 Health
Awareness Program
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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