Pet Talk Column: Ticks and Mosquitoes

Be sure to read this story and more in The Schoharie News - now available countywide for 75 cents per paper.

The sun is shining, grass is growing, leaves are filling in and a warm breeze is blanketing the landscape. We are all getting out of our cooped up states from a long winter season; but we aren't the only ones; so are the ticks and mosquitoes. 

According to an April 30th, 2015 report from CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council), which is the leading source of data about internal and external parasites that can, are or will threaten the health of people and pets; ticks and mosquitoes are expected to be at an all time high and will spread this year. Their prediction is based on temperatures, precipitation and population densities.

There has been a misconception that because a pet stays indoors or is of the exotic variety, that they can’t pick up one of these disease carrying organisms. It’s also been thought that they are only active in warmer months. It just isn't the case anymore. 

Ticks and mosquitoes are considered zoonotic organisms or those that transmit disease to both humans and pets year round and why they are of such great concern. A variety of animal species are susceptible; even ones thought previously not to be affected. Ticks carry many diseases but the 3 most prevalent in our area are Lyme, Erlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

The most common mosquito diseases for our area are Heartworm and West Nile. Most animals are affected by mosquitoes and ticks and the diseases they carry, including reptiles and birds. Both of these animal species have soft skin areas not protected by feathers or scales. Ticks and mosquitoes are adaptable and the diseases they carry are as well. A recent report found Heartworm in whistling swans, so it just goes to show that prevention, and protection of yourself and your pets is vital to everyone’s health and wellbeing. 

Indoor pets are just as at risk as those going out. As pet owners, we are in and out of our homes several times a day. With each opening of the door, there lies the availability of space for mosquitoes and ticks to enter. We can carry them in on our clothes, shoes, hair or even things we carry in. They can be on plants we bring into the home from a local nursery or wood for the stove. These organisms are designed to find a way to get a blood meal. Their survival depends on it. 

So, what do you do against these invasive and very harmful organisms?     

The first step is to take your pet to your local vet or have them visit your home and get your pets tested, vaccinated and protected with a preventable. There are blood tests for Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis in a 4DX 10 minute snap test. This will ensure your pets aren't positive to any degree with any of these diseases. 

Once this is known, then you can take the necessary measures to protect your pets from getting infected. There are oral, topical and injectable choices depending on the level of protection needed and financial investment you are willing to invest. 

Many times a combination of methods is best to be sure your pets are protected. Your vet will know what is suitable for your particular pet based on species, age, health and geographic location. There are also natural organic methods available with specific plantings or plant based sprays. Most are for repellent use and not for eradication of these organisms. 

For more detailed information on specific ticks, mosquitoes or the diseases they carry, I recommend the following websites:

•http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/ 

•http://www.cdc.gov/  

•http://www.mosquito.org/ 

•http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/mosquito/ 

I recommend becoming as informed and educated on these organisms and the diseases they carry and what threats they pose to you and your family, as best you can. Your pets depend on you, so please make sure they are protected. 

Next week May 18-24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. 

   - Lorraine Fancher, LVT

Audubon Adds Pledge to Shot Eagle Reward Fund

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. (DOAS) has pledged $250 toward the reward fund set up to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for shooting an immature Bald Eagle found in New Lisbon, Otsego Co. on Saturday April 25. The bird is presently at Cornell University recovering from surgery. Part of one wing was amputated. The bird will not be able to be released since it will never fly again.

DOAS director Tom Salo said, “New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation spent millions of dollars bringing this symbol of America back from the brink of extinction. We are pledging this money in the hope of helping find the perpetrator and bringing them to justice.”  Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, violators can receive a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.

The reward fund is organized by wildlife rehabilitator Wes Laraway of NY Wildlife Rescue in Middleburgh, who first treated the shot eagle.  The fund is now in excess of $1000.  Pledges may be made at http://www.redmaplefarm.net. Anyone with information on this crime should call the anonymous DEC Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-847-7332.

Editor's Note: Our original article on the New York State Wildlife Rescue Center's reward was liked by over one hundred readers and shared by almost as many. Thank you for spreading the word on this important story - and please continue to do so. - Timothy Knight, Editor.

Eagle Shot, Wildlife Rescue Offers $1,000 Reward for Arrest of Those Responsible

Appalled by the shooting of a young bald eagle in Otsego County this past weekend, the Middleburgh based New York State Wildlife Rescue Center is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

Shot near New Lisbon, a rural small town north of Oneonta, the eagle was brought Saturday evening to Wes Laraway, managing director of the wildlife center, whereupon he took immediate action to keep the bird alive. Actions which included giving the bird pain medication and wet packing the bullet wound.

Transported to the Cornell Wildlife Clinic for treatment and surgery the following morning, the bald eagle was saved, but it will unfortunately be grounded for the rest of its life, which may last for as long as forty more years.

Personally disgusted by the act, Laraway at-first offered a $200 reward for information on his personal facebook page starting Monday night, but drawing a wide range of support from friends and supporters alike, the bounty quickly rose to a thousand dollars in just a few days and it is still growing.

Commenting that he started the reward because shooting the eagle "was a horrible thing to do," Laraway hopes the culprit will be brought to justice and that it will "deter someone from doing it in the future."

Nearly going extinct due to contact with dangerous pesticides and a lack of nesting sites only forty-two years ago, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of endangered species in 2007 after its population rebounded. However, the national symbol of the United States remains protected by three separate laws.

Laws that could lead individuals accused of capturing, killing, shooting, or wounding a bald eagle to face up to $250,000 in fines or two years in prison if convicted on the federal level. Civil penalties may also include the possibility of fines or jail time.

Although happy that the bird is alive, Laraway is sorry that it will have to spend the rest of its life out of the air, but he accepts that it is better than the alterative. Saying that the crime was unacceptable, the wildlife rescuer was baffled that someone would use the national symbol for target practice.

If you or anyone you know has any information regarding the shooting of the bald eagle, you may contact the New York State Department of Environmental Protection hotline at 1800-847-7332. Reward posters are available by contacting Mr. Laraway at laraway@midtel.net for a pdf copy. 

Pet Talk Column: It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Welcome to my column dedicated to pets of all shapes and sizes. Here, you will find topics dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of pets and their owners. I will be including topics in hygiene, safety, training, behavior, breeds and species, funny stories, recipes and tips and tricks. I am a licensed Veterinary Technician and have worked with animals professionally for 17 years now. I’ve seen and helped animals in the clinic setting, emergency room and people’s homes. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with you each week and hope you find something that helps you and your pets out.

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

In an era when there’s a national day, week, or month for almost everything, it’s understandable that this announcement lacks the pizzazz of an announcement like National ice cream day. To many people, pet first aid isn’t a very interesting topic, until their pet is hit by a car; suddenly choking on a toy; ingests a toxin; or any number of other incidents that can occur. 

Animals are surrounded by constant hazards and accidents can and do happen. The best thing you can do as a pet owner, is be as prepared as possible. An emergency situation can be handled much faster and more appropriately if an owner has resources like a pet first aid kit and a list of important phone numbers. Important numbers that should be kept handy are; your veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, poison control and a friend who is willing to help you in an emergency. The 24hr Animal Poison Control number is (888)-426-4435.  

Just like us, most pet accidents happen in or near the home. Some of the most common accidents are; toxic ingestion, hit by a vehicle, eye injury, fight wounds, birthing problems, wild animal encounters and near drowning. A pet first-aid kit can be easily created by you at home, to keep on hand, so it’s easily accessible in an emergency and when you call animal poison control. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) states that 25% more pets would survive if just a single pet first aid measure was applied prior to getting proper veterinary care.

Below are the following items that should be in your kit:

Rubber gloves

Hydrogen peroxide 3% (Make sure it’s within the expiration date) (To induce vomiting)

Liquid hand dish-washing detergent (Dawn, Palmolive)

Teaspoon/tablespoon set (to measure ant. of peroxide.)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine tablets 25mg w/o other ingredients)

Corn syrup

Dosing syringe or turkey baster for giving peroxide

Can of tuna in water or jar baby food (chicken)

Bulk bandage material (gauze roll, telfa pads, bandage tape)

2 Towels (For warmth, protection or bolster)

Remember, before using anything in your kit, please contact your veterinary professional or poison control hotline. Remember: STAY CALM!

Lorraine Fancher, LVT