Please submit your news to:

Mrs. Anissa Riley,

Office of External Affairs,School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL 36088, (334)724-4509, FAX: (334)727-8177, Email: riley@tuskegee.edu

Tuskegee University’s Annual Small Animal Health Fair is Coming October 4th

by Anissa L. Riley

Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) is hosting its 14th Annual Small Animal Health Fair on Saturday, October 4, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the School’s Small Animal Hospital. Prevention and early detection of diseases for pets is the message being passed on not only to the residents of Macon County but to residents in the adjacent counties of Lee, Bullock, Elmore, Montgomery and Autauga. TUSVM’s Small Animal clinicians are encouraging everyone whose pet has not had a physical examination in the last 12 months to participate. TUSVM is emphasizing prevention because it is so much more cost effective than treatment which can be very expensive for pets such as dogs, cats, and pocket pets like gerbils and hamsters. Also, the School’s clinicians want pet owners to realize that many of the intestinal parasites are especially serious because they are contagious, not only from pet-to-pet, but from pet-to-people. During the Health Fair, all pets will receive complimentary physical examinations, and heartworm tests. Distemper, parvo virus vaccinations are also free.

For a modest fee, pet owners can update their dogs’ and cats’ vaccinations for rabies, and other serious but preventable diseases. Also, TUSVM stresses to all dog and cat owners to remember that the Alabama law requires annual rabies shots for all dogs and cats. Rabies certificates will be issued to those who have the rabies vaccination. Through TUSVM’s comprehensive Small Animal Health Fair, everyone in the community is encouraged to adopt an effective preventive health care program. Again, everyone in the local community and adjacent communities are welcome and encouraged to participate. Appointments are not necessary for this special event. For more information, please Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine’s (TUSVM) Small Animal Hospital, 334-727-8436.