The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) has introduced in a large consumption of fifty rescued guinea pigs, and eight of the animals have examined optimistic for a extremely contagious fungal an infection. That is by far the most important consumption of small animals within the group’s historical past. AARCS is on the lookout for donations to assist the excessive prices of look after the entire guinea pigs.
The guinea pigs got here to AARCS from a breeder after just a few male guinea pigs escaped right into a female-only enclosure, leading to a lot of pregnant pigs. AARCS was unaware that a number of of the guinea pigs had been contaminated with ringworm after they agreed to take the animals in. Every guinea pig had a complete veterinary examination upon arrival, which is when AARCS discovered and examined the regarding lesions. Sadly, two of the guinea pigs needed to be euthanized resulting from unrelated well being points.
“Taking on this many guinea pigs is already a large enterprise, however including in ringworm actually complicates issues,” stated Amy Corpe, AARCS Director of Animal Well being. “As a result of ringworm is extremely contagious, we’ve needed to take a look at each single guinea pig at a price of about $100 per take a look at. Every pig wants two consecutive destructive assessments two weeks aside earlier than they are often cleared. We additionally must quarantine and deal with every optimistic case, which in some instances can take months.”
AARCS is urgently in search of donations to assist cowl the prices of ringworm testing and medical care, anticipated to achieve over $10,000.
“The simpler and cheaper choice can be to euthanize these guinea pigs, however we consider there is no such thing as a life too small. Each considered one of these animals deserves an opportunity, and we’re doing all the things in our energy to present it to them,” stated Corpe.
The group can be reminding the general public to be cautious of the place they’re discovering their subsequent furry member of the family.
“All of those guinea pigs got here from a breeder that was supplying pet shops,” stated Corpe. “While you select to undertake from a accountable and clear rescue as an alternative of buying a pet, you’re getting an animal that has been cleared for adoption by a veterinarian and is able to come residence with you.”
To donate to the care of the guinea pigs, go to aarcs.ca/care.
