From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-09-07 03:18:24 UTC
Subject: a request for knowledgeable risk assessment info
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4693493.1126063104074.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Today on several lists there is an assertion appearing from someone with claimed credentials which differs markedly from what the public health veterinarians/epidemiologists involved in the hurricane animal rescue have so far been saying.
I am referring to the statement that rescued animals should be under vet observation in a hospital for 10 days or more before they are released to other shelters. (BTW, from what I have heard there are vets involved in the shelters which are processing these animals first. Vets are in the area with AVMA VMAT, UAN EARS, HSUS, ASPCA, and others.)
I am sure there will be companion animals who would be best off being isolated, but I simply do not myself have the knowledge to be able to state the LEVEL of risk and if it will be much different from what shelters always face.
Shelters already know that many times when they take in animals that risks may be present and I am sure they will discuss this with their vets, and have a vet visit as the first order of business.
At this point rather than engage in panic I would like to ask that medical professionals, vets, public health vets, other epidemiologists, those with emergency disaster rescues, and others who are informed, please, instruct us all.