Black-headed Python (Aspidites meloncephalus)
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Assessment Summary
The Technical Assessment Panel (TAP) assessed the
Black-headed python (Aspidites meloncephalus) as being moderately
dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk with a low consequence of
establishment and a low quantitative consequence. The TAP did raise concerns
with regard to disease and the potential for this species to be infected with Ophidian
Paramyxovirus (OMPV), Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) and/or Sunshine Virus. There
are no reports of these viruses being recorded in Tasmania. Only IBD has
been recorded in Australia in captive animals. Anecdotally OPMV is
thought to occur in Australia but is not confirmed. Identification of
these viruses is difficult. There is a risk that the OPMV virus could be
transferred to native species. With stringent biosecurity measures the
risks to native species could be mitigated.
Consequently, the TAP assessment concluded that the risk
posed by importing Black-headed python (Aspidites meloncephalus) into Tasmania
is moderate and only for import by those licence holders approved for keeping
moderate threat species.
Assessment Documentation
Black-headed Python Risk Assessment (509Kb)
Contact
Wildlife Management Branch134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:
03 6165 4305Fax: 03 6173 0253
Email:
wildlife.reception@dpipwe.tas.gov.au