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We thank you for your patience and HealthGene would now like to formally introduce you to a program designed not only
for the benefit of the pets we own, but also for the pet owners themselves and for those people who have close contact
with the animals such as veterinarians.
The Health Awareness Program contains three new profiles (combinations of DNA tests) that have been developed to detect
transmissible zoonoses from animals to humans. Zoonoses can be defined as infectious diseases shared by people and
animals and they can be transmitted by numerous means. Direct transmission may be a result of scratches and/or bites
(saliva) from infected animals, or through contact with urine and/or feces that may contain these harmful organisms.
Stray, exotic, wild or ill animals are most likely to carry zoonotic infections, as well young puppies or kittens as
their underdeveloped immune systems make them more susceptible to infections. Persons whose immune systems are low such
as small children and the elderly, as well as immune compromised people are susceptible to contract these infections.
We use DNA tests to detect pathogenic organisms, as it is the most accurate, sensitive and fastest means of diagnostic
technology available to you as veterinary medical professionals. Each profile contains a number of common pathogens
found in each particular species.
The DNA profiles are as follows:
| 1. |
Avian Health Awareness Profile: Chlamydia psittaci, Trichomonas gallinae, Toxoplasma gondii,
Crytosporidium spp., and Mycobacterium avium (avian tuberculosis). |
| 2. |
Canine Health Awareness Profile: Leptospira spp., Mycoplasma spp., Brucella spp., Campylobacter
jejuni, Giardia spp., Salmonella spp., and Ureaplasma spp. |
| 3. |
Feline Health Awareness Profile: Chlamydia psittaci, Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp.,
Campylobacter jejuni, Giardia spp., Salmonella spp.,and Bartonella henselae (cat scratch disease). |
It is suggested that these tests be performed:
| A) |
Upon the initial purchase or acquirement of any new pet, regardless of origin, entering the
home. This is especially true for those animals obtained through some pet stores or shelter where poor hygiene,
unsanitary conditions and crowded cages tend to be a factor. |
| B) |
For those clients wishing to start a family, for pregnant women and/or for those who have small
children already. Children under 5 with new puppies have the highest prevalence and potential for acquiring these
infections as the majority of these organisms tend to harbour and shed in the mouths of animals. |
| C) |
Periodically thereafter, if the animal is exposed to other outdoor animals, or if the pet
acquires any type of bite and/or scratch wounds from any strange animals. |
Potentially, any animal can be tested using this program. The advantage of using this program is that we all benefit
from negative results. If, by chance, any positive results should occur, not only should the animal be treated
immediately, but the client and anyone having contact with the animal should also notify their family physician. Each
clinic will receive an information package based on this program and pamphlets will be sent out with details strictly
for clients based on the program. The details will be easy for clients to read and understand. For more information about
the Health Awareness Program, along with more details on these and other DNA tests available to veterinarians please
contact HealthGene directly.
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