Answers to Isolation/Quarantine Questions By Dee Keithley   New breeders ask lots of questions, one of the common ones is when do I need to isolate/quarantine a new donkey coming onto my farm.                 The simple answer is – always.  But many factors will influence how serious the isolation and for how long.  Any donkey has potential to be carrying something your donkeys aren’t immune to.  It’s a good practice to isolate all new animals for two weeks with longer times and more serious measures taken when the danger is higher.                   If a new donkey is coming from a questionable situation a minimum of 30 to 45 days should be the rule of thumb.  This still isn’t enough to rule out all possible communicable diseases (see the accompanying chart for details).  During this period the new donkey should be kept at least 35 feet, and better if you can manage 200 feet, away from all other animals on your farm.  You should never go from this pen to a pen with other animals.  It’s best if you feed, water, etc. the isolation pen last and then be sure to wash clothes, shoes, hair, etc. before you mingle with the rest of your donkeys.                  What indicates higher risk?  Consider it an elevated risk if a donkey came from a farm where another animal appeared sickly.  Co-mingling of animals from different herds, this includes shows, parades, and play days increases the chance of a donkey being exposed to something.  If co-mingled donkeys/animals are from a geographically dispersed area there is a greater chance of disease such as shows and auctions that draw from a large geographic area.  Being exposed to a variety of species increases the chances, as does a donkey who has been kept in a situation of questionable sanitation.  All of these occur when an animal is purchased at a large exotic sale where the pens are used several days in a row by different animals of different species from a large geographic area.  Usually in this situation the pens/stalls are not adequately sanitized between occupants due to the rapid turnover of animals and the fact the barn isn’t empty long enough for proper cleaning.  This situation is the most serious scenario because it contains several risk factors for the transmission of disease.   Using the chart included here gain an understanding of some of the most likely diseases and how easy it is to transmit.  Make up your own mind about how serious you need to be with isolation/quarantine.  But always show your fellow breeders minimal respect by not exposing their animals to an animal you have, if it has not been isolated appropriately.    Click Here to View and Print Article & Chart   This information was complied by Dee Keithley using a variety of sources on the internet and is not guaranteed accurate.    Always contact your veterinarian about health issues.     References: (1) www.aphis.usda.gov - USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service   (2) www.tahc.state.tx.us - Texas Animal Health Commission   (3) www.oie.int - World Organization for Animal Health   (4) www.cyberhorse.net - Pfizer Animal Health   (5) www.petcaretips.net  Pet Care Tips   (6) www.merckvetmanual.com  The Merck Veterinary Manual   (7) www.cc.gov Centers for Disease Control   (8) www.cdfa.ca.gov  California Department of Food and Agriculture   (9) www.canr,uconn.edu  University of Connecticut   (10) www.avma.org  American Veterinary Medical Association   (11) www.equinevetservice.com  Equine Vet Service   (12) www.us.merial.com  Merial   (13)  Leah Patton, ADMS Office Manager, Editor of the Brayer      © Dee Keithley 2007, all rights reserved.

 

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