You could give your pet monkey the kiss of death
They have a one per cent chance of survival even if the disease is caught in time
YOUR saliva can kill your pet monkey.
According to primeatologist, Wayne MacLeod of the World Primate Sanctuary Care and Rescue Centre in Esther Park, a Marmoset brought to the centre in November had died of herpes simplex, a disease these monkeys get from direct or indirect contact with human bodily fluids such as saliva.
The herpes simplex virus is also known as the cold sore virus. According to MacLeod, Marmosets and Tamarin monkeys have a one per cent chance of survival if the disease is picked up in time.
“Nobody knows why medicines don’t work in late stages. So, if you give your monkey food from your mouth or it licks a teaspoon you have licked, you could very well be signing your monkey’s death certificate. We call it the kiss of death,” McLeod said.
The signs in the early stages of the disease are difficult to pin point but include lethargy, red dot or dots on the face or body, a whitish skin on the inside of the mouth or tongue, lack of appetite, high body temperature or fever.
The last stage a dying monkey goes through, is suffering seizures causing brain damage and eventually death.
“It is our job as a sanctuary to protect these monkeys and save lives through caring and education.”
If anyone needs help or advice, call the sanctuary on 084-597-4044.
