Ask the Veterinarian/vaccinations

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Expert: - 3/18/2010


Question
Couple of questions.  We had our Blue and Gold Macaw vaccinated several years ago, do we need any booster or re-vaccination for her/him.    And because we use some of our animals in educational shows in elementary schools here in So. California, a school district is asking for... vaccination records for our reptiles, insects, amphibians and birds that we have used at the show.

To the best of MY knowledge there are no vaccinations for the above animals except the polyoma in the parrot.  Can you point me to any literature that I can forward to the school district to assure them that we are not breaking any USDA rules by not vaccinating our walking sticks and rat snake?

Thank you....

Richard Rumble

Answer
Hi Richard,
I think it's wonderful that you do educational shows with animals. I have done the same up here with wildlife.

However, I am not a vet and you would be better off going to a local vet and asking for some kind of written affidavit for this.

There is a big concern about salmonella with reptiles and children as well as the upper respiratory infections that birds can pass around, so getting a vet down there on your side is not only a good idea but can legally protect you.

Have the bird looked over and re-vaccinated and while there get in writing what you need for the rest of the crew.

Vaccinating a walking stick, funny. How did you even get one?

Good luck and bless you for sharing with the kids.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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