In this article we will cover some common and some rare diseases that can be transmitted to humans from their exotic pets. These diseases should be taken into consideration before purchasing an exotic pet. As with all pets, special caution should be taken in households with children or immuno-compromised people. Whenever you go to the doctor with a sickness, you should always mention that you have pets. Although severe sickness caused by a zoonosis is uncommon, knowing that you have pets is a critical piece of information for your physician.
Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which is commonly found in reptiles and amphibians. Up to 90% of reptiles and amphibians carry the bacteria in their gut without showing any signs of disease. It is difficult to test for these bacteria. It is shed in feces and is transmitted to humans directly from the pet or through anything the pet has been in contact with. It is very important to change water regularly, wash your hands after handling the pet, and properly sanitize the environment. Infection with Salmonella commonly causes gastrointestinal signs (such as diarrhea) in adults, but can be fatal in children.
Giardia is a protozoa that can be transmitted from all pets, including cats and dogs. The sources of giardia include water and handling of infected animals. In humans and animals, giardia causes gastrointestinal signs, although almost half of infected humans show no signs. Giardia can be fatal in chinchillas. There is a special test available at veterinary clinics for giardia.
Dermatomycosis is a skin disease caused by fungi and can be found on all mammalian pets (including dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets). The most common fungus causes ringworm, an easily identifiable skin infection. Dermatomycosis causes itchy skin and hair loss in both humans and animals. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Another skin disease is a mite disease called scabies. Scabies is also found on mammalian pets and is transmitted through skin contact. It causes itchy skin and is often associated with secondary infections.
Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci and can be obtained from birds in the parrot family and some wild birds. Symptoms in birds include inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and watery droppings. However, birds can show mild or severe signs, or show no signs at all. The bacteria are shed through feces and nasal discharge. It causes varying severities of pneumonia-like symptoms in humans. There have been very few cases of psittacosis reported, but bird owners must keep in mind that they are at greater risk than the general population.
Some diseases that you may hear of in birds are actually extremely rare in pet birds, and occur more commonly in wild birds and poultry. These include mycobacteria, New Castle disease, and campylobacter.
Cheyletiella is an uncommon mite found mostly on rabbits, but can be found on all mammalian pets. The appearance of cheyletiella gives it the name ‘walking dandruff’, and it does not usually cause itchy skin or loss of hair in the rabbit. Therefore, it often goes unnoticed by the owner. It causes itchy skin in humans, but because it cannot reproduce on humans, over time it will simply cease to exist on the skin.
Pasteurella is a common bacteria found in the respiratory tract of rabbits. Some strains can cause severe upper respiratory infection, but the majority of rabbits are symptom-free. It is transmitted through bites and scratches, and can cause fever, vomiting, and chills in humans. A very similar disease is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is transmitted by bites and scratches from rodents. It is termed ‘rat bite fever’.
Rabies is always a consideration for pets. Although it is unlikely that a household pet will get rabies, this disease is deadly in humans and animals and deserves to be mentioned. There is a rabies vaccination available for ferrets. Another highly unlikely disease is avian influenza. This is mainly a concern in poultry in parts of Asia. But as a bird owner, you should understand the concerns in the scientific community that a strain will develop that can pass between humans. Because we have never been exposed to it, it could have severe effects. This is not a concern in pet birds at this point.
As with all pets, there is also the concern of allergies. While this is not a ‘disease’, allergies to feathers, dust, dander, feed, and bedding should always be taken into consideration before purchasing a pet.
Although it is very uncommon to contract a disease from your exotic pet, it is a risk that you should understand. Houses with children and immuno-compromised individuals should be especially careful with pets. By properly handling your pet and its environment, you will significantly reduce the chance of disease transmission. Remember that the risk of obtaining a disease from your pet should be a good reason to take good care of it and should not stop you from owning an exotic pet.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Exotic Pets and Zoonosis
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.
Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.
This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Getting an Alligator for an Exotic Pet
But if you are still keen on getting one as pet, read on the things below so you'll know what to do or what to expect.
1. You need a special license to buy an alligator. In
2. Taking an alligator from its natural habitat isn't allowed in some States. Before you go to the wild and get an alligator, check the local laws of the state first. There are states that don't allow it entirely. And some even control the feeding and harassing of alligators.
3. Alligators require a large habitat. An alligator can grow to as long as 12 feet, which is about average. Some species can even grow longer than that. That being the case, you have to make an alligator pen for them, maybe in your backyard, as big as thrice its size.
4. Alligators can be dangerous. Everybody knows this. So just because you wanted to have something exotic as a pet shouldn't be the only reason why you get an alligator. You should be ready for all the things it can do to you and the rest of the people that it can come in contact with it accidentally or intentionally. If you don't have any experience in controlling a full-grown brusque alligator think, twice in getting one for yourself.
5. Most alligators are used to a subtropical wetland climate. If you live in a rather cold state, please, don't get an alligator. It isn't used to that environment and it is going to be harmful to it and in certain instances, to its owner as well.
6. It isn't advisable to keep a baby alligator with an intention of releasing it when it is grown up. Many alligator pet owners do this. But this is really not a good practice. It makes the alligator do one of two things - to be fiercer or to lose fear entirely.
The lesson? Don't get an alligator and make it a pet unless you are ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Know what you have to know about alligators. And decide for yourself if you really want one. Technorati Profile
Monday, May 26, 2008
Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.
Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.
This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Top 10 Creepy Pets
Creepy crawly pets are critters that have the potential to bring out phobias in many people. However, every kind of pet on this list makes a good pet if matched with the right owner. Be warned though: the pets on this list may surprise, shock, or even scare some of your family and friends!
1. Tarantulas
Big hairy spiders - need I say more? Just remember that tarantulas are not as dangerous as many people believe, and they are compact, quiet, clean pets.
2. Hissing Cockroaches
Okay, not many insects are as universally loathed as cockroaches. But really, these giant cockroaches are perhaps the ultimate in low maintenance pets, and are sturdy and slow enough to be handled quite easily.
3. Giant Millipedes
Did you know that millipedes don't have a thousand legs? Still, a their 100-400 legs and giant size (up to 10 inches long) make African giant millipedes a little scary for many people. However, they are really quite docile and easy to look after.
4. Emperor Scorpions
As far as scorpions go, emperors are the most suitable as pets. At an adult size of 6 inches with good sized claws and a big stinger these chunky black scorpions are pretty intimidating pets. Despite their scary looks, they are quiet, undemanding and quite long-lived.
5. Snakes
Snakes are another pet that some people find absolutely terrifying. Snakes come in a wide range of types and sizes (which should be carefully considered before getting a snake), and usually become quite tame and make excellent pets.
6. Rats
Rats still conjure up images of disease carrying pests inhabiting murky sewers for many people, but rats are really among the most ideal of pets. They are very social and enjoy interaction with their humans, and they are loaded with personality.
7. Lizards
Lizards are another group of animals that is the subject of many unfounded fears. Although they are generally not low maintenance pets, they can make great pets for owners prepared for their demands. There are a wide variety of lizards available as pets, and some are quite lovely in both appearance and temperament.
8. Frogs
Frogs are another largely misunderstood creature. From cute little dwarf aquatic frogs to homely giant bullfrogs, frogs can be very interesting pets. Although not really low maintenance pets, some are quite easy to care for and long-lived, and some are quite vocal with beautiful calls.
9. Stick Insects
These nifty little critters are very intriguing - their natural defense is excellent camouflage among the branches they live in. However, many people would not appreciate sharing their home with a four inch insect that excels at hide and seek. They are quite easy to care for and fascinating to watch.
10. Giant African Land Snails
Giant African land snails (GALS) are not available in the US, but are surprisingly popular in the UK. These snails are definitely giants, with some species reaching a foot long as adults. Imagine one of the these beauties crawling over your hand! However, they are fairly easy to care for, and they reproduce very readily (one reason they are not allowed into the US!). Article source : exoticpets.about.com
Caring for Pet Ferrets
Making a Home for the Ferret
Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums.
The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.
Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn't recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.
Potty Training
A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.
Keeping Ferrets Clean
Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo.
It isn't advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.
Keeping Ferrets Active
Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren't easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.
Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.
Unusual species replace classic pets as top fashion accessories
Jear-old Hannah Chapman takes her pet skunk, Ichi, out for walkies on her very own lead after paying £700 for her.
But Ichi, like many exotic pets, can be unpredictable and has bitten her partner's fingers, stamps her feet and charges at her owner. "She is just such a cutie, but tends to be a lot of work to look after," admits Hannah.
And this, according to Kenny Sharp, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA, is something a lot of people don't realise.
He explains: "Like puppies and kittens, exotic pets need a lot of looking after, and there's a misconception that you don't have to do much with them.
"They need to be properly housed, as they can escape relatively easily and make their way under the floorboards and into other people's homes."
Earlier this year Scotland got its first dedicated shelter for abandoned pets with a halfway house to care for up to 40 exotic animals.
"We have 14 centres throughout Scotland, and Edinburgh has the only exotic pet centre," adds Kenny. "We do get a lot of snakes and other exotic pets, including iguanas, from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, compared with the rest of Scotland."
In December last year, kune kune pigs – a small-to-medium-sized breed that used to tour the country as part of a circus – became another unusual pet in the Capital. And in 2005, Edinburgh had an alligator pet, which lived in a bath within a tower block in Leith.
According to Kenny, the dumping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly common, as owners struggle to look after their unique family members.
"It happens a lot. However, with some of the exotic animals, we don't know whether they've been abandoned or have escaped. And they can survive for some time. If people do want an exotic pet, then it's vital they get a strong enough home for them."
He adds: "I think these types of pets are seen as a status symbol for some people – a macho thing to have. And there's the misconception that you can stick them in a tank, leave them and feed them occasionally. Each animal needs a tank specially set up for it or it will suffer."
While the most popular exotic pets – which include spiders and snakes – are relatively easy to care for, experts stress that some are more demanding, time-consuming and expensive than others.
"Before deciding on a pet, think hard about it," stresses Edinburgh vet Paul McAdam. "Yes, they may look adorable and it is tempting to snap them straight up, but you need to do your homework on the species, and whether you can give them proper housing."
Moving to a new environment is stressful for all pets, so make the move easier by organising a cage or tank in advance. Many pet stores will advise on homes and help with information on the right temperatures and humidity.
And don't underestimate the cost. "Housing, food and equipment cost money, and while the exotic pet may have been relatively inexpensive to buy, they're rarely inexpensive to keep," adds Paul.
And don't forget to check the legalities of owning certain exotic pets. Otherwise you could face a fine and a criminal record. Article Source : living.scotsman.com
