Swedish Veterinary Institute asks public to report sick and dead snakes

The reason for the call is that SVA is currently monitoring snake fungal disease, SFD, a fungal disease in snakes. SVA needs to get a better overview because knowledge about the diseases that affect amphibians and reptiles in Sweden is limited.

"Therefore, it is important to monitor their health over time, so that we can detect problems," says wildlife veterinarian Gustav Averhed at SVA in a press release.

Symptoms of SFD may include swelling of the snake's head, sometimes accompanied by eye inflammation. Later, nodules or sores may appear on the body, as well as discoloration of the skin.

Corrected: A previous version contained an inaccuracy in the caption.