The therapeutic value of taking dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools and nursing homes is well-known. Even docile cats are now sometimes used as therapy animals. But therapy chickens?
Source: Backyard Poultry, August 30, 2017.
Today therapy chickens are used around the world to help those in nursing homes improve their mobility and have fun. Residents are more inclined to go outdoors if they can interact with animals when they get there. This means people are motivated to push themselves to achieve greater mobility and independence. The therapy chickens make people laugh, and bring simple pleasures to people who face huge challenges with ill health, disabilities, or have serious mental health issues.
INSIGHTS: The value of the human-animal bond is more apparent as information like this gets shared. As animal health pros we have to remain engaged in the various ways animals and humans interact. Vigilance on zoonoses is frequently absent in most situations like this. Prevention practices must be continuously presented and promoted to reduce risks from cross-species interactions.