The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.”
This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, the week of December 2nd. Shocking? Sad? Yes. The photo, posted on the Nextdoor app, created dozens of responses. Nearly all ignored the obvious risk to suburban pets from sarcoptic mange, parasites and the pets themselves. Some respondents shared seeing foxes with mange but, in the same breath, talked of feeding foxes, raccoons and opossums on their back steps and patios.
There’s not a dog, cat, nor wild critter that won’t go sniff around the spot where the coyote was seen laying down, putting the pet at risk to contract mange, fleas or pick up a parasite now or in the future. Of course, there’s the rabies risk. Animal health pros must respond when we see feeds or posts where people promote wildlife feeding. It only takes a couple minutes to share what can happen to our domestic animals if such behavior continues and advocate best practices.
Source: USDA, August 14, 2024. Link.
Prevention starts with protecting our domestic animals from direct contact with wildlife.”
Also see: Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people, AHD Archives. Link.
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