It is my understanding from the vets I've spoken with that the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is extremely dangerous to our monk kids They are so like is in so many ways and they are as every bit as susceptible to this virus as we are. It is particularly dangerous for the small New World monkeys that have little in the way of reserves. The best way to protect your babies is:
- Get your H1N1 flu shots as soon as they become available
- When you have been out and about, change your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly before handling your monkey
- Don't allow strangers to touch your monkey
- Don't take your monkey out in public unless it is absolutely necessary. A trip to the vet is important. A trip to Walmart is not!
- If you are not feeling well for any reason, perhaps have another family member take care of feeding, etc. or if you must do it, thoroughly sanitize your hands and handle your baby as little as possible.
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I just heard on the news that
several counties in Washington State have serious outbreaks of chicken
pox and measles. If it's happening there, it may also be a problem in
your community. Yet another reason to keep your small primates at home
and away from the general public. Marmosets and Tamarins have
absolutely no immunity to Herpes Simplex which causes these common
childhood diseases (as well as the common cold sore). If out in public,
it only takes one person with a sick child at home or possibly carrying
the latent virus themselves to ignore your request not to touch. Either
of these diseases are a certain death sentence to your baby. Protect him the best way possible, just keep him home and away from strangers.
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