While applauding the enforcement of the federal turtle regulations, the Humane Society of the United States reinforces FDA’s efforts to educate consumers on the risks of turtles and salmonella. An August 8 Press Release details current enforcement efforts as well as underscoring the risks of marketing turtles – risks to humans, the turtles themselves and the environment. The aggressive enforcement of the turtle regulations sends a strong message to industry to stop marketing turtles as pets. It also reminds the public of the dangers of the spread of salmonella from pet turtles.
Read the article here: http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/hsus_hails_aggressive_turtle_regulation_enforcement_080808.html
Read the article here: http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/hsus_hails_aggressive_turtle_regulation_enforcement_080808.html
13/08: REGULATIONS FOR HORSE OWNERS
Some horse owners now fall under Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Law and they may not realize it. Those that are to meet requirements have had since July of 2005 to comply and to submit a nutrient management plan by October 1, 2008.
The problem for most horse owners is to figure out if it applies to them. The law applies to horse owners who would have two or more horse units per acre (a horse unit is 1,000 pounds of body weight. One draft horse could be two animal units). They must also have more than eight or more animal units to fall under the regulations.
This means that if you have five horses on two acres, it is not a regulated operation because of the low number. If you have eight horses or five acres, you don't meet the high density requirement because you don't have two or more horses per acre. If you have eight horses on four acres, then you fall under the regulation.
This may all sound confusing, but if you own horses in Pennsylvania and you have eight or more horses, you should double check with the Franklin County Conservation District to determine if you are in compliance with the law. Call Dave Stoner at (717) 264-5499 and check with him on your particular situation. The purpose of all of these laws is to protect our valuable water supply from accidental pollution from improper manure handling.
The problem for most horse owners is to figure out if it applies to them. The law applies to horse owners who would have two or more horse units per acre (a horse unit is 1,000 pounds of body weight. One draft horse could be two animal units). They must also have more than eight or more animal units to fall under the regulations.
This means that if you have five horses on two acres, it is not a regulated operation because of the low number. If you have eight horses or five acres, you don't meet the high density requirement because you don't have two or more horses per acre. If you have eight horses on four acres, then you fall under the regulation.
This may all sound confusing, but if you own horses in Pennsylvania and you have eight or more horses, you should double check with the Franklin County Conservation District to determine if you are in compliance with the law. Call Dave Stoner at (717) 264-5499 and check with him on your particular situation. The purpose of all of these laws is to protect our valuable water supply from accidental pollution from improper manure handling.
08/08: All About Ranchu Goldfish
The Ranchu Goldfish (Carassius Auratus) is a Japanese development of the Lionhead.
It has a more rounded body shape, and slightly more forked tail than the Lionhead.
Ranchu Goldfish has no dorsal fin which makes it a poor swimmer. However, it can be kept with any other fancy Goldfish variety as it is a compatible fish, and unlike Celestials and Bubble Eyes, competes well with other fish where food is concerned.
It does not thrive well in temperatures below 55 degrees fahrenheit.
Ranchus come in several different color mixtures.
It has a more rounded body shape, and slightly more forked tail than the Lionhead.
Ranchu Goldfish has no dorsal fin which makes it a poor swimmer. However, it can be kept with any other fancy Goldfish variety as it is a compatible fish, and unlike Celestials and Bubble Eyes, competes well with other fish where food is concerned.
It does not thrive well in temperatures below 55 degrees fahrenheit.
Ranchus come in several different color mixtures.
The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA), in partnership with Simon & Schuster, today began accepting entries for their "Cutest Cat and Kid Digital Photo Contest." Submissions will be accepted between August 1 and September 15. Full details are available on CFA's web site for children, For Kids … About Cats at kids.cfa.org. The contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), with the deadline for receipt of entries being 11:59PM EST, September 15, 2008.
"This photo contest is an excellent opportunity for cat owners to portray the wonderful and loving relationship that children have with their pet cats," said CFA President Pam DelaBar. "We look forward to receiving many photos of adorable kids and their cats."
"It's a well-known fact that kids love both cats and books," according to Julie Powell Christopher, Associate Director of Marketing for Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing Division. "We are excited to be partnering with The Cat Fanciers' Association in this photo contest to celebrate the launch of the children's book, Hello, Calico!"
There are now four titles available in the board book series featuring "Calico" from bestselling author Karma Wilson and illustrator Buket Erdogan, published by Little Simon, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. The four titles are: Hello, Calico!, Uh-Oh, Calico!, Friends for Calico!, and Play Nice, Calico! (September).
The online digital photo contest offers prizes provided by Simon &Schuster, and also includes a variety of CFA branded products. The grand prize winner for the contest will be announced on October 19, 2008, prior to the Best-of-the-Best judging at the CFA-Iams Cat Championship show, to be held at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
There will be 1 grand prize winner, 4 second prizes and 15 third prizes awarded. The grand prize will include an illustrated rendering of the winning photo by Buket Erdogan, illustrator of the Calico series by Karma Wilson. The Average Retail Value of all prizes combined will be over US $1,500.
Full contest details, rules and online entry form are available at kids.cfa.org/photo-contest.html.
About The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.
Founded in 1906 as a non-profit association of member clubs, The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA) is the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. To date, CFA has registered more than 2 million pedigreed cats throughout the world. CFA's mission is to preserve the uniqueness and beauty of the pedigreed breeds of cats, and to enhance the well being of ALL cats. CFA promotes education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. The CFA, headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, administers rules for the management of cat shows and promotes the interest of breeders and exhibitors of pedigreed cats. CFA breeders, exhibitors, judges and fans span the globe, annually hosting over 400 competitions on four continents. CFA and its affiliates work nationally with local shelters, at a grassroots level, to help improve the problem of stray cats and abuse, and to encourage neuter/ spay programs. CFA has been instrumental in the development of several international charitable organizations such as CFA Disaster Relief and The Winn Feline Foundation. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers' Association, the pedigreed breeds of cats, or to find the nearest CFA cat show, visit our web site at www.cfa.org.
About Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonsays.com.
"This photo contest is an excellent opportunity for cat owners to portray the wonderful and loving relationship that children have with their pet cats," said CFA President Pam DelaBar. "We look forward to receiving many photos of adorable kids and their cats."
"It's a well-known fact that kids love both cats and books," according to Julie Powell Christopher, Associate Director of Marketing for Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing Division. "We are excited to be partnering with The Cat Fanciers' Association in this photo contest to celebrate the launch of the children's book, Hello, Calico!"
There are now four titles available in the board book series featuring "Calico" from bestselling author Karma Wilson and illustrator Buket Erdogan, published by Little Simon, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. The four titles are: Hello, Calico!, Uh-Oh, Calico!, Friends for Calico!, and Play Nice, Calico! (September).
The online digital photo contest offers prizes provided by Simon &Schuster, and also includes a variety of CFA branded products. The grand prize winner for the contest will be announced on October 19, 2008, prior to the Best-of-the-Best judging at the CFA-Iams Cat Championship show, to be held at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
There will be 1 grand prize winner, 4 second prizes and 15 third prizes awarded. The grand prize will include an illustrated rendering of the winning photo by Buket Erdogan, illustrator of the Calico series by Karma Wilson. The Average Retail Value of all prizes combined will be over US $1,500.
Full contest details, rules and online entry form are available at kids.cfa.org/photo-contest.html.
About The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.
Founded in 1906 as a non-profit association of member clubs, The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA) is the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. To date, CFA has registered more than 2 million pedigreed cats throughout the world. CFA's mission is to preserve the uniqueness and beauty of the pedigreed breeds of cats, and to enhance the well being of ALL cats. CFA promotes education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. The CFA, headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, administers rules for the management of cat shows and promotes the interest of breeders and exhibitors of pedigreed cats. CFA breeders, exhibitors, judges and fans span the globe, annually hosting over 400 competitions on four continents. CFA and its affiliates work nationally with local shelters, at a grassroots level, to help improve the problem of stray cats and abuse, and to encourage neuter/ spay programs. CFA has been instrumental in the development of several international charitable organizations such as CFA Disaster Relief and The Winn Feline Foundation. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers' Association, the pedigreed breeds of cats, or to find the nearest CFA cat show, visit our web site at www.cfa.org.
About Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonsays.com.
From the Cat Fanciers' Association www.cfa.org
A white Persian, owned by Sharon Markus (Nampa, ID) and Connie Stewart (Temple City, CA) has been named the Best Cat of the 2007-2008 show season by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Grand Champion, Breed Winner, National Winner Sunny Ridge Polar Express of Wishes, a gorgeous odd-eyed white Persian male, captured the top honor at the CFA annual meeting in Louisville, KY.
Polar Express was shown as a kitten during the 2006-2007 show season and was named the Northwest Region's 18th Best Kitten. As an adult, he developed into a stunning example of the Persian breed, with an exquisite body and superb head type accentuated with his beautiful oddeye color. He has one blue eye and one copper eye, which is an extremely attractive look.
His owners became seasoned world travelers as they competed at CFA shows in Asia and Europe, as well as numerous shows across the United States.
A white Persian, owned by Sharon Markus (Nampa, ID) and Connie Stewart (Temple City, CA) has been named the Best Cat of the 2007-2008 show season by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Grand Champion, Breed Winner, National Winner Sunny Ridge Polar Express of Wishes, a gorgeous odd-eyed white Persian male, captured the top honor at the CFA annual meeting in Louisville, KY.
Polar Express was shown as a kitten during the 2006-2007 show season and was named the Northwest Region's 18th Best Kitten. As an adult, he developed into a stunning example of the Persian breed, with an exquisite body and superb head type accentuated with his beautiful oddeye color. He has one blue eye and one copper eye, which is an extremely attractive look.
His owners became seasoned world travelers as they competed at CFA shows in Asia and Europe, as well as numerous shows across the United States.
The Telescope Eye Goldfish is a type of goldfish characterized by its protruding eyes. The eyes are situated at the end of what is called the eye-stalk.
Telescopes are a variety of fancy goldfish that possess a double-tail and dorsal fin. Telescopes occur in all of the typical colorations of goldfish, but are most frequently seen in black. Black telescopes are called moors.
Because their protruding eyes cause poor vision, telescopes should ideally be kept with other fancy goldfish with impaired vision: Bubble-eyes,
Celestial eye, or other Telescopes. Sharp gravel and ornaments can damage their eyes, and should not be used.
Telescopes are also more susceptible to a condition called "Cloudy eye", a bacterial infection resulting from damage or scratching of the cornia.
Like all fancy varieties of goldfish, telescopes require a minimum of 10 gallons of water per fish, and a lot of filtration. As a fish grows, it is sometimes necessary to expand this rule to 3 gallons per inch of fish-body. Tank water must be changed weekly in sufficient amounts to keep nitrate levels below 40ppm.
A well kept telescope will grow to 8 inches or more in body length.
Telescopes are a variety of fancy goldfish that possess a double-tail and dorsal fin. Telescopes occur in all of the typical colorations of goldfish, but are most frequently seen in black. Black telescopes are called moors.
Because their protruding eyes cause poor vision, telescopes should ideally be kept with other fancy goldfish with impaired vision: Bubble-eyes,
Celestial eye, or other Telescopes. Sharp gravel and ornaments can damage their eyes, and should not be used.
Telescopes are also more susceptible to a condition called "Cloudy eye", a bacterial infection resulting from damage or scratching of the cornia.
Like all fancy varieties of goldfish, telescopes require a minimum of 10 gallons of water per fish, and a lot of filtration. As a fish grows, it is sometimes necessary to expand this rule to 3 gallons per inch of fish-body. Tank water must be changed weekly in sufficient amounts to keep nitrate levels below 40ppm.
A well kept telescope will grow to 8 inches or more in body length.
Heartworm Disease
A dog or cat can get heartworm disease through a mosquito bite. If the mosquito is carrying the heartworm larvae (infective stage) when it bites a pet, the disease is likely to be transmitted to the pet. The larvae enter the bite wound and move through the pet's body. The adult worms live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels, where they can grow up to 12 inches long.
Dogs, cats, and some other mammals can get heartworms only if bitten by an infected mosquito; the disease is not contagious from one animal to another. Heartworms in humans are very rare.
Most dogs and cats with heartworm infection do not show any symptoms until the disease becomes severe. At that stage, symptoms may include
difficulty breathing
coughing
tiredness
reduced appetite and weight loss
vomiting and gagging (usually only in cats)
lung, liver, kidney, or heart failure, leading to death
A dog or cat can get heartworm disease through a mosquito bite. If the mosquito is carrying the heartworm larvae (infective stage) when it bites a pet, the disease is likely to be transmitted to the pet. The larvae enter the bite wound and move through the pet's body. The adult worms live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels, where they can grow up to 12 inches long.
Dogs, cats, and some other mammals can get heartworms only if bitten by an infected mosquito; the disease is not contagious from one animal to another. Heartworms in humans are very rare.
Most dogs and cats with heartworm infection do not show any symptoms until the disease becomes severe. At that stage, symptoms may include
difficulty breathing
coughing
tiredness
reduced appetite and weight loss
vomiting and gagging (usually only in cats)
lung, liver, kidney, or heart failure, leading to death
Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.
U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).
During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.
U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).
During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.
13/06: Tail Waggers
Tail Waggers is a publication of the Humane Society of Washington County and it is now available on-line. Click here to read the Spring 2008 issue or visit the website at www.hswcmd.org for more information.
08/06: All About Shubunkin Goldfish
A Shubunkin Goldfish is a type of single-tail goldfish with orange, white, black, red, and blue markings, blue being the most desired.
Their body shape is like that of the common comet goldfish, Carassius auratus, of which they are a subspecies. Also called speckled goldfish, harlequin goldfish, calico goldfish, and coronation fish, they were developed in Japan about a hundred years ago by crossing calico fantails with Comet goldfish to produce a hardy, able swimmer with bright colors.
There are two main types of shubunkin, the Bristol, which has a very large tail with rounded lobes, and the London, which has a normal comet goldfish tail. They are a bit smaller than common comets, growing up to about 15 cm long. Like other goldfish, they are social, omnivorous, and cold-water.
Their body shape is like that of the common comet goldfish, Carassius auratus, of which they are a subspecies. Also called speckled goldfish, harlequin goldfish, calico goldfish, and coronation fish, they were developed in Japan about a hundred years ago by crossing calico fantails with Comet goldfish to produce a hardy, able swimmer with bright colors.
There are two main types of shubunkin, the Bristol, which has a very large tail with rounded lobes, and the London, which has a normal comet goldfish tail. They are a bit smaller than common comets, growing up to about 15 cm long. Like other goldfish, they are social, omnivorous, and cold-water.
