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How Can I Help Kitten Lady Save USDA Research Kittens?
This was a case of you learn something new every day. I received a phone from Hannah Shaw, Kitten Lady.
A side note if you do not know about Kitten Lady. If you have any questions about neonatal or older kittens, she is your source for great information. Here is a link to her web site
She asked me if I knew about the USDA research on Toxoplasmosis. I had not heard about it. She informed me that the USDA infects kittens with Toxoplasmosis to learn more about the disease. Unfortunately at the end of the studies the kittens are euthanized. The reason given is that they are unsuitable for adoption since they carry a disease that is contagious to humans.
I was astonished to hear this. Although cats are the definite host for Toxoplasmosis (the parasite can live its entire life cycle in cats), it is not a fatal disease. Cats only shed the ooyctes (eggs) for 1 week their entire life. About 30% of people in the United States are positive for this parasite. Most cats and humans may or may not experience flu like symptoms. When symptoms are severe, an antibiotic, clindamycin or anti protozoal, ponazuril, can be used to alleviate clinical signs. Most cats have no issues with the disease. Toxoplasmosis can be an issue for pregnant women or immune-compromised individuals. There are easy methods for prevention. Most involve good hygiene practices. To learn more here is a link to the CDC web site
When watchdog group White Coat Waste Project uncovered details of the research project, Congressmen Mike Bishop and Jimmy Panetta have co-sponsored the KITTEN — Kittens in Traumatic Testing Ends Now — Act. Kitten Lady went to Capitol Hill with kittens to help create awareness.
To learn more about her advocacy and KITTEN click here and here
Please contact your congressman to help show your support for this bill.
Thank you Hannah Shaw for making me aware of this issue.
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