other reptiles cannot be excluded, but remain exceptional and poorly characterized.
Is this disease treatable?
There is no treatment that eliminates the virus. The treatment aims only to support the animal and limit its discomfort. The prognosis remains poor once the neurological signs have established.
Is it dangerous for humans or other animals?
No transmission to humans has been reported. The virus circulates mainly between reptiles, particularly during direct contact or via contaminated breeding equipment shared between several animals.
How can I protect my Blinder if I have one?
Avoid contact with sick reptiles or reptiles of unknown origin, quarantine any new animals, and carefully disinfect breeding equipment between terrariums.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 18 August 2026
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