PRIMATES SOCIAL INTERACTION

Questions to ask before exposing Your primate to other primates!

Primates interacting with their own kind provides them with important socialization. I feel it is beneficial that this interaction takes place. But before introducing your primate to others please be aware of the risks involved. While their are many factors to consider, I would like to address this from a health perspective.

Veterinary specialists have helped compile the following questions. Please talk with the primate owner and ask that these medical requirements be met by their primate.

• 1). Has your monkey been TB tested and showed a negative result? This test should be administered to all species.

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  2). Has your monkey been vaccinated for the following: Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and Polio? These diseases effect our primates as well as us. Vaccinations are a needed preventative.

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  3). Has your monkey been exposed to any contagious diseases? Especially monkeys living with children.

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  4). Has your monkey been exposed to Chicken Pox within the last ten days? Chicken Pox is fatal to our primates.

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  5). MACAQUE OWNERS: Has your monkey been tested for Herpes A & B (serology tested)? A Herpes A & B infected monkey is a risk to us as well as our monkeys.

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  These questions cover some of the most serious contagious diseases. Vaccinations and testing are recommended to ensure your monkeys health will not be compromised.

Written by: Karen D. Gill
This article may not be copied without the permission of the author.