As you know, especially in these times, science is humanity’s greatest ally. Scientific progress gives us medicines that cure disease or relieve pain. This has taken enormous effort, financial investment and, often, the generosity of researchers and volunteers.
At ARACAVIA we collaborate with universities so our work goes beyond caring for your small animals’ health. It also includes teaching, welcoming dozens of students from Spanish public universities and vocational courses, helping train future professionals in the care of rabbits, rodents, birds, ferrets, reptiles and other companion animals. We also contribute to research and the development of medical knowledge about these species.
Now, we have been selected to collect samples from rabbits, rodents and ferrets to assess the presence of certain infections that can be transmitted to people. Tests will include Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Q fever and various microsporidia, including the well-known Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. Working with the University of Córdoba and with your help, we can expand knowledge of these species, which in many cases may ultimately benefit their health. Testing rabbits and ferrets for COVID-19is also being considered, so we are interested in knowing whether you have experienced compatible symptoms, to prioritise those animals for testing.
How can you help?
The required samples can be obtained with minimally invasive methods. We need:
- From ferrets and rabbits:
- A container of faeces; these can be brought wrapped in aluminium foil. Samples must be frozen or collected that day.
- A small tuft of hair.
- A blood sample, obtained using a minimally invasive method that causes little stress.
- Rodents: guinea pigs, hamsters, degus, gerbils and others
- A small container of faeces, frozen or collected that day.
What are the benefits?
Many of you have already helped, but we need more participants to reach the required sample size.
- It is free. Costs are covered mainly by the University of Córdoba, with a small contribution from us.
- We will learn whether these infections are present in the animals, and that knowledge could benefit their future health.
- Knowledge of animal diseases directly affects people. Human health cannot be understood without considering animal health. Policymakers increasingly recognise that health is everyone’s responsibility, and vets are a first line of defence against diseases transmitted from animals. This is the ONE HEALTH approach.
How will we organise it?
We plan to arrange convenient sampling dates. If you are interested, email info@aracavia.es so we can include you and answer your questions.
Please note that the analysis period runs from the end of this year into 2021, so results will not be available immediately. We will contact you when the findings require it or discuss them at future check-ups or vaccinations.
Email info@aracavia.es if you would like to help: together, we make science possible!
