Should I?

[JeffNY]

Had the neighbor call about using one of our animals for a nativety scene, it is only a half hour long, and I would be there. Here is my concern, and would like to know if it is a legitamite concern on my part. With live goats, sheep, and whatever there else is, what are the risks for cross exposure during a half hour tie in, in which they do this thing. I am not sure of any exposure from one species to another. This is the one and only reason to not do it. Thanks!


Jeff

[Celtic Herritag]

Well honestly they could get something from another animal, even if it appears perfectly healthy. I'd go with your gut if you feel like your animals would get sick from an exposure than tell them to find some other animals. Those people who will enjoy it for the half hour aren't going to be with you late at night watching over a sickling.

[fordson major]

there is a herpes virus that some sheep carry that is deadly to calves. plus ecoli or pneumia .i would be more concerned about people feeding the animal something it should not have or damage the animal may cause or some one claim to be caused. we used to put on a nativity sene for the last farmers market (christmas market) but no longer as people have gotten stupid!!(feeding plastic wrappers,candy,claiming they got bit , got sick etc. )

[petefarms]

jeff like the previous post said you will be watching over the sick animal, while it all sounds well and good to participate, ask your vet about immunizations if you participate, but ultimately you have to pay the price for others stupidity. sounds kind of cynical, but have been on the receiving end of this sort of thing and while I like to look for the best, experience has opened my eyes. trust your own judgement.

[Jennifer L.]

If you are talking cow, I'd do it if you want to. If you are talking calf, then I wouldn't. Cows have immunity built up, they aren't going to eat odd things so often, etc. Calves don't have the immunity and are too "cute" so people may bother them. Most folks today think cows might be dangerous and will leave them alone.

You don't worry about going to the supermarket and mixing with other people, so why worry so much about your animals going out for a short time like that? As long as they are in a clean area, it's not really a problem.

I personally wouldn't do something like this for other reasons, but that's just me.

Jennifer

[JeffNY]

I decided not to, mainly becaue of the ifs. The what if this happened, etc. Besides the issues we had here this fall, we don't need anymore problems.


Thanks for advice!


Jeff