Scientists investigate 'mad snake disease' which makes captive pythons tie themselves in knots

A mysterious 'mad snake disease' that causes pythons to tie themselves up in knots may be caused by a rodent virus, scientists believe.

The fatal condition, called Inclusion Body Disease (IBD), strikes captive pythons and boa constrictors causing them to display strange behaviour, such as 'stargazing' - staring upwards for long periods of time.

Other symptoms include appearing drunk and getting into a legless tangle.

'They tie themselves in a knot and they can't get out of it,' said snake expert Professor Michael Buchmeier, from the University of California at Irvine. Read More