Quarantine

Definition:

Enforced isolation or restriction of free movement imposed to prevent the spread of contagious disease.

Duration:

QT is to be a minimum of 3 weeks before and after a meet.

QT Procedure:

• No pocket pet is to enter the same residence as any animal being brought to the meet. This includes visitors, etc. Keeping a new pet in a different room, basement, garage, etc IS still considered bringing a new animal into the residence. Airborne viruses can travel to any point in the residence.



• No animal can leave the residence and then return in the QT period. This includes, yet is not limited to, vet visits, field trips, other exhibitions, etc. Anytime an animal is brought out of its environment it risks exposure to viruses. If you need to bring a pet to the vet for any reason please do so! However, bringing that pet back into the same residence as any pet you are bringing to the meet violates QT.



• All human visitors entering the residence must wash up thoroughly before coming in contact with any pet.



• It is very important to vigorously observe all your animals, even those you are not bringing to the meet, for any sign illness. Please familiarize yourself with signs of illness (below). If any animal in the QT period shows any sign(s) of illness/virus/parasite, NONE of the animals in that residence or that have come in contact with any pet in that residence can be taken to the meet.



• Try to eliminate any unwanted animal visitor from your home before QT begins. Wild animals can easily expose your pets to illness.



• It is highly recommended to freeze any bedding for several days or even a week before using. Parasites can come in with new bedding. After freezing the bedding make sure it sits out long enough to return to room temperature before using.

Why:

It is imperative that QT is carried out attentively for the well being of all animals coming to the meet. We at MMC want to minimize the risk of spreading infections diseases, parasites, etc. Anytime animals are brought into contact with one another there is a risk of exposure. QT is carried out after a show to help prevent diseases from entering your established colony. It is wise to house new animals off site (different residence). However, we know this isn't usually possible. Do your best by keeping your new pets away from your established ones. Wash up thoroughly before and after handling new pets. Be sure that nothing from one pet comes in contact with other pets unless properly sterilized.
We can't stress QT procedures enough. This is very important for all of our animals. Please respect others as well as their pets and do everything you possibly can to prevent the spread of illness. It would be very heart breaking to have any or all animals become ill or even die because of the haste of an owner. Please be considerate and follow thru with all extents of QT.

Health check at the meet:

All animals entering the meet will be thoroughly examined for health. While this can't prevent the spread of disease in its entirety, it does make a significant impact. Animals will be examined for health issues (see Signs of illness). If any animal is found with even the slightest sign of illness you and ALL of your pets will be turned away. In addition, if any animal is found with an illness, ALL animals coming in contact with said sick pet will be sent away. This includes people that carpool to the meet with their pets. i.e. if you carpooled with someone that does not pass health check, you and your pets will be turned away as well as theirs because of the exposure risk.
This may sound extreme but it is the most effective way to stop the spread of illness. It is recommended NOT to swap animals in the parking lot, etc of the meet. These pets probably haven't been through any QT period or health checked.

Signs of illness

• Watery eyes and/or nose.
• Sneezing, wheezing, Labored breathing.
• Behavior change.
• Rough or oily coat.
• Abrupt changes in weight (not pertaining to pregnant mice).
• Hot spots and/or hair loss.
• Lack of appetite.
• Disorientation.
• Diarrhea, constipation, soft or discolored stools (discoloration applies to urine as well).
• Itching in excess to normal grooming.
• Visible parasites such as lice, mites, etc.
• Head tilt. AKA wry neck, waltzing (may or may not come with head tilt. Waltzing makes mice walk in circles).
• Change in odor.
• Bleeding not caused by injury. i.e. bleeding from nose, mouth, anal, etc.
• Listlessness.
• Worms.
• Infection.

Injuries, tumors and those of the like do not affect QT as they can not spread. However, if these get infected it can spread to a vulnerable animal and is in violation of QT. If the animal is treated promptly with proper medical attention it should not come to this.


If you have any questions or concerns please contact MMC officers. We will be happy to assist.