Why Not Possess A Personal Primate - Part 2

Health risks with primates, human and non-human, are a concern for all parties involved. Zoonoses (diseases able to be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa) are actually more often passed on to the non-human primate and it is of utmost importance to be careful to not let your monkey come into contact with people who are ill. Childhood diseases, such as measles and chicken pox can be fatal to your monkey. Even the flu may be life threatening to the monkey.

It is good policy to get yourself a health check-up before even coming into contact with a primate to ascertain you are healthy. Make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations (including tetanus), have a tuberculin test done and a fecal exam. This will assure the primate is not put at risk of contracting something from you. The primate should have a complete blood profile, tuberculin test, fecal culture and screening done. Some of the more common vaccinations suggested for your primate, if they will be in contact with a variety of people, are tetanus, measles and polio. Rabies vaccinations are an option but usually only recommended in an area where rabies is at epidemic proportions, as primates are NOT considered "high-risk" animals for the disease. They are not carriers either. According to Dr. Charles Rupprecht at the CDC (Center for Disease Control) " As of December, 1998, there have been no documented cases of human rabies acquisition from infected, non-human primate transmission in the United States, although such cases have been reported abroad."

Primates may suffer from skin diseases, parasites, diabetes, intestinal problems, neurological diseases, nutritional deficiencies, respiratory diseases, trauma and toxicity.

"The Primate Care Handbook" put out by the Simian Society has an excellent chapter on health and the primate. "Zoo & Wild Animal Medicine" (Current Therapy 3) by Murray E. Fowler D.V.M. is another valuable reference book. "Homeopathic First Aid" by Kaetheryn Walker and " The Homeopathic Treatment of Small Animals" (Principles and Practice) by Christopher Day are two good books for those who lean towards the alternative medicine route.

It is important to find a veterinarian who is willing to see your primate, as not all veterinarians are comfortable working with them nor are they experienced in that area of expertise.

More detailed information can be found at some of the websites I have listed in my links section. You owe it to yourself and your primate to educate yourself well to keep both of you healthy.

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