MONKEYPOX AND TICK BORN DISEASES

The following is information and resources that you can use to learn more about Monketpox and tick born diseases.

The Communicable Disease Center (CDC) has a site devoted to Monkeypox. The information is current and informative for professionals as well as pet owners.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/index.htm

If you suspect a case of Monkeypox, contact the following:
* regarding animal exposure, contact the Bureau of Animal Health at 617-626-1795
* regarding human exposure, contact the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800
* regarding illegally-kept exotic animals (see information immediately below), contact the Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.

Wildlife and Exotic Species

 Massachusetts has extremely restrictive regulations on which species of animal may be kept as pets. Prairie dogs are among the many species that are not permitted as pets. If you are in doubt about whether an animal is legally kept, you can check the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website at http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwpets.htm. To report an illegally-kept animal, call the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

On the subject of wildlife, the DFW asked that we remind you that young wildlife belongs in the wild!  People should follow one simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: "If You Care, Leave Them There!" When young wildlife are found injured or with their dead mother the young may be assisted, but must be delivered immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A list of licensed rehabilitators (including several MVMA members) is available through Mass Wildlife at http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfw_rehab.htm. There are no rehabilitators licensed to care for fawns. Learn more about wildlife at http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwifucare.htm.

Tick-Borne Diseases

The Massachusetts Tickborne Disease Advisory Committee has compiled a wealth of information about Lyme Disease and other Tickborne Diseases and posted it on the Department of Public Health website at http://www.state.ma.us/dph/cdc/epii/lyme/lymehp.htm