Inside This Issue:
- AVMA Revises Policy Positions on Adopting Research and Teaching Animals
- Bird Flu Hits Wildlife World Zoo
- Spider Monkey Case Highlights Need for Specialized Knowledge and Responsibility in Exotic Pet Ownership
- In 2024, Even Buying Dog Food Brings Feelings of Stress and Judgment
AVMA Revises Policy Positions on Adopting Research and Teaching Animals
Following talks between the AVMA and the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners, the AVMA is revising its policy positions on the adoption of research and teaching animals. The new position encourages research and teaching organizations to develop adoption programs, acknowledges that those organizations have the most familiarity with their animals, and the best ability to individually assess and appropriately match animals with potential adopters. It also includes a much-needed warning to organizations that collaborate with outside groups for adoptions. Essentially, the policy says “You need to make sure the groups you work with are aligned with your mission and values.” Considering the fact that there are multiple rehoming organizations that actively seek the destruction of the institutions they supposedly "help," this is excellent advice. Amen to that!
Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, an NAIA board member and passionate advocate for both animal welfare and biomedical progress is pleased with the changes. “The changes include all species for consideration of adoption when feasible and emphasize the research organization’s role in ensuring compatibility. This may have been included to help combat the language that keeps coming up in ‘forced adoption’ bills that emphasize using a rehoming org such as the Beagle Freedom Project.”
Still, while position statements are helpful and appreciated, at some point, the money needs to meet the road. Funding is how we create adoption programs and care for animals until they are placed. According to Dr. Buckmaster, “The main thing that is missing in all of this is the funding to create and maintain effective adoption programs. This is still not included – or allowed for – in NIH grant funds… and it needs to be.”
In related news, NAIA’s Homes for Animal Heroes program has rehomed over 2,000 retired research dogs since its launch in 2017. We’re so proud of the passion and hard work of our coordinators and volunteers – and are looking forward to an even better 2025! Would you like to adopt or fund an animal hero?
Source: Revisions to AVMA policies on adopting research animals, end-of-life care receive approval
Bird Flu Hits Wildlife World Zoo
Swamphen
The recent outbreak of avian influenza at Wildlife World Zoo underscores a challenging reality: even the most robust biosecurity measures cannot completely prevent the spread of H5N1 from wild birds to captive animals and domestic flocks. This highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to be closely monitored by both the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced its collaboration with state and federal organizations in response to H5N1 detections at the zoo. The outbreak has resulted in the deaths of five animals: a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamphen, an Andean goose, and a kookaburra. A white tiger also tested positive, but is expected to recover fully.
These zoo casualties come at a time when federal authorities are expanding their response to HPAI across multiple fronts. USDA recently announced a new National Milk Testing Strategy, set to begin the week of December 16, 2024. This initiative builds upon measures established by USDA and its federal and state partners following the initial detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024.
The Wildlife World Zoo has temporarily suspended guest activities involving direct animal contact and implemented enhanced health and safety precautions to protect animals, staff, and visitors until animal health improves.
Arizona has reported several cases of bird flu recently, affecting both Maricopa and Pinal Counties, with the latter recording the state's first human case. Additionally, Coconino County Health and Human Services has confirmed H5 avian influenza detection in wastewater sampling, with the suspected source being chickens and wild birds.
Health officials recommend basic preventive measures, such as washing hands, keeping up on vaccinations, and avoiding others when sick. The CDC maintains that the current public health risk remains low, despite recent outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. If you encounter a sick bird, you should contact the USDA at 1-866-536-7593 for poultry concerns or your state's Fish and Wildlife department for wild birds. In the meanwhile, the Phoenix Zoo continues its proactive approach, testing suspicious avian deaths and incoming/outgoing birds for avian influenza. Their preventive measures sound like they come out of an action/sci-fi film, and include lasers, remote-controlled boats, drones, and noise deterrents to discourage the roosting of wild birds.
Source: Five animals dead after testing positive for bird flu at Wildlife World Zoo
Spider Monkey Case Highlights Need for Knowledge and Responsibility in Exotic Pet Ownership
Spider Monkey
A complex legal battle over a spider monkey named Jorgie Boy in North Texas highlights the critical importance of responsible exotic pet ownership and proper wildlife regulations. The case, which now involves the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, centers around social media influencer Brandi Botello and raises serious questions about exotic animal care requirements.
The federal agency has demanded the surrender of the primate, just one day after it was returned to Botello following a November incident where Dallas police removed the monkey after an alcohol-related car crash. The situation underscores why exotic pet ownership demands extraordinary responsibility and adherence to both local and federal laws. While private ownership of exotic animals is legal in some jurisdictions with proper permits, it requires meticulous attention to species-specific care requirements – something that appears to have been lacking in this case.
According to veterinary records obtained by CBS News Texas, Jorgie Boy showed signs of metabolic bone disease and weighed only 6 pounds at nearly 3 years old, which is less than half the typical weight for a spider monkey of that age. Dwan Johns, owner of Funky Monkey Ranch, a specialized primate sanctuary where Jorgie Boy temporarily resided, identified several health concerns including elevated liver and pancreas enzymes, and tail injuries. These medical issues emphasize why exotic pets require specialized diets, proper housing, regular veterinary care, and extensive knowledge of their specific needs. Spider monkeys, in particular, demand carefully planned nutrition programs and appropriate environmental enrichment to thrive in human care.
The legal intricacies of this case, which now involves local law enforcement, federal wildlife authorities, and multiple jurisdictions, demonstrate the complex regulatory framework surrounding exotic pet ownership. In Irving, Texas, where Botello resides, pet primates are prohibited by law. This highlights the importance of understanding and complying with local regulations before acquiring an exotic animal. For those considering exotic pet ownership, this case serves as a crucial reminder that proper care extends far beyond basic feeding and housing.
It requires:
- Thorough research of species-specific needs, including networking with fellow owners or keepers,
- Compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations,
- Regular veterinary care from exotic animal specialists,
- Appropriate dietary management, proper environmental enrichment, and a well thought out training protocol,
- Emergency preparedness, and
- Financial capability to provide comprehensive care
Private ownership of exotic animals can be successful with proper dedication and resources, but cases like Jorgie Boy's illustrate why potential owners must carefully consider their ability to meet all necessary requirements before taking on such a significant responsibility.
Source: Jorgie Boy's future uncertain once again as feds move to take custody of pet monkey
In 2024, Even Buying Dog Food Brings Feelings of Stress and Judgment
Stop stressing, human. I just wanna eat.
If you’re reading our newsletter, you are probably a pet owner and have become at least somewhat inured to the analysis paralysis of shopping for dog food. But for a moment, imagine yourself as a first-time pet owner with a new puppy who has just walked into the local pet supply store or clicked on an online dog food retailer. You want to make the kind of choices that will give your puppy a great start in life, but looking at the massive sprawl of options available before you, you feel paralyzed. How do you even begin?
Kibble or canned? Is grain-free better or worse for my dog? Are the expensive brands healthier for my pup, or am I just a sucker? Dare we look into refrigerated, frozen, and/or raw options? The sheer number of choices is overwhelming. And on top of that, you’ve signed up for puppy classes and visited dog forums online. You may be inexperienced, but by now, you know that no matter what type of food you choose, someone is going to judge you harshly. Nobody said getting a puppy was going to be easy, but people’s experiences shopping for dog food shows that even the most basic aspects of pet care can be confusing and stressful.
This isn’t just a niche experience for anxious or helicopter-style pet owners. In a new survey of over 1,000 puppy owners, a whopping 62% said that choosing the “right” dog food has been a major struggle. That’s huge! Now, huge as that number may be, it’s important to acknowledge that too many choices is better than too few. But "things could be worse" is dismissive and doesn't fix anything. The fact of the matter is, the sheer number of options available and social pressure placed on today's pet care choices can and do lead to very real stress for pet owners. So, the questions are: how did we get to this point, and how do we move past it?
Source: Survey finds puppy owners are overwhelmed by all the available pet food options
Also in the News (Special List Edition)...
★ From Giant Tortoises to Immortal Jellyfish, These Impressive Animals Are Eight of the Longest-Living Species on Earth (Long Live Lists!)
★ 20 Funny Animal Photos, Winners Of Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards (Intentional and Unintentional Comedy Lists; Photography)
★ See the best animal stories of the year (A List of Tall Tales)
★ Meet 3 animal species on Canada's updated at-risk list (Serious & Shrinking Lists)
★ Baby Animals 101: Fun Names and Surprising Facts (Fun & Goofy Lists; Miniature Edition)
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