Avian Health Awareness Profile is a part of HealthGene’s Health Awareness Program which has been designed to promote healthier co-existance of animals and humans. This profile consists of DNA tests to detect harmful organisms, known as zoonoses, that can be passed from animals to humans. Although, healthy people can contact zoonotic diseases, the people most susceptible to these type of infections are those with suppressed immune system such small children, the elderly and those with immune-suppressing illnesses.

There are numerous means by which these zoonotic infections can be transmitted from pets to humans. Direct transmission may be a result of scratches and/or bites (saliva) from infected animals, or through contact with urine and/or feces that may contain these harmful organisms. Even though, only a small percentage of these types of infections do result from pet contact, it is important to be informed about the potential risks that our loved ones can be exposed to.

It is recommended that these tests be performed upon initial purchase or acquirement of any new pet, regardless of origin. This is especially if the animal has been purchased at a pet store or pet shelter where poor hygiene, unsanitary conditions, and crowded cages tend to be a factor. It is also suggested to pet owners wishing to start a family, or who have small children already, that they test their animals for these pathogens. Most of these infections are particularly harmful to pregnant women (Toxoplasma gondii), and/or younger children.

IMPORTANT: ANY POSITIVE RESULTS REPORTED TO YOU BY YOUR VETERINARIAN SHOULD ALSO IMMEDIATELY BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR.