Serval

Re: Serval

Sammy82 — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 21:01:46 GMT

[quote user="Ana Xavier"]

So... Do they need distemper? I mean, this serval is in a restricted area where it can't escape and is not in contact with any dogs. It is in contact with 2 DSH who use a catflap to go outside so Leuk according to your previous posts is recommended.

[/quote]

I hope they make sure the Serval can't squeeze out through the cat flap as well! Or are they that much bigger than a big maine coon tom?

Re: Serval

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:55:44 GMT

[quote user="Ana Xavier"]

[/quote]

Hi,

I wouldn't vaccinate a serval for canine distemper. It has been a problem in large cats (primarily in the Panthera genus) but smaller felids tend to seroconvert with no or minor clinical signs. A serval in a collection that had significant losses from a canine distemper remained clinically well. In the USA where a killed distemper vaccine is available they can cover for low risk so that may be why they opt to do so whereas we only have an attenuated vaccine with higher risk for negligible benefit.

Marie

Re: Serval

Ana Xavier — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:22:25 GMT

Marie,

sorry to be a pain but was reading the website from Iowa and says:

'Importantly, all vaccines used in exotic species are extra-label use. Because there have been reports of exotic animals developing disease from the use of modified-live vaccines designed for domestic species, modified live vaccines should not be used. Killed vaccines are recommended. Suggested vaccines include: a killed FVRCP vaccine, killed rabies vaccine, and a killed or canary-pox vectored canine distemper virus (ferret vaccine). Exotic felines are very susceptible to canine distemper virus. Since these are all extra-label use and killed vaccines, it is appropriate to booster annually. I use all of these vaccines on any exotic feline at the zoo. The key is NO MODIFIED-LIVE vaccines, ever.'

Re: Serval

Ana Xavier — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:14:31 GMT

Thank you so much for your help!

As far as I can see, Fevaxyn Pentofel is inactive and is back in stock so we'll go for that one.

If everything is the same then regular primovaccination and then annual boosters should apply.

Thank you so much everyone! Really helpful!

Ana x

Re: Serval

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:54:06 GMT

[quote user="Ana Xavier"]

Hi,

great advice, thanks. Just trying to get confirmation, we give them leukemia as well?

Thanks!

[/quote]

It depends on risk - if no contact with domestic cats, no new animals to be introduced and the animal/group is suitably confined then I wouldn't automatically include it.

Marie

Re: Serval

Ana Xavier — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:35:05 GMT

Hi,

great advice, thanks. Just trying to get confirmation, we give them leukemia as well?

Thanks!

Re: Serval

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:21:52 GMT

[quote user="Marie Kubiak"]

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]Please be warned that is is not legal (as far as I am aware) to own a pure or F1 cross serval in the UK.[/quote]

They are are CITES Appendix II and I'm pretty sure they're legal as long as they are held under a DWA licence. Not great pets though!

Marie

[/quote]

I stand corrected - in which case best to check if the owner has a DWA license!

Re: Serval

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:49:25 GMT

Hi,

for small non-domestic cats we use Purevax currently though a small animal colleague has pointed out Fevaxyn is available again so that may be a better option as I believe all components are inactivated.

Wormer - any domestic cat wormers at appropriate dose for weight should be ok but I would recommend routine faecal screening to see if it is actually necessary given the off licence nature of all meds.

I wouldn't rush to take on this client if you are not set up to deal with exotic felids. Although not huge they are not generally possible to manually restrain without handler risk, regardless of how well behaved the owner claims they are so you will need on site crush facilities of large enough size or remote injection equipment. I would be a little uncomfortable hand injecting an unknown exotic felid even for vaccs. Even our nicest cats (ocelots) tend to have a net and two individuals restraining them for vaccination.

Additionally you should really be carrying out all work (beyond surgical procedures) at their residence based on DWA guidelines so this will increase time, cost and potentially risk. You need to also make sure OOH and when you aren't available there is always someone else able to provide care.

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]Please be warned that is is not legal (as far as I am aware) to own a pure or F1 cross serval in the UK.[/quote]

They are are CITES Appendix II and I'm pretty sure they're legal as long as they are held under a DWA licence. Not great pets though!

Marie

Re: Serval

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:06:19 GMT

Same vaccinations as domestic cats. Iowa State University (http://vetmed.iastate.edu/VetPulse/serval) recommends the use of killed vaccine only, no modified live.

Please be warned that is is not legal (as far as I am aware) to own a pure or F1 cross serval in the UK.

Kind regards,

Mark