We are delighted to announce the arrival of Dr. Harris, who joins our team as a part-time veterinarian. Hailing from Western New York, Dr. Harris brings a wealth of experience, particularly in the specialized field of exotic animal medicine. Her passion for this area was ignited during her DVM studies at Cornell University, where she gained invaluable experience at various zoos and aquariums. This led to a residency at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium before she returned to her home state to focus on her family and private practice.
While Dr. Harris is proficient in caring for dogs and cats, her professional journey has always been drawn back to exotic species. She is particularly excited to delve back into this original calling, offering specialized care that is often hard to find. Her expertise will be a significant asset to pet owners seeking advanced medical attention for their unique companions.
Beyond her veterinary work, Dr. Harris enjoys a rich personal life, balancing her professional dedication with time spent with her family, exploring her creative side through baking, cooking, and arts and crafts, and indulging her love for dancing.
Avian Influenza Update and Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Owners
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu,” has been a concern in New York State since February 2022, affecting both wild birds and backyard flocks. Avian influenza (AI) is a virus that can infect domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks, and is carried by wild waterfowl. While most infected wild birds show no symptoms, it’s crucial to monitor local waterfowl, gulls, raptors, shorebirds, and crows for unusual illness or death, especially in groups or when neurological signs are present.
Avian influenza is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can transmit to humans, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that current HPAI detections in birds do not pose an immediate public health risk, with no human cases detected in the U.S. to date. To ensure safety, proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F effectively kills bacteria and viruses.
Recommendations for Poultry Owners:
- Prevent Contact: Keep pet birds away from wild birds and indoors during waterfowl migration periods.
- Monitor Flocks: Observe for signs of illness, such as sudden deaths, paralysis, or twisted necks. An individual bird sneezing is not a concern, but lethargic, non-eating birds are.
- Veterinary Consultation: If a sudden death occurs in a small flock or multiple birds exhibit severe symptoms, contact your veterinarian, the State Veterinarian, or the USDA.
- Practice Biosecurity: Implement measures to prevent disease introduction. AI spreads through feces, secretions, contaminated materials, and even feathers. The virus can survive for extended periods in feces and aquatic environments and is resistant to refrigeration and freezing.
- Dedicated Gear: Use separate clothing and footwear for bird care, changing shoes before entering coops. Wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry.
- Post-Exposure Caution: If you hunt migratory waterfowl or golf, avoid caring for your flock for 72 hours after potential exposure to wild birds.
For the latest information on HPAI cases, refer to the USDA website. This fact sheet was compiled with contributions from various wildlife health programs and diagnostic laboratories, reflecting a collaborative effort to inform poultry owners.
Specialized Care for Exotic Animals in Buffalo, NY
Many veterinary clinics primarily serve cats and dogs, with limited capacity for treating rarer pet species. Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets stands out by dedicating its services exclusively to the healthcare of exotic animals. Situated in Buffalo, NY, we extend our comprehensive services to pet owners in Rochester, Batavia, Fredonia, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Jamestown, NY, and Erie, PA, along with surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on being the region’s only clinic exclusively focused on exotic animal care.
Our Expertise Encompasses a Wide Range of Exotic Pets:
Our exotic animal hospital is equipped to treat a diverse array of patients, including:
- Birds: Canaries, finches, budgerigars, parakeets, all parrot species (including parrotlets, lovebirds, conures, African greys, cockatoos, macaws), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, doves, and pigeons.
- Small Mammals: Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, chinchillas, degus, rats, gerbils, mice, hamsters, and prairie dogs.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Bearded dragons, water dragons, iguanas, chameleons, geckos, monitors, skinks, non-venomous snakes, aquatic turtles, box turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, axolotls, and all species of fish.
- Other Exotic Pets: Tarantulas, hermit crabs, other crabs, and scorpions.
Whether you need to speak with an avian veterinarian or seek general information, our friendly staff is ready to assist. We are committed to being the trusted choice for avian and exotic pet hospitals in Western and Central New York. Please call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can care for your unique companion.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Vaccine Now Available
Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets is pleased to announce the availability of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) vaccine. This vaccine can now be administered during your pet’s regularly scheduled appointments. We encourage you to contact our office to book an appointment and discuss the details of RHD vaccination for your rabbit.
For further information on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, please refer to the following resources:
Our team, including Dr. Laura Wade, Dr. Jeff Hess, Dr. Kristen Strobel, and our new associate Dr. Harris, is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for your exotic pets. We are excited to have Dr. Harris on board and are confident that her expertise will greatly benefit our diverse patient population.
